As statistics go, about 60% of ERP projects fail, so it takes a well-equipped team to ensure your company falls within the thriving 40%.

While this stat above may be concerning, choosing NetSuite as your ERP is already a plus. And the last thing you need to worry about is bad implementation.

You need the right NetSuite implementation partner to do better, work faster, and achieve more with your NetSuite software.

NetSuite Implementation partners are experts dedicated to helping you configure your NetSuite software to suit your business needs.

They are highly knowledgeable and will give you first-row answers to all the questions you may have.

These implementation partners have the experience and expertise to help you cut costs, save time, and intimate your business processes with the NetSuite software to get you the best ROI for your purchase.

While it can be tempting to settle for any implementation partner, don’t. 

The burden of a lousy implementation doesn’t fall on the software alone. You’ll be relying on your implementation partner for guidance and training throughout the process. 

So how can you tell which vendors are the best at implementing NetSuite and which ones you should avoid?

This guide will explore the factors to consider when selecting your NetSuite implementation partner.

Let’s jump right in!

How to Choose the Right NetSuite Implementation Partner (And Avoid Disaster)

1. Technical expertise 

Your implementation partner should have deep knowledge of NetSuite technology and industry best practices for data management and reporting systems. 

Your NetSuite partner should be able to explain how it has implemented NetSuite for other clients, including any challenges and successes it has encountered. 

If you consider an Application Service Provider (ASP) or Independent Software Vendor (ISV) solution, make sure that its technical team has experience with NetSuite’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) architecture.

You want someone who has helped other companies implement NetSuite solutions similar to yours and will be able to make recommendations based on their experience.

2. Transparency and communication

The best NetSuite implementation partners can do two things for their clients: 

• Ensure that they meet the client’s unique needs and goals
• Ensure that the client is comfortable throughout the process and provide a sense of stability. That all starts with communication.

Communication is a crucial component of achieving any vital goal.

If your implementation partner isn’t responsive and available to answer your questions or address your concerns, your project may prove to be more complex and costly than it needs to be.

It’s also vital to ensure they have the bandwidth and resources to improve communication and collaboration, such as project and task management tools.

3. Cost

The cost of NetSuite implementation varies from one partner to another. 

Some partners may charge for travel expenses or other costs associated with the project, while some may not. However, the cost depends on business size, platform requirements, and other factors such as customization requirements. 

Naturally, you would want to find the lowest cost option. But that shouldn’t be your first call.

Finding an experienced NetSuite consultant with a clear understanding of your needs is equally important. So, finding the right balance between quality and cost is vital.

Before finalizing, be sure to get an estimate of the total cost for your project, including all phases of development and maintenance.

This can help you determine whether the vendor can provide a solution that meets your needs within budget.

4. Industry knowledge

To implement your software, your NetSuite consulting partner should ensure that your selection of modules (and even customizations) are appropriate for your industry.

Your partner should be able to review your current processes and suggest improvements that make sense for your business.

Some partners have only a small number of clients in specific industries when it comes to industry knowledge.

In comparison, others may have worked with dozens or even hundreds of companies in similar verticals.

NetSuite has a particular set of standard functionalities across all industries, such as sales, fulfillment, marketing, accounting, etc. 

The more experience your partner has in your industry, the better they’ll be able to understand your unique challenges and needs and offer appropriate suggestions and solutions. 

5. Ability to work with you as an extension of your team

Another critical consideration is how well the implementation partner will be able to work with your team. It’s important to work with someone who matches your business’ culture. 

A smooth relationship between you and your implementation partner will increase your company’s chances of a successful NetSuite implementation.

You should find someone who understands the nuances of your organization and will be able to tailor their efforts to your situation.

While many companies like yours use NetSuite as their ERP solution, using an implementation consultant partner is still slightly outside the typical scope of work. So, ensure that you feel confident in their abilities to work with your team without sacrificing quality or efficiency.

6. Long term support

In any business relationship, long-term support is vital.

The work doesn’t end with the initial implementation – you and your partner will be working together for years. 

You need to know that your partner will still be there for you as you continue to grow and learn about your new software.

While the actual implementation is an essential part of a successful system, it’s only one step to ensure that you get the return on investment (ROI) and the long-term value you expect.

If you are looking at several partners and long-term support is a deciding factor, here are some key questions to ask:

• Do they charge per user or seat? 
• How do they charge for additional support? 
• What percentage of their staff are NetSuite Certified Consultants (NCCs)? 
• Do they offer 24x7x365 support? 
• Do they offer phone support, only email, or both?

7. Proximity

Proximity to the customer is one of the factors to consider when selecting your NetSuite implementation partner.

Once you’ve determined that NetSuite is a suitable ERP for your company, it’s often challenging to change ERPs midway. So, choosing a geographically close implementation partner is better, especially if you plan to leverage these partners’ expertise in other areas of your business.

Distance between your company and the implementation partner’s offices can affect how much time is spent on travel, creating unnecessary delays in the project and increased costs. 

When it comes to implementing an ERP system for a company, there’s no shortage of tasks that require attention.

There may be constant meetings with team members, consultants, and stakeholders. There may also be research on how best to deploy different software features or how to integrate them with 3rd party applications. 

8. Implementation methodologies

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting your NetSuite implementation partner is their methodology.

While this might seem like a minor detail, it could affect effective implementation, both in terms of time and money.

An implementation methodology is a specific process that an implementation partner uses when implementing a NetSuite solution.

There are many implementation methodologies. Some run their implementations in-house (self-implementation), while others use an outside team of consultants and dedicated on-site resources (outsourced implementation).

It’s essential to ensure that they have a proven methodology for implementation and that their approach is compatible with your business and IT goals.

9. Reputation

Reputation is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding which company to partner with for your NetSuite implementation.

The best way to assess reputation is to ask for references from companies that have used the vendor’s services. 

Call a few references and determine how their experiences went, if they’d recommend the vendor and if they’d use them again.

The answers will give you a better idea of whether or not this vendor is the best fit for your project.

A partner company with a strong reputation in its industry can guide you through the implementation process with confidence and assurance, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises. 

You want to feel confident that your NetSuite implementation will run smoothly.

10. Size of the company/specific needs

When choosing your NetSuite implementation partner, the company’s needs will determine what type of help you need from the NetSuite implementation consultant. 

You must have a clear understanding of your needs to make an informed decision about choosing the right implementation partner.

Here are some in-house questions to ask to determine what you need:

• Do you have a business case and a clear understanding of how implementation will increase your company’s bottom line? 
• Is your current IT department lacking the skills or experience necessary to implement NetSuite properly? 
• Is your IT department overworked, leaving them unable to provide adequate support or training after the initial rollout? 

Once you know what you want, it’s easier to find an implementation partner that can offer services in line with those needs. 

Benefits of Having A NetSuite Implementation Partner 

The first thing you should know about NetSuite implementation partners is that they’re not all alike. 

If you’re considering choosing an implementation partner, it’s essential to know the different types of expertise they can bring.

A high level of technical expertise

NetSuite is a compelling cloud software solution and can be overwhelming to learn and implement independently.

NetSuite offers plenty of resources for those new to its platform, but some elements require more of a learning curve than others. And your implementation partner can help you with everything from beginner training to advanced integration and customizations. 

Having a NetSuite implementation partner can help you use the software in the most effective way possible.

Devotion to your company’s success 

As a customer, you want someone who can help you understand how to get the most out of the platform and implement the right strategy for your specific business needs, including the provision of ongoing training and support after they’ve gone.

It’s always better to have a strong partnership before you need it than have it fall apart under pressure.

Experience with the different NetSuite versions

NetSuite Implementation partners often bring experience with the changes. So having a provider with experience working with the changes is invaluable.

They’ll help you figure out what new tools will help you on a personal level and which ones might not work. If they build the solution, they should show it well.

Consulting services

Your NetSuite implementation partner will provide consulting services beyond simply installing and configuring the software for you.

Consulting services include helping your business make sure that it optimally uses NetSuite and providing ongoing training for employees using the system regularly (such as sales reps).

Better value

You’ll get more for your money when you hire an experienced NetSuite professional.

Someone else may offer a one-size-fits-all package based on templates or canned solutions, which may not suit your organization’s needs. 

Finding the perfect NetSuite Partner

Given all of this, it’s clear that choosing a NetSuite partner is more than just a plug-and-play arrangement. But it’s a great way to ensure that your implementation goes as smoothly as possible.

If you’ve decided to partner with a NetSuite Implementation consultant, take steps to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

In addition, choose a partner with experience, proven results, and the expertise necessary to implement NetSuite solutions effectively.

On the other hand, if you’re in the midst of a project and still looking for a top-tier NetSuite implementation partner, don’t get discouraged. 

Finding the perfect consulting partner is just like finding any other consultant.

You have to take your time to vet potential partners until you find the one. Not just for a successful implementation but years of continued software success.

To get started, book a call with a NetSuite expert today.

The post NetSuite Implementation Partners: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Yours appeared first on ERP Software Hub.

You probably already know that ERP software helps increase productivity and simplify business processes.

You may also know that NetSuite is one of the leaders in ERP. 

Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most costly.

Making the jump to ERP software is a big decision. You have numerous options and multiple angles to consider.

And sadly, ERP implementation can be a long, daunting process.

Even if your current system isn’t perfect, it’s at least familiar — and you wouldn’t want to disrupt what’s working for something worse.

Because you know if the new system isn’t helpful to the company, that’s months (maybe even years) of frustration and thousands of dollars down the drain.

Definitely not an easy choice to make.

So why NetSuite? Will it work for your company’s needs?

Read on for the most standout Netsuite benefits companies need to weigh before making the switch.

The 10 Key Benefits of NetSuite

1. It’s Designed Specifically for Your Company

How does NetSuite differentiate itself from other ERP systems?

Through its ability for customization.

After all, companies are all unique. Different processes and niches require different approaches. 

Whether it’s a woodworking company looking for inventory management or a digital print business needing to manage finances and payroll, NetSuite can do it.

As a self-advertised all-in-one business management system, NetSuite can provide pretty much anything a business needs to operate.

That’s why growing companies eventually switch to NetSuite anyway.

NetSuite benefits companies by providing a wide array of modules for businesses to choose from:

You can customize NetSuite to only what you want. As a small example, some NetSuite features and benefits are:

• PayRoll: helps automate paying your employees and monitoring timesheets
• CRM: a complete CRM for your business
• Revenue Management: generates reports for audits and regulations

They have a list of many more modules to choose from depending on what you want NetSuite to do for you.

2. ERP That Scales With You

Companies wouldn’t switch to ERP if they thought the implementation would fail.

No one plans to spend thousands of dollars and devote hundreds of hours on software that doesn’t stay relevant as the business grows.

Companies want a system that will help the business: both now and 10 years from now.

That’s a headache that’s avoidable with NetSuite.

One huge benefit of NetSuite is that it scales with your business. 

NetSuite doesn’t cap the number of users it can handle. It’s not dependent on location. It’s not limited by how big (or small) your company gets.

And as the modules listed above show, NetSuite can be used for practically all aspects of running a business.

So you don’t have to worry: NetSuite will be there to assist your company no matter how it looks.

3. Revamps Your Current Processes

Take a good hard look at your current business operations.

Are they working? Or do they exist simply because “it’s always been that way”?

There’s no point in keeping an inefficient process. Luckily, NetSuite benefits companies in this area extremely well. 

Why NetSuite over other ERP systems? It streamlines operations by:

1. Automating systems and processes. This vastly saves time, frees up your resources, and improves the customer experience
2. Integrating data. Inefficiency comes from multiple systems that don’t talk to each other. This eliminates the need for manual data reconciliation and reduces delays
3. Providing API resources. Resources and user guides are readily available to help developers

4. User-Friendly Interface

Is NetSuite user-friendly?

It’s definitely an important consideration: IT users don’t want to get bombarded with constant, frustrating technical issues, and new hires getting on-boarded want to learn a clean, simple system.

How does NetSuite fare in this regard?

First, compared to other ERP software, NetSuite requires less coding to get it up and running. This is a big benefit of NetSuite.

This is an often overlooked area since many companies use consultants when first implementing ERP. However, as updates happen, it’s generally up to the internal team to fix errors if they occur. It makes their job easier if coding isn’t an additional barrier to figure out.

Second, NetSuite has a simple UI layout.

This is especially helpful for employees trying to learn a new system. The more intuitive a layout is, the more likely they will be willing to adopt the new processes.

5. Simpler (And Cheaper) Onboarding

Since NetSuite is an all-in-one ERP software, your order management processes, accounting, and human resources can all run under one roof.

If you’re currently using multiple systems for these different departments, learning to use these processes is a daunting (and costly) task.

In the end, the switch to NetSuite reduces training costs and saves time: new users only need to learn NetSuite as opposed to having to learn multiple systems. Experienced users don’t have to teach multiple processes and protocols.

Getting rid of redundant systems means you’re streamlining how you operate your business.

6. Gives You a Competitive Advantage

Nowadays, companies have to shift their business strategy often to stay relevant to current trends.

With thousands of companies vying for a customer’s attention, success or failure could hinge on how quickly your company keeps up. 

Don’t blindly throw things at the wall and just hope it sticks.

Instead, use NetSuite to easily access data and analytics to shape future business decisions.

Below is an example screenshot from NetSuite’s ERP system dashboard:

What if all this information was sitting in a system that other departments didn’t have access to? 

Spending weeks manually importing data into a slide deck to present to the team is a huge waste of time. 

By the time of the presentation, the data might not even be relevant anymore.

A benefit of NetSuite is the fact that real-time data is compiled into one system so all statistics are available to anyone who needs to know it. 

This greatly helps decision-making ability.

Plus, since NetSuite is highly customizable, each company chooses what analytics is relevant — this allows you the ability to gather data for both a high-level overview or specific data points.

7. Removes the Need for On-Premises Software

NetSuite is completely cloud-based.

Why is this a NetSuite benefit?

This removes the hassle of dealing with on-site servers or hardware that requires in-person IT management.

By having cloud-based software, your IT team can be remote or reside in multiple cities or countries.

Plus, managing updates with NetSuite save time and money because:

• NetSuite system upgrades are automatic
• You’re updating one system instead of multiple systems
• You don’t have to deal with local updates in each location

For any agile business, this is a must.

8. Flexible With Integrations

Switching to ERP software means changing things that haven’t been addressed for years. 

Normally, this is a good thing.

But what if you have a system you already love and don’t want to change?

That’s another benefit of NetSuite: the ability to integrate with other 3rd party platforms.

Instead of having multiple systems that stand alone from each other, you can integrate with NetSuite.

Some benefits of NetSuite integration include:

• Decreased errors from needing to manually transfer data
• Automatic data transfer, which saves time (and therefore, money)
• Data that are viewable in one place so you’re not paging through multiple systems to find what you need
• Integration that works with a variety of applications such as Quickbooks, Salesforce, Tableau, and WooCommerce

9. Ability to Pay for What You Need

Is NetSuite worth the money?

NetSuite isn’t the cheapest ERP around so most businesses want to make sure it’s worth the cost.

The benefits of NetSuite are even included in the price: you only pay for the modules you’ll use.

A business with 4 employees wouldn’t use the same system as a company of 3,000.

NetSuite provides tiered pricing, depending on the size of the company (small, mid-market, or enterprise).

As the company grows, you can add options such as maximum monthly transaction lines, file storage capacity, and the number of users, to name a few.

In order to use the NetSuite license, there is a cost of around $99/month per user. This could increase depending on any additional Netsuite features and benefits you want to add.

Don’t be alarmed though: NetSuite frequently offers discounts. If you commit to longer contracts, you can get 30-50% off their stated price.

After all, no one wants to pay more than what they need.

10. Works in Multiple Locations

The world is global. 

Regulations and business practices shouldn’t be limited to simply where you live.

NetSuite knows this. 

Their NetSuite OneWorld product allows your company to operate in almost any country, all on the same NetSuite ERP software.

An amazing benefit of NetSuite, OneWorld makes managing your global company easier: 

• Stays compliant with each country’s tax and regulation rules
• Over 27 languages and 190 currencies are available
• Cheaper than using multiple ERP systems in different languages
• Data consolidated into real-time reports that team members can access globally

Take a Free Assessment to Find Out If These Benefits of NetSuite Are Helpful to Your Business

NetSuite knows how to help your business. It is a true all-in-one ERP and it provides tools to help you with exactly that.

It mastered how to create more efficient order management systems, automate financials, and improve e-commerce processes.

But maybe you’re still not sure if your company needs NetSuite.

We’ll help you figure that out through our FREE NetSuite Assessment. 

You’ll know in just a few minutes whether it’s the right move for your business to make the switch to NetSuite.

And if it is, you can be confident that you’re making the right decision.

The post 10 Benefits of NetSuite ERP For Growing Companies appeared first on ERP Software Hub.

You have to manage your finances, all while coming up with a revenue recognition plan that generates more business. With ever-changing ASC 606 requirements, forming a solid plan is crucial. 

Keeping up with the latest regulations can be challenging, but it’s important that your revenues are recognized and accurately accounted for. If not, you could be putting your business at risk. 

NetSuite ERP Can Help You Overcome New Revenue Recognition Guidelines

Applying revenue management strategy with updated ASC 606 guidelines doesn’t have to be intimidating. You can upgrade your revenue recognition module within NetSuite to fit your needs – at no additional cost. 

Whether an equal amount of revenue needs to be recognized at fixed intervals, or different amounts need to be recognized at different intervals, you can do this at the click of a button with NetSuite ERP. 

NetSuite advanced revenue management (ARM) module functions on the two fundamentals – revenue recognition and fair pricing. Here are 4 ways ARM within NetSuite can help your business grow while also staying compliant. 

How NetSuite Revenue Recognition Helps You Grow Your Business

Revenue adjustments can be a breeze. 

You may be accustomed to manual revenue adjustment processes. They take a lot of time and you run the risk of human error, which can cause major problems in reporting your revenue. 

Within your NetSuite ARM module, revenue adjustments are easier. If the estimated value of your plan happens to change due to physical parameters midway through revenue recognition, ARM can easily make adjustments without affecting any of your other results. In the end, you can get a lot more accurate results – with less of a hassle. 

Your team can access user information seamlessly with SuiteScript.

Right now you’re probably stuck with basic approvals within the fair pricing system. Employees have to jump through hoops to view the user information they need. 

If you’re needing a more complex NetSuite solution with more customizations, your ARM module can apply custom business rules. That way, your team can easily access and make necessary changes to business records and user information. They will also be able to retain tribal knowledge – even when employees transition out.  

Revenue arrangements can be merged to a single, customizable dashboard. 

In the past, you may have been sifting through individual files and reports to view fair value information from your customers – which is a waste of your time and money. 

Merging revenue agreements allow proper control of the fair value of returns to be generated. Within the NetSuite ARM module, you can view all changes in a single dashboard with a set revenue recognition value.

You can forecast project revenue with impeccable accuracy. 

Are you struggling with inaccurate results in project revenue forecasting? These results can be critical for making the right decisions when it comes to your general ledger. 

The good news is that the new NetSuite revenue recognition module is a complete overhaul of the original fair pricing system. NetSuite ARM can manage multi-element arrangements, which is one of the primary interests of ASC 606 guidelines. 

Within the new module, you can handle customer contracts and exceptions, such as returns. Automation makes this task simple, whereas in the past it could’ve been a pain. 

Save time and stay compliant with the NetSuite ARM module.

Staying compliant with your revenue management strategy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can improve your current processes without any extra money or effort. 

Automated revenue recognition calculation and reporting dashboards for continual monitoring, the solution can help your finance teams increase productivity, visibility, accuracy and compliance.

The NetSuite ARM module is available for all industries, is compliant with accounting standards and can provide: 

• Versatility to manage revenue streams
• Detailed reporting
• Fair value pricing models
• Structure to comply with changing ASC 605, 606 and IFRS 15 requirements

The post NetSuite Revenue Recognition: 4 Ways It Changes Everything appeared first on ERP Software Hub.

You could be facing a number of challenges that are holding you back from reaching your goals: 

• Manual processes are delaying inventory management, order turnaround times, returns, and even customer service. You don’t have a team to meet all these demands, only Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. 
• Without automatic order notifications, shipping windows are being missed. 
• Your customer service team is spending hours on the phone with couriers to retrieve shipping labels, keeping them distracted from all the other customer issues. 
• Billing is flawed. Customers are being charged late or not at all – meaning they are way less likely to pay when they do receive the bill. 
• Money is coming in late, severely impacting your ability to purchase new inventory. No new inventory means you’re back to not being able to fulfill orders. 

All the manual processes are causing a constant traffic jam in your business – taking the focus away from your long-term strategy.

How can you focus on your business goals despite these challenges?

Your company isn’t the first – and won’t be the last – to reap the powerful benefits of a NetSuite ERP system for wholesale distribution. In all our years of experience, we have worked with hundreds of businesses in the same situation. And they all ended up coming out ahead. 

NetSuite for Wholesale Distribution: 4 Ways to Overcome Your Distribution Struggles

1. Automate your processes to improve order efficiency. 

There is a lot involved in the order process. Your team is writing orders and delivering them to the warehouse. Then the order is filled. If it’s fulfilled on time, the billing department receives the paperwork to bill the customer. 

All of this is time-consuming. Turnaround times are not meeting customer demands and prompt billing isn’t happening. 

Think about all the time and money you could save if those processes were automated. Gone are the days having to fill out order forms on paper. NetSuite can import order information and automate your invoicing, meaning less headaches for you.

Get this set up, and your data can be easily accessible all in one place to be routed to the correct warehouses digitally. Billing can happen right when the order is complete, helping cash continue to flow. 

You’ll worry less about the quality of your orders when you can track it right at your fingertips with an ERP built specifically for wholesale distribution. 

2. Fill larger orders with ease. 

COVID-19 caused a need for businesses to shift to direct-to-consumer (DTC). You’ve probably felt the pressure of this shift in your distribution processes. While the shift to DTC may not feel comfortable, there is a huge benefit of you selling this way – meeting your customers where they feel comfortable. 

You may have a team on the sidelines ready to take on new DTC orders, but you still have B2B customers to satisfy. Imagine a process where orders could be automatically directed to the correct place, without extra manpower. You would be able to fulfill more orders with less paperwork. 

Within NetSuite, orders can be segmented and routed to the correct place within a single system. You can separate your warehouses so they can focus more on the task at hand, instead of worrying about where orders are and how they’ll get done in time. 

3. Spend less time on returns. 

Returns can be a hassle for your customer service team when they are spending hours on the phone trying to get the right return labels. Customers want returns quickly, but you can only do so much. 

What if there was a self-service portal that customers could log into and easily retrieve their return labels, stick it on their package, and drop it off at the nearest courier? 

Think about it. Your customer service team could have the bandwidth to create a more personalized experience with your customers – making sure they’re delighted. 

Couldn’t that make your life so much easier? With the best ERP system for wholesale distribution, it’s possible. 

4. Build more trusting relationships with your customers and vendors. 

In the wholesale distribution world, one of the only ways to differentiate yourself is to have strong relationships with your customers and vendors. You may not own your own products, but you can stand out by providing top-notch service to everyone you come in contact with.

Within your NetSuite wholesale distribution ERP, you can easily track all of your relationships and enhance how each individual’s needs are met. Your customer data can be available to you at the touch of a button – meaning you can spend more time getting to know them. 

During these times, customers crave human connection. You can be first in line to provide it. 

Focus less on manual processes, and more on reaching your goals with an ERP built for wholesale distribution. 

We understand that making a leap from your comfort zone can seem impossible. But after helping hundreds of businesses like yours, it’s clear that operating manually is no longer an option, especially in the current distribution climate. 

Make a plan this week to apply these four opportunities to automate your processes and watch how quickly you could reach your business goals. 

The post NetSuite for Wholesale Distribution: 4 Ways to Reach Your Goals appeared first on ERP Software Hub.

And that scares you because you’ve heard so many horror stories of ERP implementations gone wrong. 

Budgets burned through…

Deadlines missed by a country mile…

And finished implementations not doing what they’re supposed to…

How are you supposed to know if you’ll end up just like those poor souls if you move forward with an implementation?

Tens of thousands of dollars and 12 months later, you could be standing in a pile of rubble just like the other unfortunate people who embarked on a journey to implement an ERP system.

These are all very possible outcomes.

In fact, according to ERPFocus, 60% of ERP implementations fail. 

And even if yours lands in the elusive 40% of “successful” implementations, the odds still aren’t in your favor.

ERPFocus also reports:

• 80% of customers are unhappy with their ERP implementation
• 57% of ERP implementations take longer than expected
• 54% of ERP implementations go over budget

Yikes…

Those kinds of stats make most people run for the hills. 

But here’s why you shouldn’t:

In nearly every case, these horrible things happen due to a lack of proper planning.

With a rock-solid plan in place, your odds of a successful NetSuite implementation shoot through the roof. 

And in this article, we’ll give you a proven plan that’s been used in 100s of successful implementations so you can transform your business with NetSuite.

The 7 Main Phases in the NetSuite ERP Implementation Process

The very first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the general steps in the implementation process.

You don’t have to know exactly what you’ll do in each step at this point—you just need to be aware of the major milestones on your journey.

If you aren’t, your NetSuite implementation will go off the rails quickly.

Phase 1. Discovery

Here, you determine all the needs and requirements you have for your ERP system. Think of it as finding your organization’s “why” behind looking for a new system in the first place.

In order to succeed, you need to figure out what your system needs to be able to do to satisfy both users (your employees) and your business goals.

Phase 2. Strategy

You’ll have to decide on your implementation strategy based on your resources and long-term goals for your organization. You can tailor this for your unique needs. 

The “big bang” strategy means that you will replace your legacy system with an ERP all at once, in a single phase. A “phased” approach is where your ERP modules are introduced in a planned sequence. 

Consider which is best for your organization based on the findings from Phase 1.

Phase 3. Installation

This is where the implementation actually begins. The first version of your system is built based on the insights you learned from the discovery phase. Migration from a legacy ERP usually happens here (if applicable) to make sure all your data is moved over.

Phase 4. Testing

The 1st version of your system becomes the 2nd…then the 3rd…then…the 20th.

The team in charge of your NetSuite implementation starts looking for weaknesses and broken features. They test and iterate over and over again until the system starts doing what everyone wants it to do.

Phase 5. Training

All the key stakeholders and users need proper training before your new system is implemented. 

They don’t have to know the in’s-and-out’s of every single feature–they just need foundational knowledge so they know how they can use the system to improve their work.

Phase 6. Implementation

This is where the new ERP is actually deployed. After rigorous testing and training, your system is pushed into a live production environment and is ready for use. It’s critical to inform everyone on your team about when this is going to happen.

Phase 7. Post Deployment Support

As your organization begins using the new system, you’ll almost certainly come across minor glitches or ideas for new, helpful features. 

That’s why it’s critical to have a plan in place for having the support resources available well after your NetSuite implementation is actually done.

The Proven NetSuite Implementation Checklist: What You Need to Do to Succeed

1. Define what the “win” looks like, beforehand.

We can’t overstate the importance of a clear vision at the beginning. From the get-go, you need to decide how your organization will define the success of this implementation.

Otherwise, you won’t be measuring the right things – and later on, you’ll have a much harder time convincing your boss that this was a good investment.

So decide on the results you want, and then record a starting point you can measure against. You want before/after metrics to see the improvement. If the project goes really well, you want to be able to show everyone why.

2. Secure buy-in from your leadership team.

Buy-in starts from the top. One of the biggest landmines of a failed ERP implementation is lacking support from your leadership team. If you can’t secure 100% buy-in, you won’t have the resources you need to move forward. 

So how do you end up with the backing of your leaders? 

Start with making your vision of the ERP implementation crystal clear. Paint a picture of the benefits the solution will bring. Hiring someone full-time will be necessary to track project success. 

Yes, it’s a large investment up front, and that can be jarring. But make the end results clear. Saving time, streamlining processes, and cutting costs is a dream for the bottom line. 

Convince your leadership team that this project can’t be an afterthought. Without their backing, a successful implementation can’t be attainable. 

3. Determine budgets, needs, and timelines.

Budgets

NetSuite isn’t cheap and large IT projects are notorious for running over budget.

Make sure you create a budget that has contingencies to cover increased staff, hardware, or development costs.

Keep reading for more specific information on how much you should budget for your project.

Needs

It’s critical to know exactly what you want the ERP system to do before you begin implementation.

Ask questions like:

• Do we need any custom integrations or functionalities?
• Are certain departments or teams requesting certain features?
• Are there any specific pain points NetSuite could solve for us that we haven’t thought of?

The more information you have, the better and faster your implementation will be.

Timelines

Create a project timeline with buffers built-in because, you guessed it, large IT projects are also notorious for taking longer than expected. 

The specific amount of time you should plan for depends on the scale of your implementation, but we’ll give you an idea of how long yours might take in a minute.

4. Identify the right implementation partner.

Your main goal should be to get the most return on investment out of your NetSuite implementation. Sometimes they can take months, or even years, to complete. 

With industry-specific knowledge and experience, a great team can help you save time and money on your project – which you may be losing out otherwise due to lack of exposure. 

These are some of the boxes you should check before choosing a team: 

• Do they have certifications and good references? 
• What is their plan for post-implementation training and support?
• Can they provide customization? 
• How many NetSuite implementations have they completed?
• Can they provide a list of resources and coordination members who will be working on your project?
• Will they sign or provide a statement of designated responsibilities?

5. Create a change management plan. 

Changing the way things have always been can be painful. Teams may not be 100% on board initially. Especially if it means they are being taken away from their current role and having extra work thrown onto their plate. 

This is your opportunity to align and train your team, articulate your vision for success and show how the ERP implementation can ultimately make everyone’s jobs – and lives – a lot better.

6. Trust your consultants – lean into native functionality first.  

Every business is different. As technology consultants, we understand that. It’s natural to want an ERP system that is tailored to your business and ONLY your business. 

But let’s go back to the basics. Times have changed and ERP systems are made to simplify your business. Certain native functionalities (which are already built into NetSuite) work for the majority of businesses – and you’ll spin your wheels if you try to “over-customize.” 

Going simple can make your processes so much easier than they were before. 

We know there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution for every problem – and we’ll help you customize your system where it’s needed – but trust us when we say that adopting the standard processes of your system first can help your ERP implementation stay on track from the very beginning.  

How can you make an ERP implementation more fun? 

Promote the ERP implementation using creative taglines, mascots, or friendly team competitions to create excitement. It doesn’t all have to be by the book. 

What is the best way to keep the project on course? 

Project management is a crucial step in making sure everyone is on the same page. While comprehensive project management is typically provided by your ERP implementation team at Crowe, it is crucial to have a detail-oriented project manager from your team that will be responsible for oversight on training and regular communication to make sure all needs are met. 

It’s best for your project manager to also act as a “change manager,” championing the ERP implementation from the inside and inspiring excitement within your team.

FAQs About NetSuite Implementations

1. How long do NetSuite implementations take?

Most NetSuite implementations take a minimum of 3 months. More complex ones, though, can take 6-12 months.

This all depends on your organization’s needs in terms of

• Users
• Locations
• Integrations
• Customizations
• Currencies
• Subsidiaries 
• Data migration
• And more

2. How much do NetSuite ERP implementations cost?

A small business may be looking at anywhere from $40K to $75K for their NetSuite ERP. A medium to larger-sized business could range from $75K to $250K. 

Several factors contribute to your NetSuite implementation cost including: 

• Number of user licenses 
• Duration of the project 
• Cost of base editions 
• Scope of the project 
• Additional cost of NetSuite implementation services and license 

Because NetSuite is a cloud-based service, you can subscribe yearly.

3. What are the main reasons implementations fail?

1. Leadership doesn’t buy in.

Nothing derails a NetSuite implementation faster than leadership not being 100% bought-in to the direction. Make sure your leadership team knows exactly what this implementation will do and look like.

2. Incompatible implementation partners.

Choosing the right implementation partner is absolutely critical to your success. You need to make sure you find a NetSuite partner who has years of experience with successful implementations in your industry. 

3. Lack of proper planning.

As we talked about earlier, the discovery and strategy phases are the most critical in the entire process. Without a well-thought-out, thoroughly researched plan on what needs to happen and how to make your implementation a success, it simply won’t happen.

Download the NetSuite Implementation Checklist for FREE

NetSuite implementations are long and laborious. 

But when done well, they can completely transform your business.

Because the truth is, NetSuite can help you:

• Automate key processes
• Have incredible clarity on your finances
• Know what’s going on with your inventory
• And so much more.

NetSuite’s ROI is limitless when implemented properly.

And to help you see a successful implementation, we created a FREE checklist you can download that will help you make sure you aren’t missing a single step of the process.

To claim yours, simply enter your name and email below:

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