Choosing the right ERP system is a massive decision for any organisation to make. It can be the difference between a system that leads you towards effortless growth, or a nightmare that holds you back. Luckily, Oracle NetSuite is a best in class ERP and is a big step towards making your business run smoother and grow faster. It helps you cut down on unnecessary tasks, make better financial decisions, and serve your customers better. But to really get the most out of NetSuite, it’s crucial to work with the right partner who knows how to set it up specifically for your business's needs.
Finding the perfect NetSuite partner is more than just getting someone to set up the software. It’s about finding a team that understands your business and can help you use NetSuite to achieve your goals. In this blog, we’ll walk through the important things to think about before choosing a NetSuite partner, how to pick the right one, and we'll list the best NetSuite implementation partners from across the world.
Before Choosing your NetSuite Partner
Before diving into the world of NetSuite and its array of implementation partners, it's crucial to take a step back and assess your business's unique needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
-
Understand Your Business Requirements: It's important to understand your current business processes, and identify the key areas that you would like your ERP system to improve. This could be reducing manual data entry, improving reporting, or streamlining your supply chain management. Map out your business processes and consider your current pain points, growth plans, and specific industry needs.
-
Assess Your In-House Expertise: An ERP implementation requires a dedicated person to manage the project. You should gauge the level of expertise your team possesses in managing ERP solutions, and chose a project team that will manage the implementation. Similarly, if your team does not have much experience with systems, then they might require a lot of training. This will therefore highlight that you need an implementation partner who can provide extensive training and support services.
-
Budget Considerations: Implementing an ERP solution is a significant investment. You should have a clear understanding of your budget, which includes not just the license fee, but the total cost of implementation. NetSuite partners can vary in their implementation costs, so it's important to have a clear budget. Check out our NetSuite pricing guide for more information on license and implementation costs.
-
Timeline for Implementation: It's important to define your project timeline. Be clear on when you would like to go-live so that you can communicate this with your partner. A rushed implementation can lead to challenges, while a prolonged timeline might affect business performance. Choose a partner who is honest and upfront about how long the implementation will take. You may wish to go live in a matter of weeks, but that this is very rarely ever possible, and a reputable partner will communicate this and set realistic expectations with you.
Criteria for Choosing an Implementation Partner
Selecting the right NetSuite implementation partner is essential to the success of your ERP project. You must make sure that your partner has experience implementing NetSuite into businesses in your industry, and has a track of record of completing projects on time and budget. Here are some criteria to guide your choice:
-
Certifications and Expertise: Look for partners with certified NetSuite professionals. Certifications are a testament to a partner’s expertise and commitment to staying updated with NetSuite functionalities.
-
Industry Experience: You want to choose a partner with experience in your specific industry. This is so they’ll understand your unique challenges, will have experience with your typical industry integrations, and will be better equipped to tailor the NetSuite solution to your needs.
-
Client Testimonials and References: Always ask for reviews and case studies from previous clients. This can provide insights into a partner’s approach and the success of their past implementations.
-
Post-Implementation Support: The relationship with your partner shouldn’t end post-implementation. Ongoing support, training, and updates are crucial for the long-term success of your NetSuite solution, and this should be communicated to you throughout the sales process.
Now that we've outlined necessary preparation and what to look for in a reputable partner, lets dive into the best NetSuite implementation partners from across the globe!
Best NetSuite Partners in the United Kingdom
Best NetSuite Partners in France
Best NetSuite Partners in Germany
Best NetSuite Partners in Spain
Best NetSuite Partners in Switzerland
Best NetSuite Partners in Sweden
Best NetSuite Partners in Greece
Best NetSuite Partners in Cyprus
Best NetSuite Partners in North America
Best NetSuite Partners in Australia
Best NetSuite Partners in Singapore/Malaysia
- Threadgold Consulting
- Afon
- Nuvista Technologiee
Best NetSuite Partners in China
Tips to Ensure a Successful NetSuite Implementation
We thought we'd finish this blog with a few tips on how to ensure a successful implementation. Choosing your partner is only the start, there are many things that could go wrong throughout your implementation, so following these best practices will ensure minimal disruptions.
-
Engage Stakeholders and Users Early: Start by involving key stakeholders and potential users in the planning phase. This ensures that the system's design aligns with the actual needs and workflows of those who will use it daily. Gathering input early can highlight potential issues or needs that might be overlooked by the implementation team alone. It also helps in securing buy-in from users, as they feel their input is valued and considered, leading to smoother adoption.
-
Ensure Data Quality: Data migration is a critical part of the NetSuite implementation. Start by auditing your current data for accuracy and completeness. Cleanse the data by removing duplicates, correcting errors, and updating outdated information. This step is crucial because high-quality, accurate data is the foundation of insightful business analysis and decision-making in NetSuite. Poor data quality can lead to issues with user trust, reporting accuracy, and overall system performance.
-
Invest in Training: A robust training program is essential for ensuring that your team can make the most of NetSuite's capabilities. Tailor the training to different user roles to ensure relevancy. Consider a mix of training methods, including in-person sessions, online courses, and self-help resources. Ongoing support and refresher training can also help, as it ensures users are up-to-date with the system's features and any updates that are rolled out.
-
Plan for Change Management: Change can be challenging, and a new ERP system impacts workflows, processes, and daily routines. A structured change management plan can help manage the human side of the change. This plan should include clear communication about the reasons for the change, the benefits of the new system, and a timeline of the implementation process. It should also provide a support system for users to address their concerns and challenges. Celebrating small wins and milestones can also keep morale high and encourage adoption.
-
Monitor and Adapt Post-Implementation: After going live, continuous monitoring is vital to ensure the system is performing as expected and delivering value to the business. Be prepared to gather user feedback, monitor system performance, and make adjustments as needed. This might include tweaking workflows, adding additional training, or making changes to the system configuration. Regularly reviewing the system and processes will help you identify and address issues promptly, ensuring the system continues to meet the evolving needs of your business.
Looking to implement NetSuite into your business, but unsure on how much it will cost? Check out out free NetSuite license calculator below!
