NetSuite is easily the #1 cloud-based ERP solution for SMB sized organizations planning to scale their business. Its robust partner programs are equally impressive, with an extensive network of resellers, services providers, and ISVs that make it one of the best ERP ecosystems on the planet. NetSuite partners are an important part of the NetSuite ecosystem. They provide a valuable service by helping businesses to get the most out of their NetSuite investment. There are many different types of NetSuite partners, each with their own strengths and areas of expertise.
NetSuite Partner Programs
There are several different types of NetSuite partners. Partners can be divided into two main categories: technology partners (e.g. SDN) and implementation partners (e.g. Solution Provider). Technology partners develop products that extend or enhance the functionality of the NetSuite platform, while implementation partners help businesses to implement and configure NetSuite for their specific needs. Depending upon your needs and objectives this guide will help you walk through the type of partner you need to ensure a successful NetSuite ERP implementation.
NetSuite Solution Providers
Do you know that more than half of all NetSuite licenses sold are sold through a NetSuite Solution Provider partner? A NetSuite Solution Provider helps customers with all aspects of the ERP implementation including software licensing, data migration, integrations, support and more. Companies that are looking for the white glove approach to evaluating and implementing ERP will want to leverage a NetSuite Solution Provider.
However, not all NetSuite solution providers are the same. They vary widely in terms of skill and services offered. Some focus more deeply on specific verticals/industries while others are leading technologist with deep technical acumen. Finding the right partner is equally as important as choosing the best ERP for your particular needs.
Benefits of working with a NetSuite Solution Provider
One of the biggest benefits of working with a NetSuite Solution Provider is having access to expert guidance. When you partner with a NetSuite Solution Provider, you are able to take advantage of their knowledge and expertise. In return this should help you both go-live more quickly and de-risk your ERP initiative. Here are the primary reasons to consider working with a NetSuite Solution Provider.
1. Increased Efficiency - A NetSuite Solution Provider partner can help increase the efficiency of your NetSuite implementation. They can provide best practices and guidance to help ensure a smooth and successful implementation.
2. Improved Accuracy - With the help of a Solution Provider partner, you can be assured that your implementation will be accurate and complete. This will help to avoid any costly errors and ensure a successful launch of your new ERP system.
3. Faster Time to Value - A NetSuite Solution Provider partner can help you get up and running quickly with your new NetSuite ERP system. They can provide expertise and support to help minimize the time needed for setup and configuration.
4. Reduced Costs - By working with a Solution Provider partner, you can expect to see reduced costs on your NetSuite implementation, as well as your software subscription cost. They can help you get the most out of your investment in NetSuite, while ensuring a successful and timely launch.
Partnering with a NetSuite Solution Provider can ensure a successful and timely NetSuite ERP implementation. Solution Providers have extensive experience with the NetSuite platform and are well-equipped to help navigate the complexities of an ERP implementation. They can also provide valuable resources and expertise to help ensure a smooth and successful deployment.
NetSuite Alliance Partners
Alliance partners only provide professional services. NetSuite's own sales team handles the software evaluation and licensing, and then the Alliance partner assist with the NetSuite implementation. The NetSuite Alliance program is ideally suited for companies with less complex needs and don't really see the need/value in a long term, mutually beneficial partnership as found with a NetSuite Solution Provider.
Some of the benefits of working with a NetSuite Alliance partner on a NetSuite ERP implementation include:
1. Experienced Consultants - You will have access to experienced and certified consultants who can help with everything from requirements gathering to post-implementation support.
2. Faster Implementation - Alliance partners are experts at implementing NetSuite, as it's all they do. So you will likely experience a faster implementation times as a result of having pre-configured templates and best practices to draw on.
3. Reduced costs - You may see reduced costs as a result of economies of scale when working with large professional service organisations with offshore resources.
What about SuiteCloud Development Network (SND) Partners?
SDN is a network of developers and software vendors who create extensions that work seamlessly with NetSuite, offered on The SuiteCloud platform. A NetSuite SDN Partner is a company that has been certified by NetSuite to provide services that complement the NetSuite SuiteCloud platform. These services may include software development, system integration, or professional services. Generally speaking companies looking to license and implement will almost always do so via NetSuite Solution Provider and may leverage a SND partner to fulfill a niche gap in their NetSuite solution.
Why You Should Work with a NetSuite Solution Provider Partner
An ERP system is a substantial investment and an enormous undertaking for most companies. A NetSuite partner can help maximize that investment, so you get more for your money.
There are a lot of benefits to working with a NetSuite partner rather than going it alone. However, be sure to find a partner that aligns with your business's needs and goals.
Don't rush the process, finding a consulting firm that complements your companies culture is super important. You're only going to find this out by meeting more than just the sales rep.
Lastly, get a partner that has a fully backed change management strategy as part of their offering. All too often we see companies going back to old habits and ways of doing things because the end users were not properly equipped and supported during the ERP migration. ERP implementations can be very complex, and often require changes to how a business operates. Without effective change management, these changes can lead to confusion and frustration among employees, and can even derail the entire implementation. Change management helps to ensure that changes are made smoothly and effectively, minimizing disruption to business operations.
Some of the ways you benefit when working with a NetSuite partner are:
Save on the Initial Investment
The initial cost of NetSuite can vary greatly depending on your business type and complexity. That being said the best NetSuite Solution Providers can provide unbiased advise about how to configure your license and get the best price possible. This is a benefit of going with a solution provider over NetSuite's sales and services team, all too often we see unscrupulous sales reps oversell licenses that clients will never need or use. Furthermore NetSuite Solution Providers can help you structure your license agreement so that you can keep your software licensing cost predictable for years to come.
Want to get an idea of your NetSuite license cost? Check out our NetSuite pricing calculator below!
Benefit from Industry Experts
Every company is different, and your implementation will likely differ from the next persons. An experienced NetSuite partner can help you deploy NetSuite in a manner that will help you realize your stated objectives using a time-tested, proven methodology, where you can expect a smooth transition with fewer issues along the way.
One downside to working directly with NetSuite and an Alliance Partner is that they don't have any wiggle room when it comes to their deployment methodology. Their approach to NetSuite implementations always consist of SuiteSuccess. SuiteSuccess is a productized deployment methodology designed to get customers live on NetSuite within 100 days or less.
The SuiteSuccess methodology is based on best practices and provides a framework for implementing and using the software. It includes pre-defined processes, templates, tools, and resources to help organizations successfully implement and use NetSuite.
Both in-theory and in practice SuiteSuccess can be a great approach however there are some clients / situations where it's best not to go down the SuiteSuccess path. By working with a NetSuite Solution Provider you have options when it comes to implementation methodologies.
Smooth Data Migration
Another critical aspect of an ERP implementation is migrating your data. You do not want to lose important information as you move to the new ERP platform.
Benefits of working with a NetSuite Solution Provider on data migration include:
1. Reduced time and effort to migrate your data.
2. Reduced risk of data migration errors.
3. Streamlined and coordinated migration process.
4. Single point of contact for all migration-related questions and support.
Keep in mind not all NetSuite Solution Providers provide data migration services. Be sure to ask before choosing a partner.
Personalised Training & Support
NetSuite Solution Providers provide a wide range of services to help businesses get the most out of their NetSuite investment, including:
NetSuite training - Solution Providers can offer a variety of training options, from self-paced online courses to instructor-led sessions, to make sure employees are up to speed on the software.
NetSuite support - Solution Providers can provide around-the-clock support for businesses using NetSuite, so they can always get help when they need it.
Overall, choosing your NetSuite partner is a very important decision. With our advice and best practise, you will no doubt find the partner for you. If you think Threadgold Consulting are the right partner for you, then get in touch and we will start the process!
