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A NetSuite implementation partner can make a difference in successfully implementing and fully leveraging your ERP solution. After all, it’s been reported that up to 29% of all ERP implementations fail, which just goes to show how critical an implementation strategy is to the long-term success of your NetSuite ERP. These failures can arise from approaching an ERP as a plug-and-play solution, like so many other types of software.
However, not all implementation partners offer the same advantages. Below, we outline three typical styles of NetSuite implementation and the pros and cons of each to help you gauge the right solution for your business needs.
NetSuite self-implementation
Many organizations opt to install NetSuite in-house, often through an IT department. As this team may be tasked with updating and maintaining NetSuite, it is a clear choice for leading your ERP implementation. This strategy also gives organizations complete control over the implementation schedule and strategy. There are numerous guides available online to help walk your IT team through this installation process.
However, because NetSuite touches so many business functions and processes, organizations often find it challenging to adequately integrate data and systems. A lack of NetSuite expertise going into implementation can increase the odds of glitches, data processing errors, data duplication, and other common causes of implementation failures.
Organizations that wish to keep NetSuite implementation in-house may benefit from hiring an IT expert with experience in NetSuite or investing in training this expertise. While it will add to your overhead, this investment can ensure your team has the skills necessary to stay abreast of critical updates and grow your ERP solution with your needs.
Working directly with NetSuite
When purchasing NetSuite, organizations have the option of working with a NetSuite implementation partner assigned to them by Oracle NetSuite. This partner may have certification through NetSuite that demonstrates experience in NetSuite implementations. These experts can ensure that your ERP solution is integrated with the systems you have requested.
These NetSuite implementation partners typically focus solely on the technology side of a NetSuite implementation. However, people and processes should be considered for long-term success. Installing new technology without first addressing process changes can highlight operational problems you didn’t know existed. And if your team isn’t trained on using NetSuite, you’ll find staff falls back upon familiar ways of doing things.
An assigned NetSuite implementation partner is also more likely to take a cookie-cutter approach to implementation. This may leave out key opportunities for optimization. Not all NetSuite implementation partners will have the same attention to detail or focus on target industries.
With this approach, it may be up to you to bring specific requests to your implementation partner’s attention. Of course, the biggest challenge here is that you may not know what you’re missing.
Working with a NetSuite implementation partner
Organizations that select a NetSuite implementation partner with experience in their industry may find that they pay more upfront for this expertise. However, this upfront investment can lead to tremendous cost-saving efficiencies over the long term.
An effective NetSuite implementation partner should dig deep into your unique business processes to advise on the right ERP modules to bridge your workflow gaps. This more tailored approach can help you right-size a solution to best balance your needs and budget. These experts also may bring insight into your industry that can lead to recommendations for bringing together more processes or integrating with additional software solutions.
In addition, selecting your own NetSuite implementation partner gives you the opportunity to secure services beyond installation. This might include staff training, post-go-live support, or even ongoing system maintenance and support. With this holistic approach to people, processes, and technology over the life of your system, your organization can maximize the benefits possible with NetSuite ERP.
Plan your approach
No matter what approach you take to your NetSuite implementation, it’s important to go armed with a plan. A clear strategy, realistic timeline, and implementation goals will help ensure your long-term success. With ample advance planning, you can begin to reap the benefits of an integrated ERP solution. But with an experienced NetSuite implementation partner, you can begin to uncover benefits that you might otherwise overlook—generating significant long-term productivity gains and cost savings in the process.
If you are ready to maximize the benefits of NetSuite, 360 Cloud Solutions can help. Contact us anytime to discuss your NetSuite implementation.
