NetSuite: Implementation Tips

 

NetSuite - Implementation Tips

Oracle NetSuite is the leading ERP system, but setup can be tricky.  Here are essential tips so you know what to expect and prepare you for a wildly successful implementation.

    If you have been part of any ERP implementation in the past, you already know that it is one of the largest IT projects an organization will ever take on. It requires extensive dedication of your best people as well as consultants.  A NetSuite implementation still is challenging, but NetSuite has done an outstanding job making a template out of the implementation process, saving time and reducing costs.  This templated approach is called "SuiteSuccess."  It is a great process, but there are some things to know before you start.  This blog will help ensure you have more sense of the process because it is a different approach than you could be used to.

Best practices are assumed

    The biggest difference between SuiteSuccess and typical, large ERP implementation is that NetSuite standard best practices are assumed from the beginning, and you modify those to fit your needs.  Traditionally ERP implementations start off with big (and expensive) documenting current business processes and then designing the "to be" processes with input from the entire organization.  This is very expensive to do and organizations often get bogged down here.  With NetSuite SuiteSuccess, the first part of the project is essentially a demonstration of NetSuite best practices which are called "walkthroughs".  As you iterate these "walkthrough" sessions, you customize the best practice processes to fit your needs.  Starting with best practices from the beginning has the benefit of a much lower implementation cost and shorter timeline.  This would not be possible however if NetSuite were not so easy to customize as you progress.  Timeline from start to finish is typically 90 days or less.  If you have been a part of any other ERP implementation, you know that is FAST.

Data Conversion

    SuiteSuccess assumes the customer, not the consultant, is responsible for data conversion.  If you have the resources with decent data skills on staff and/or your historical data is not large you may consider doing data conversion "in-house".  However, if you have data of any size or complexity to convert, you certainly want to engage a 3rd party to handle this for you, as it can be a large undertaking depending on the requirements.  Data conversion can be a large part of the effort depending on the situation, so understand what you are getting into, mainly if you are doing it with internal resources.  This is the case with any new ERP, not just NetSuite.

Do you need a full-time dedicated project manager?

    It probably depends on the implementation size and if you have any 3rd party bolt-on software or integrations involved.  The skill of the consulting team you select to implement NetSuite might play the most significant factor.  We (C Level Analytics) find that most projects do not require an additional project manager. Still, many of our NetSuite consultants also have project management experience and have worked on huge ERP system projects.

Success is heavily dependent on the implementation partner

    One of the significant advantages of selecting Oracle NetSuite is the large number of NetSuite implementation partners to choose from.  However, this doesn't mean you should not vet the firm doing the implementation.  Nothing is more critical to an ERP project's success than the consulting firm assisting you with the implementation.  Your vision's success and final results are very much in the hands of the team performing the work.  We recommend finding specific information about the individuals on the team performing the work to help you determine whether they are a good fit for your project.

 

Implementation Rescue

Need to get back on track and deliver a successful NetSuite implementation?  We can help.

Learn More