The average business can easily spend thousands of pounds on an ERP implementation. At such a significant cost, you’d hope most of these succeed. Yet an incredible 75% – three out of every four – of these projects fail.
Why do so many companies struggle to get their ERP deployments right?
Well, as with many IT solutions, the answer lies in how they approach the process from the start. This guide breaks down the essential steps for a smooth NetSuite deployment.
The importance of pre-implementation planning
Starting off on the right foot will make the rest of your NetSuite implementation project much smoother. It’s kind of like making sure you have a sturdy foundation before building a house. When you get those basics right, everything else tends to fall into place.
Yet the planning stage is often one of the most overlooked. Many businesses are keen to get on with things and reach the actual deployment, inadvertently overlooking critical aspects in the planning phase. When these inevitably throw a spanner in the works later in the process, they cause delays and unexpected costs, and may even contribute to project failure.
So, start by defining clear objectives. Every organisation is different, with unique goals, challenges and markets. For example, are you aiming to streamline your financial processes or enhance your customer insights? A well-defined vision will help you tailor the system to meet your business needs. Gather all this information through conversations and surveys with your key stakeholders, involving everyone from your Board to the people who’ll work with the system day-to-day. Draw up a document reflecting their observations and feelings and decide on an official course of action. This will define your NetSuite deployment going forward.
Next, pick your team. With a project of this magnitude, you’ll need a dedicated team who can focus 100% of their efforts on making your new NetSuite system happen. This should include both internal staff and external consultants. NetSuite is a flexible system, but its setup can be challenging and requires careful attention to detail. Having an experienced NetSuite consultant like SuiteSparkle guide you through the process means you’re less likely to make significant errors, making your deployment much more efficient and likely to succeed.
The last crucial thing to think about is your timeline. Most people want to go live as quickly as possible. That’s a fantastic ambition. However, rushing the process can cause more harm than good. Taking time to thoroughly plan the project’s phases – from testing to final go-live – will set you up for a smoother deployment.
Common pitfalls to avoid and key decision points
While careful planning certainly makes things more straightforward, a NetSuite deployment is rarely a straight line.
Many businesses fall into the trap of overlooking crucial steps. To avoid these common pitfalls, let’s look at a few key decisions that will shape your implementation.
First, data migration. You need to transfer all your historical data into NetSuite. The basic process of moving data is relatively simple, but the trick is to ensure data accuracy, integrity and consistency. And that can be challenging. Without this step, your entire database might become unusable. There are other factors to consider, too. For instance, if you’re using an outdated database format, you might need to change the file type or migrate the entire system into a separate application. No matter your circumstances, data cleansing and organising is an absolute must before migrating it into your new NetSuite setup.
Then there’s the system configuration. You might be tempted to choose the standard settings. After all, that’s the most straightforward option, right? Well, sort of. The problem with this approach becomes evident once you begin using your new ERP. The standard settings might not reflect your business’s unique objectives, obstacles and workflows. You could soon run into inefficiencies that negate the benefits that NetSuite should bring. Instead, find the right customisations to suit your company and its stakeholders. However, there’s a delicate balance. You should avoid over-customising NetSuite or developing features you don’t need. These can cause unnecessary headaches for future updates and changes.
One final point to mention here is deciding on your deployment strategy. You have two options: a phased approach or a ‘big bang’ change. Phased rollouts mean implementing the new system in stages, usually starting with core functionalities. A big-bang approach means launching everything at once. Both options bring advantages (and drawbacks). There’s no ‘right’ answer, but one of them probably suits your business more than the other. Analyse your organisation’s current size and readiness to help you decide. Your NetSuite consultant can advise on the best course of action for your business.
Training, change management and post-implementation support
Once you’ve finished setting up your new NetSuite deployment and you’re ready to go live, there are still several things to do.
Don’t forget about the people using your system. No matter how sophisticated the technology is, you’re setting the project up for failure if your end-users aren’t equipped to use it effectively.
NetSuite is a powerful tool, but most people might struggle to pick it up through trial and error. Proper training will teach everyone how to navigate the new system and take advantage of all its features. Your employees may be naturally sceptical of new technology. So, get started months in advance, showcasing the new system’s benefits and doing your utmost to excite your staff before it arrives.
The work isn’t over once your system goes live. You’ll always run into problems, and they’ll probably arise at the most inconvenient of times. That’s why post-implementation support is vital. Consider making your NetSuite consultant your support team. Having a trusted expert on hand can be the difference between a quick fix and hours of downtime. Also, conduct regular check-ins with your consultant to monitor system performance and further optimise your workflows and processes.
Maximising your NetSuite deployment with SuiteSparkle
A NetSuite implementation isn’t a one-off task. It’s an ongoing process. Your approach and mindset may be the main difference between success and failure.
SuiteSparkle specialises in helping organisations like yours get the most out of NetSuite. With years of experience and happy customers around the UK, we’re convinced we can help you with a trusted, cost-effective solution. Get in touch today for a commitment-free chat to see how we can make your NetSuite deployment run smoother.