Efficiency and responsiveness. Two key components of what makes a modern business competitive in this fast-paced, online world.

Investing in these through streamlining your processes, optimising your setups and enhancing your workflows is the best way to get ahead.

NetSuite is a powerful ERP system favoured by organisations like yours for its comprehensive features. But like any complex, enterprise-wide software, it occasionally encounters performance issues that hinder operations.

As your dedicated NetSuite consultant, SuiteSparkle is well-versed in these common performance issues. We’re here to guide you through five common NetSuite performance issues, allowing you to optimise your setup and get back to your core processes as quickly as possible.

#1 Slow page load times

Slow page load times are one of the most noticeable and common problems end-users face in a NetSuite ERP system. This issue has two significant fallouts: frustration and a negative impact on productivity.

Frustration is more damaging than it might seem. When a significant proportion of your staff become angry at the system, they might direct it at you. These feelings can hamper productivity and fuel discontent, creating a hostile atmosphere that can do far more harm to your productivity than an IT malfunction.

Common causes of slow page load times usually include excessive customisations, inefficient SuiteScript implementations, or inadequate browser caching settings.

Solution

We suggest a proactive approach to solving slow page load times. Start with your SuiteScript code. Review and optimise scripts to shorten execution time. Next, delve into your browser caching settings, storing static resources locally and thus minimising reloads. Finally, regularly review customisations to ensure they’re actually needed and ready for streamlined performance. Be prepared to rework your customisations if they have an overall negative impact. This approach empowers you to take control of your system’s performance.

#2 Search and reporting performance issues

Efficient data retrieval is an often-overlooked yet critical business process. It enables timely and informed decision-making, enhances customer and supplier relationships, and streamlines interdepartmental and team-based collaboration. However, a common NetSuite roadblock revolves around search and reporting performance.

Poor search and reporting performance generally arises from poorly constructed saved searches. These might unnecessarily query massive datasets looking for generic terms. Some overly complex reports can also require extensive processing power, reducing efficiency and user productivity.

Solution

Start by creating optimised saved searches to improve search and reporting efficiency. Use summary reports where possible to reduce the load on the system. Finally, consider scheduling reports during off-peak hours to minimise the impact on real-time operations.

#3 Integration-related performance problems

Pairing NetSuite with third-party applications brings significant advantages—when done properly.

However, these integrations pose huge performance challenges if not installed and managed with careful planning.

Issues often arise from inefficient data exchange, stemming from different file formats, dataset sizes and layouts and live updating. When something goes wrong in this field, it delays information flow and, therefore, system responsiveness and live accuracy.

Solution

The first port of call is to optimise the data exchanges between NetSuite and third-party apps. Do this by monitoring and regularly reviewing integration scripts and ensuring they efficiently handle the data. Where feasible, use batch processing and asynchronous operations to reduce synchronous API calls, as these slow system responsiveness.

#4 Database performance concerns

NetSuite’s database is the cornerstone of its success. However, its effectiveness in driving the main modules (finance, customer relations, sales etc) hinges on meticulous data management practices.

Issues such as accumulating unnecessary or outdated data slowly but surely degrade database performance, resulting in slower query responses and decreased efficiency.

Solution

To maintain optimal performance, we suggest focusing on rigorous data archiving and cleansing strategies. Remove inactive records while preserving historical data integrity. Complete regular database maintenance tasks, such as index optimisation and query tuning, to further hone efficiency. SuiteAnalytics tools are also worth a mention. Use these to monitor database performance metrics and identify bottlenecks proactively.

#5 User-specific performance issues

Individual performances across NetSuite vary based on the specific roles and permissions assigned to users. This becomes particularly evident in larger organisations with intricate access hierarchies.

User roles dictate individuals’ access to different modules within NetSuite, directly affecting system responsiveness and operational efficiency.

Solution

Address user-specific performance issues by streamlining user roles and permissions, minimising unnecessary access privileges. Regularly review and adjust role settings to match current business needs. Finally, consider leveraging SuiteFlow to automate role management processes and ensure compliance with security best practices.

SuiteSparkle can remedy your NetSuite performance issues

And there we have it! Five of the most common NetSuite performance issues detailed and addressed. Use our suggestions to drive productivity, making the most of your ERP system and streamlining your ROI.

SuiteSparkle specialises in helping businesses like yours navigate and optimise their NetSuite ERP systems. No matter what performance issues you encounter, our fantastic team of experts is here to support you every step of the way. With eight years of NetSuite-specific expertise, our one-on-one consultancy services make us an extension of your team. In other words, we thrive on helping you grow and playing a small part in your ongoing success.

Don’t delay. For tailored solutions to your NetSuite performance challenges, contact SuiteSparkle today.