Many businesses start their NetSuite journey with big plans and high hopes. Then reality hits.
Data needs cleaning and migrating. Processes need mapping and rebuilding. Staff need training and support. What looked straightforward in the sales demo now feels overwhelming.
Your team faces a steep learning curve. They need to master new systems while keeping the business running. Every department has its own way of doing things, often built up over years. These processes need untangling and rebuilding in NetSuite.
Technical decisions loom, from integration approaches to security settings. One wrong choice can cause headaches.
Suddenly, that smooth transition to a streamlined business system feels far away.
If any of the above sounds familiar, worry not. Expert help can make all the difference.
This blog explains why a skilled NetSuite consultant like SuiteSparkle can turn your challenges into opportunities for digital transformation.
What is a NetSuite consultant?
Our NetSuite consultants are like architects for this vital business system.
We understand NetSuite’s technical capabilities and the practical needs of your business. We help bridge the gap between what’s possible and what’s practical for your organisation.
Our consultants work alongside your team, not apart from it. We learn your business processes, understand your pain points and help design solutions that work for your specific needs. We handle the complex technical work while teaching your team how to make the most of the system.
We don’t just set up the software. We configure it to transform how your business operates.
Through careful planning, systematic implementation and thorough training, we help ensure your NetSuite investment delivers real value for your business.
Key benefits of working with a consultant
Experience brings efficiency. Our NetSuite consultants have likely solved problems like yours many times before. We know the pitfalls to avoid, the shortcuts that work and the ones that don’t. Our knowledge saves you time, money and stress.
Custom configuration makes NetSuite work for your business, not the other way around. While NetSuite comes with powerful out-of-the-box features, most businesses need customisation to match their unique processes. Our NetSuite consultants know how to adapt the system without creating future upgrade headaches.
Our expertise with integration proves vital when connecting NetSuite with your other business systems. Whether it’s your ecommerce platform, CRM or banking software, we can help ensure your data flows smoothly between your systems. We understand API connections, data mapping and security requirements.
Our consultants also bring knowledge from multiple implementations across different industries. We can help you adopt proven workflows while avoiding common mistakes. Our guidance can help you maximise NetSuite’s value from day one.
Finally, ERP implementations can go wrong in expensive ways. We can help you avoid costly mistakes while ensuring data security and maintaining business continuity throughout the change. We’ll provide structured testing and robust migration, backup and rollback plans for your peace of mind.
When to bring in a NetSuite consultant
Timing can make a crucial difference in your NetSuite project. Bringing our expertise in early, during pre-implementation planning, delivers the most benefits. We can help you scope the project correctly, identify potential challenges and create a realistic timeline. We’ll ask important questions you might not think to ask.
System design and setup need careful thought. We’ll help you map your current processes, then design improved workflows, and configure NetSuite to support them. We’ll also guide decisions about which features to implement first and which to save for later phases.
Data migration often causes headaches without expert help. Our NetSuite consultants bring tools and experience to clean, map and migrate your data accurately. We’ll ensure your historical data transfers correctly while maintaining its integrity. We’ll also help test the migrated data thoroughly before going live, reducing nasty surprises later.
Choosing the right implementation approach
NetSuite implementation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some businesses need full consultancy from start to finish. Others require targeted support for specific aspects. Your choice depends on your internal capabilities, budget and timeline.
Full NetSuite consultancy provides end-to-end support. Our team will manage everything from planning to go-live. This approach might cost more, but it helps reduce risk and your internal resource requirements. It works well for complex implementations or when your in-house expertise is limited.
A hybrid approach often delivers the best value. Your team can handle familiar aspects while we tackle the more technical challenges. This balance helps to keep costs manageable while ensuring the crucial elements get expert attention. You might be able to manage the basic setup internally but bring in our support for more complex integrations or custom development.
Knowledge transfer matters as much as technical setup. Your team needs to understand not just how to use NetSuite, but also why it’s configured in certain ways.
Our team will document their work thoroughly and train your team to handle day-to-day management. We’ll also create clear handover documentation that helps you maintain and develop the system after we leave.
Avoiding common NetSuite implementation pitfalls
Poor planning can derail even the best NetSuite projects. Rushing into implementation without proper preparation can lead to costly mistakes and rework.
So, take time to plan your project thoroughly. Map your processes. Document your requirements. Get stakeholder buy-in early.
Testing often gets squeezed when deadlines loom. This false economy creates problems after going live. Build enough time into your schedule for thorough testing. Test with real data and scenarios. Let your users try the system before it goes live. Find and fix issues while they’re still small.
User adoption can make or break your NetSuite investment. Your staff need proper training and support to embrace the new system. Quick overview sessions aren’t enough.
Work with us to plan detailed, role-specific training. We can create reference materials and help you set up a support system for post-go-live questions.
Finally, integration problems can cripple your operations. We’ll test all your system connections and verify that data flows correctly between your systems. However, it’s also wise to keep your old systems running until you’re confident the new connections work correctly.
Planning for the future
NetSuite should grow with your business. We can help you think beyond your current needs.
You might be planning to expand into new markets or need to add more users or extra functionality. We’ll help you build a system that scales without significant rework.
Your support needs will also change over time. The initial implementation requires intensive support. However, once you’re live, you’ll need different types of help, including troubleshooting, optimisation and training for new staff. Building a relationship with us will help support your long-term journey.
Finally, schedule regular system reviews. Your markets might change. Your business needs will evolve. Your NetSuite setup should adapt accordingly. So, stay current with NetSuite’s twice-yearly updates to access new features and security improvements.
And plan regular reviews – we call them NetSuite Healthchecks – to check your system’s performance and identify any opportunities for improvement.
How can SuiteSparkle help?
At SuiteSparkle, we bring deep NetSuite expertise to your business. Our team has guided dozens of companies through successful implementations. We understand the technical aspects, and the human side of system change.
We take time to understand your business before suggesting solutions. Our approach focuses on practical, achievable improvements that deliver real value. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls while building a system that supports your growth.
Want to discuss your NetSuite plans? Get in touch to learn how we can help make your investment in NetSuite a successful one.