NetSuite is the world's leading cloud-based business management software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for accounting, finance, CRM, inventory, supply chain management, warehouse management, MRP and e-commerce. Its flexibility, scalability, and customisation options make it a top choice for businesses in a wide range of industries that are looking to streamline their financial and operational performance and improve their bottom line.
However, implementing NetSuite can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the software or haven't experienced an ERP implementation before. To help you navigate the process, we've put together a step-by-step timeline to guide to help you understand the key stages of NetSuite implementation.
Planning and Preparation
Before diving into NetSuite implementation, it's crucial to establish clear goals and objectives for the project. This stage involves assessing your current business processes, identifying pain points and areas for improvement, and determining how NetSuite can help address these issues. You'll also need to identify key stakeholders, create a project team, and establish timelines and milestones. By this time, you should already have a solid vision for what your NetSuite instance will look like at go-live, how it will support your users, and what systems it is going to replace.
Configuration and Customisation
NetSuite is highly configurable and customisable, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific business needs. This stage involves configuring the system to match your business's existing workflows and processes, importing data from your existing systems, and customising fields, forms, and reports to meet your requirements.
For most implementations, this is the most time-consuming phase of the project. Working with a NetSuite Implementation Partner will help provide expert guidance on leading practices when it comes to configuring your modules, and help to ensure your project meets the needs of your business and users.
Testing and Training
Once the system is configured and customised, it's time to test the software and ensure that it meets your business needs. This involves testing the system with sample data, identifying and fixing any issues, and training your users on how to use the software. It's essential to have a robust training plan in place to ensure that your team can make the most of NetSuite's features.
A good NetSuite partner will be able to provide testing and training documentation to ensure that this process is thorough, and that unexpected challenges don't arise during go live.
Go-Live and Post-Implementation Support
After the testing and training phases are complete, it's time to go live with NetSuite. This stage involves migrating your data, setting up users and permissions, and ensuring that the system is working as expected. Once the system is live, you may need heightened NetSuite support to ensure your team are across critical processes, monitor system performance, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that NetSuite continues to meet your business needs.
In Summary
Implementing NetSuite can be a complex process, but by following a structured approach and working closely with your NetSuite Partner's project team, you can ensure a successful implementation that meets your business needs. It's essential to plan and prepare thoroughly, configure and customise the system to match your workflows, test and train your team, and ensure you have access to ongoing support post-implementation. By taking a step-by-step approach to NetSuite implementation, you can unlock the full potential of the software and gain immediate value from day one.
Interested in Learning More About Implementing NetSuite?
PKF Digital are one of Australia's leading NetSuite partners and have successfully implemented the software for hundreds of clients in a wide range of industries, including Wholesale Distribution, Manufacturing, Professional Services and Retail. We have in-depth expertise in NetSuite setup and configuration and can provide guidance on selecting the right modules and features to meet your business needs. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help you move to a modern Cloud ERP like NetSuite.