In 2023, wholesale distributors need every advantage they can get to stay ahead of the ever-increasing competition in a wide range of micro-markets. One way to achieve this is by leveraging the power of technology. NetSuite is an industry-leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that can provide many benefits for wholesale distributors. However, no two distributors are identical, so to get the most out of NetSuite, it is essential to customise the system to suit your specific business needs.
In this article, we will discuss several innovative NetSuite customisation ideas for wholesale distributors that can help you push the boundaries of ERP technology to support innovation.
Customising the User Interface
One of the most significant advantages of NetSuite is its flexible user interface. By customising the interface to suit the specific needs of your different departments and users, such as accounting and finance, warehouse management, procurement and executive, you can improve user productivity and efficiency. For example, you can customise the dashboard to display only the information that is relevant to a particular user, or that they might on a daily basis to complete the tasks associated with their role.
Advanced Custom Reporting
Wholesale distributors generate a vast amount of data, making it challenging to turn this data into actionable insights. NetSuite provides robust reporting capabilities out of the box, but you can take it to the next level by customising your reports to help inform and guide critical decisions. This could include reports that compare sales performance against targets or analyse product popularity and profitability over time. With custom reporting, you can ensure you have the right information at your fingertips to support growth and improve customer satisfaction.
Integration with Third-Party Applications
Wholesale distributors often use a variety of third-party applications to manage their business processes. NetSuite provides several integration options that can help you connect these applications with your ERP system. For example, you can integrate NetSuite with your e-commerce platform to streamline order management and fulfilment and increase your companies ability to capitalise on B2C direct markets.
Advanced Shipping and Fulfilment Capabilities
Shipping and fulfilment are critical components of wholesale distribution, and NetSuite provides several features that can help you manage these processes more effectively. For example, you can customise shipping rules to automate the selection of the best carrier for each order. You can even integrate shipping and postage provider estimating tools directly into the platform in order to minimise shipping costs.
Mobile Access
Wholesale distributors are often on the go, and it is essential to have access to business information when you need it. NetSuite provides mobile access options for both Apple and Android devices that can help you stay connected to your business no matter where you are. For example, you can customise your mobile dashboard to display the most important information about your business and quickly make edits and changes on the go.
How is NetSuite Customised?
To achieve these customisations, NetSuite provides several technologies, such as SuiteBuilder, SuiteFlow, SuiteScript, and SuiteTalk. SuiteBuilder is a drag-and-drop tool that enables you to customise the user interface, while SuiteFlow provides a visual workflow editor that enables you to automate business processes.
SuiteScript is a powerful scripting language that allows you to customise the system's behaviour and extend its capabilities. Finally, SuiteTalk is a web services integration platform that enables you to connect NetSuite with other applications. Working with a NetSuite Customisation Expert like PKF Digital will give you access to the expertise you need in order to make the most of these tools and customise your NetSuite system for maximum efficiency.
In Summary
NetSuite can be a powerful tool for wholesale distributors looking to take their business to the next level. By customising the platform to suit your specific needs, you can increase productivity, accelerate growth, and improve customer satisfaction. By customising the user interface, reports, integrations, shipping and fulfilment processes, you can improve efficiency and productivity in your warehouse and back office giving you an advantage over your competition.