What to Look for in a NetSuite Implementation Partner

When looking for a NetSuite implementation partner, there are many factors to consider. Choosing the right partner that is aligned to the needs of your business is one of the most important decisions for ensuring a successful NetSuite implementation.

All businesses are different, so understanding what your businesses unique requirements are will help ensure you choose a partner that is well positioned to not only guide you through the implementation process but also help to support, maintain and improve your system post go-live.

Why Choosing the Right NetSuite Partner is Important

According to Gartner, around 70% of all ERP implementations are not deemed successful. Whilst not all of these implementations are classed as failures, many businesses report that the end state of their system is not what they expected, and doesn't completely align to the needs of the business.

When selecting a NetSuite partner, you should look for a provider that understands the full scope of your business needs, both now and in the future. In addition to this, the provider should have wide-ranging knowledge of all elements within NetSuite such as setup, configuration, customisation and integrations. It is also important to check the experience and qualifications that the partner's team offers.

Things to Consider When Choosing a NetSuite Implementation Partner

Experience and Expertise With Netsuite

Look for a partner that has extensive experience and knowledge with NetSuite. The best providers will have NetSuite-certified consultants on the team who can advise on all aspects of the system. These consultants are usually classified as either Functional Consultants, or Technical Consultants, each who have their own set of skills and specialisations that are needed during an implementation.

Deep Understanding of Your Business And Industry

A good partner will take the time to understand your business needs and objectives, as well as the industry you operate in. This will allow them to provide tailored advice on how NetSuite can best be utilised within your organisation. It is a good idea to ask your potential partner about previous successful projects that are similar to yours in both size, functionality and complexity. Asking for references is also very normal, so don't be afraid to ask to speak with your potential partners' existing customers to learn more about the process from their point of view and better understand the impact that NetSuite has had on their business post-go-live.

Strong Project Management Capability

Implementing an ERP system requires a high level of project management skills to ensure it runs smoothly and is delivered on time and on budget. The best NetSuite implementation partners will have a strong project management team with documented processes, frameworks and methodologies in place that are tailored to the needs of each project. This includes ongoing communication with all stakeholders, thorough documentation of your NetSuite build, regular status reports and Gantt charts showing the overall project timeline.

Flexibility in Approach

Implementing a new ERP system is challenging, and there will be things that come up throughout the process that neither you nor the potential partner was expecting. It is important to understand your partner's approach to "variation management" so that you have complete transparency over how these change requests will be managed, implemented, approved and charged for. A good NetSuite partner will be able to be flexible in their delivery and provide clear communication around any unexpected challenges that may impact either the delivery timeline or the expected cost of the project.