NetSuite Implementation is the process of planning, configuring, and launching a custom NetSuite environment that meets your business needs. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup or an established enterprise, our seasoned NetSuite experts and proven implementation method will support you through every step of the process.
NetSuite Implementation Partner
Work With a Top Rated NetSuite Alliance Partner
Implementing NetSuite can be complex—but the right NetSuite partner will break it down and guide you through every phase of the project.
When you choose Anchor Group as your NetSuite Implementation Partner, we walk you through the sales process to get demos, unlock the lowest pricing possible, navigate your contract in a strategic manner, and get a detailed NetSuite implementation quote for your business.
Ben and the team at Anchor Group are a fantastic group of NetSuite consultants. I can always trust them to deliver the most efficient technical and functional support around SCA and NetSuite development in general.
- Isabella
From the very beginning, our dedicated Project Manager has exhibited remarkable consistency in keeping us updated on progress and adhering to timelines. This level of communication and reliability has been instrumental in maintaining a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Danielle
NetSuite Implementation Consultant
Providing Expert Guidance Implementing NetSuite
With a collaborative approach, our NetSuite consultants work closely with clients to analyze existing workflows, identify areas for improvement, and design streamlined processes that align with their business objectives. Our NetSuite developers then bring these tailored solutions to life during your NetSuite Implementation.
Our experienced team of NetSuite implementation consultants provides end-to-end NetSuite Implementation services, guiding you through every phase of the project:
Business process analysis
Solution design and customization
Data migration and cleansing
NetSuite integration with third-party tools
User training and change management
Go-live support and post-implementation optimization
Our NetSuite implementation consultants align the implementation of NetSuite with your specific goals to ensure maximum ROI.
Get NetSuite Implementation and NetSuite Integration Services in One Place
"NetSuite Integration" and "NetSuite Implementation" are two terms that you may hear people use interchangeably in reference to setting up NetSuite software for your business, but these terms actually refer to two different processes. The good news is, whether your business needs NetSuite Implementation services, NetSuite Integration services, or both, our team here at Anchor Group is ready to help!
NetSuite Implementation Definition
To implement any software is the act of setting it up and starting to use it for the first time. Sometimes “implementation” is used in the context of a whole software program (such as a NetSuite ERP Implementation). Sometimes you will hear “implementation” applied to just a module, part, or add-on of an already-implemented software product (such as a NetSuite WMS module Implementation).
In both these cases there is a fresh, new use of a software that wasn’t present before, and therefore that software needs to be installed, accessed, turned on, configured, integrated, loaded with historical data, all of which are parts of the implementation. During an implementation, there are also things that need to happen outside the new software itself, which are often related to change management: such as understanding and documenting any business goals related to the software, educating employees on how to use the software in ways particular to their various roles, and communicating expectations to employees regarding the transition.
To integrate a software is the act of connecting one software to another. For example, your company might integrate Mailchimp with NetSuite so that your marketing team can leverage robust email management tools connected to your NetSuite customer data.
Sometimes a custom integration is necessary, but there are also pre-built integrations and software connectors available for companies to integrate specific software to NetSuite without having to reinvent the wheel. Integrations can either be unidirectional or bi-directional, so it's important to know exactly how you want data flowing between the two systems. We recommend talking to your NetSuite consultant about how you plan to use the data in each system, so they can help you determine what integration will best meet your needs.
Curious about what a NetSuite Implementation might look like for your business? Contact our team to get a detailed NetSuite quote! We offer tailored quotes based on project scope and complexity, giving you a thorough estimate.
A Process Developed Through Years of Oracle NetSuite Implementation Experience
There isn’t one standard breakdown of the stages to an implementation. There’s more than one way to do it, but our structured approach to the NetSuite Implementation process reduces risk, accelerates adoption, and ensures long-term success. Our structure and method is based on our experience of what makes a NetSuite implementation project run smoothly, and we continue to revise our method regularly. What doesn't change though, is our dedication to always provide the best solution to our clients.
1. Outlining Your NetSuite Implementation
Our team will spend some time with you helping you determine which NetSuite solutions are necessary to implement and customize based on your industry and business needs.
Initial Analysis and Scheduling
Get a rough idea of what is to be done and when to do it. Build Gannt charts, etc.
Make a draft list of data reporting needs. Don’t stress about it at this point.
Discuss how much historical data needs to come over to NetSuite, and at what level of detail. The further back and the more detailed you go, the more work it takes.
Establishing Direction
Establish the “why” of the NetSuite Implementation project and the hierarchy of priorities.
This should also happen as part of the initial conversations, but typically the answers are more complete after the initial analysis phase.
Introductory Client NetSuite Training
This only takes an hour or two in most cases. Basic navigational familiarity with the NetSuite structure and user interface will make the following conversations less frustrating.
2.Deep Analysis and Initial NetSuite Account Configuration
Our team will spend some time with you helping you determine which NetSuite products are necessary for your industry and business, thoroughly analyzing your business requirements. It might be worth it to utilize a custom solution rather than a module! If that is the case, you might save yourself thousands of dollars annually by avoiding an unnecessary licensing fee. This first step is where you will get a highly detailed estimate of your ERP implementation plan. You can count on our estimates to be incredibly detailed to the hour. Once we have determined the "what" of your NetSuite Implementation, we can iron out the "how".
In this stage of the NetSuite Implementation, we find a time to have a discussion with all the decision-makers in a single session. There are always things needed by your team. We will do the heavy lifting by guiding you through strategic decisions based on our experience in your industry.
In this stage it's important to really think carefully through each process flow. We guide our clients to start with the normative path (the way things go in ideal circumstances), and then address edge cases (return management, for instance). Our project managers will help iron out final details within the implementation process.
Pro tip: We've found that it's best to work ruthlessly to eliminate approval flows at this stage. Instead, seek to automate whatever is possible, trust your employees, and then do reviews/audits of the rest.
3. Building the NetSuite Implementation Puzzle
This is the part most people think of whey they think of an ERP Implementation. It's the part where where our developers get to put your unique NetSuite implementation plan into action. We are going to dive into the configuration of every NetSuite module while automating data using workflows and SuiteScript to keep your employees working on the projects that keep your business profitable.
We can often start this build stage on certain areas of your ERP before the deep analysis is complete in all areas. During this phase, you will see the look of the forms, the look of the templates used for invoicing or other customer-facing documents, and finally...you will begin to see the entire product take shape.
Begin to set up the NetSuite account: segmentation, the chart of accounts, primary configuration pages like Company Information, Enable Features, and Accounting Preferences.
Adding sample data: At this point, sample data will make it much easier to observe and tweak system behavior.
Reports and searches: Most of the reporting you will need is already there natively, but some will need to be custom built.
Dashboards: This step is missed so often by other companies. The SuiteSuccess bundles are a decent place to start for role-specific dashboards, although they will typically only get you to the 80% mark.
Forms and PDF templates: Move fields and tabs around so that record forms are straightforward to interact with. Remove fields whenever possible. Customize your PDF templates (Invoice, etc.) early in the implementation, as there are seldom big dependencies you need to wait on.
Customizations : With the core structure established in your NetSuite account, now we can work on custom tasks such as tailoring workflows, roles, and reports to your operational needs. For each one, we follow this flow: Document requirements >Develop >User feedback and refinement cycle >Deploy and update documentation
Test. Test. Test. Finally, our team will test the heck out of your NetSuite environment to ensure that there is no stone left unturned in the implementation process!
4. NetSuite User Acceptance Testing
Our teams conduct rigorous user acceptance testing, ensuring that the implemented system meets the highest standards of functionality and usability.
In this stage, people who will be utilizing NetSuite to manage processes will have the opportunity to test the system and give input on what works, as well as what would make it more effective in their day-to-day lives. This feedback is essential to your employee buy-in of the finished product. We can work with your decision makers to create a plan to implement any automation that would make their lives easier, often placing these on the roadmap for future customizations if they are not necessary for go-live.
In this stage of the NetSuite Implementation, we recommend that our clients help us ensure system readiness by confirming that they can do all the things they want to be able to do in the ERP system. Our consultants can help guide you here, but they can’t actually do this part for you.
5.User Walkthroughs and NetSuite Training
Up until now only some of your employees have been involved in the NetSuite implementation. Now it's time to catch everyone up to speed. This stage is the perfect opportunity for our consultants to run training sessions for your employees on how to use NetSuite, empowering users to get the most out of the tailored NetSuite solutions that we put in place.
6. Detailed Planning for Go-live Day
The NetSuite go-live date will be a big day! It's important to decide ahead of time who does what and when. Planning well ahead of time allows you to make adjustments and answer important questions such as: Do you need to pause any operations the day of go-live?
Once the plan has been established, it is important that these plans are communicated to all employees who will be affected when you flip the switch and start using NetSuite.
7. Data Import to NetSuite
We have found it best practice to perform a dry run of this part of the NetSuite Implementation at least a week before it happens for real. A common issue that our clients encounter during this step is that the data is more difficult to get out of the old system than expected. Or, data may be incomplete or incorrect in the old system. Importing data early allows you to clean and import your data accurately in time for go-live.
8. Launch / Go-Live with NetSuite!
On the designated date, we turn the switch and your company is live on NetSuite! In this final stage of your NetSuite Implementation project, one of our NetSuite consultants is often on-site with you to help any employees that are having a difficult time understanding what to do. We want to help you launch with confidence by providing hands-on support during go-live.
We encourage our clients to be prepared for this to be a long day. Your team will want to be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before. You might even want to order in lunch for your team to help celebrate the transition!
9. Support Post NetSuite Go-Live
At least the first few weeks after you've gone live with NetSuite will involve solving small problems and answering lots of employee questions as they get used to the new system. We'll be here to support you through this period of transition.
10. Begin Phase 2 NetSuite Projects
Wait... The implementation is done, right? Your NetSuite Implementation is complete, yes. But, realistically there will be things you want to add onto the NetSuite ERP system to make it be even more efficient for you. Your business will always be changing, and you may have decided to place certain things on the roadmap for after your initial go-live.
So what's next? An ERP is an ever-evolving, living system. It needs maintenance and ongoing investment. How can your NetSuite environment support your business even better in the future? If you haven't already, this is a great time to add more channels of revenue through an ecommerce website or a customer portal. We can help with that too!
Implementation of NetSuite
Get Personal Attention and Industry-specific Expertise
Some companies choose to partner with freelance NetSuite developers for the personalized service they offer, while other companies choose large NetSuite consulting firms that provide more expertise at the expense of personal attention.
At Anchor Group, you don't have to choose. Our team has a deep understanding NetSuite and industry-specific business processes. We take a collaborative approach to customizing NetSuite ERP to meet your company's needs, and guide you through the NetSuite implementation process without the hassle of multiple support tickets.
A NetSuite implementation is the process a business goes through to set up, configure, and go live with NetSuite ERP (enterprise resource planning) software. A company's NetSuite ERP implementation project is typically completed by certified NetSuite Consultants and Developers working closely with key decision-makers at the company.
How long does a NetSuite implementation take?
The timeframe for an implementation depends on the particular needs of the business. The fastest reasonable timeline to implement NetSuite for most companies is 3-4 months, although we’re aware of even faster hero pushes. As a rule, the larger and more complex a business's operations are, the longer an ERP project will take. For a mid-sized or large business needing more complexity, Anchor Group can typically complete a NetSuite implementation in 6-7 months!
The total cost of a NetSuite ERP implementation can vary. The larger and more complex a business's operations are, the heavier the lift will be to implement an ERP solution. The total cost of the project will increase due to things like licensing costs, a higher number of customizations, and more developer hours. To get an idea of what a NetSuite implementation for your business would likely cost your business, contact our team!
ERP Implementation, A Challenge to be Excited About
ERP implementations often produce the most challenging experiences that a company ever has with software. Since an ERP implementation is basically a brain transplant for your business, it shouldn’t be surprising that it is tricky to pull off smoothly. That doesn’t mean you should get discouraged! Just because ERP implementations are difficult doesn’t mean they have to be frustrating.
As long as you do it right, an ERP implementation will be challenging, but in a good way.
A successful ERP Implementation will force you to understand your business processes and priorities more deeply, which will help any business drive long-term success. At Anchor Group, our NetSuite consultants collaborate with your team to analyze workflows, identify improvements, and design streamlined processes aligned with your objectives. Our NetSuite developers then bring these solutions to life during implementation.
Gathering Requirements for a NetSuite Implementation
A Crucial Step for a Successful Implementation
It would be misleading to say that in a NetSuite implementation there are totally separate and distinct stages for (1) requirement gathering and then (2) execution. While we certainly do have stages in our implementation timeline that are mostly about requirement gathering and analysis, and then later stages that are mostly for building, testing, and training, the reality is more like peeling an onion. Each conversation uncovers another layer, a deeper understanding of the needs and goals of your business.
This means that gathering requirements well requires seeing it as an iterative process. In terms of project management styles, we like use some elements of agile rather than pure waterfall method.
One of the standout aspects of Anchor Group's service is the unparalleled creativity and skill sets demonstrated by their development team. Their ability to translate ideas into practical solutions has consistently impressed me and my team, ensuring the successful implementation of our projects. In our fast-changing industry, flexibility is essential, and Anchor Group has been incredibly accommodating in adapting to our evolving requirements for Netsuite. Their agility and responsiveness have been vital in allowing us to remain competitive in the dynamic marketplace.
Danielle Geggis
Anchor Group Customer
NetSuite Implementation Risks and Mitigation Techniques
Our NetSuite Experts Can Help You Navigate The Challenges of a NetSuite Implementation
ERP implementations are like brain surgery for your business. So, yes, there are risks with implementations. Luckily, we’ve seen enough implementations that we’ve got a pretty good idea of how to manage those risks.
They say that an expert is someone who has made a lot of mistakes in a narrow zone; we’ve certainly made plenty of mistakes ourselves, and observed many others making mistakes too. As it turns out, most issues are resolvable! NetSuite implementation-related risks come in four main forms:
Process risks
Adoption risks
Timeline risks
Budget risks
Our team has faced all of these before, and has discovered mitigation techniques to help our clients navigate each one.
In the Summer of 2024, Anchor Group was recognized by NetSuite as the Alliance Partner Spotlight Winner for Epicor Switch for our work with Kees, Incorporated!
Common NetSuite Implementation Services
Professional services and support for your NetSuite ERP implementation!
Here are a few examples of NetSuite services often included in a full implementation. Check out some of the NetSuite consulting and development services that are commonly included in the NetSuite Implementation process. Whether you are just looking into ERP software, or your company already uses NetSuite and is experiencing a pain point in the ERP system, our team is here to help!
Custom Development
Professional NetSuite developer support, capable of coding the most difficult scripts in NetSuite. Each script is optimized for performance, so your page speed isn't slowed.
Common SuiteScripts are user event, scheduled, map reduced, and client scripts.
Looking to improve your NetSuite ERP or SuiteCommerce instance? Anchor Group can always build out new scripts, themes, extensions, and other useful NetSuite customizations. But why re-invent the wheel if it already exists? NetSuite apps allow us to build a trustworthy solution, and customize it to quickly meet the needs of different companies! Check out some of the listed scripts and SuiteCommerce extensions by our team of NetSuite developers!
There are plenty of 3rd-party software solutions that integrate with NetSuite. We can help you choose the right NetSuite integration with popular platforms such as Salesforce, Shopify, Amazon, HubSpot, and custom APIs—ensuring your systems work together according to your requirements for data visibility. Explore some of the integration options and connectors that customers often request of our NetSuite Implementation team.
Are you using NetSuite's customer center to allow your customers to place orders (i.e. wholesale)? We can make the portal function like an ecommerce website, giving your customers a streamlined checkout process inside the portal. We can also make grid table ordering that automatically inserts selected quantities into the sales order!
Need help implementing a NetSuite solution or formulating a strategic architectural design? Our consultants know the ins-and-outs of the ERP system. This enables them to build you a solution that resolves all your pain points. You get a dedicated, responsive NetSuite consultant who is available for questions and solution integrations.
Your ERP system has a suite of products available to you. Explore all the NetSuite modules that can transform your organization. We will implement these solutions and customize them even further. If you have a requirement that the module currently doesn't have, then our team can customize it around your business.
Ready to Start You NetSuite Implementation Journey?
The implementation of NetSuite is a critical step toward operational efficiency and scalable growth. During your NetSuite implementation there are many options on how to modify NetSuite. Trust an experienced NetSuite implementation consultant to guide you through a successful NetSuite implementation that meets your business requirements. Contact us today to speak with an expert and start planning your NetSuite implementation.
Our team is based out of Wisconsin and provides services to companies across the entire United States, and beyond. With Anchor Group, you get USA-based senior consultants with a wide range of experience, specialized in helping companies optimize NetSuite.
As an Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner our teams is ready and equipped to handle every aspect of your NetSuite Implementation. Accelerate growth, improve operational efficiency, and increase access to real-time business insights with a NetSuite implementation supported by a top rated NetSuite partner!
We stand out among NetSuite partners because of our expertise and dedication to delivering implementations that drive business growth. In the Summer of 2024, Anchor Group was recognized by NetSuite as the Alliance Partner Spotlight Winner for Epicor Switch for our work implementing NetSuite for Kees, Incorporated!
Meet Some NetSuite Team Faces
Here are some of the NetSuite Experts who might be on your NetSuite Implementation team if you choose to work with Anchor Group!
Why Choose Anchor Group as Your NetSuite Implementation Partner?
As a certified NetSuite Alliance Partner, we follow NetSuite best practices while tailoring the implementation to your unique needs. Our team brings deep functional and technical expertise, ensuring your ERP system supports your workflows from day one.
Professional NetSuite developer support with proven NetSuite deployment methodology
Scalable solutions for future business growth
Fast, reliable full lifecycle support—before, during, and after go-live
Dedicated and responsive NetSuite consultants
NetSuite module implementation services
Integrations with 3rd Party Software Solutions
NetSuite Ecommerce implementation services for B2B & B2C companies
NetSuite & SuiteCommerce Apps: Scripts, Themes, Extensions, and Other Useful Customizations
