NetSuite unifies core aspects of your business such as CRM, ecommerce, inventory, and manufacturing, in a single interface. NetSuite Implementation is the process of planning, configuring, and launching a custom NetSuite environment that meets your business needs. An implementation partner helps this process go smoothly!
What Our NetSuite Customers Have to Say...
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
Software Implementation
What does it entail?
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.
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.
Why difficult in a good way? A successful ERP Implementation will force you to understand your own business processes and priorities more deeply, which will help any business drive long-term success.
A Process Developed Through Years of NetSuite ERP Consulting Experience
There isn’t one standard breakdown of the stages to an implementation. There’s more than one way to do it. Our own structure and method is based on our own experience of what makes a NetSuite implementation project run smoothly, and we continue to revise our method regularly.
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. 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. For each one, 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
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 confirm 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.
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 is incomplete or incorrect in the old system.
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 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!
NetSuite Implementation Estimate
Wondering what a NetSuite Implementation might look like for your business? Contact our team!
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.
Can I implement NetSuite myself?
Implementing NetSuite yourself, or mostly by yourself, can be done. But that doesn’t mean you should have to do it. You’ve got enough on your plate already leading your company through the transition.
Many of our clients who implemented NetSuite before meeting us had a miserable implementation experience because their previous NetSuite support team did not guide them well, and the business ended up essentially implementing themselves. Of those businesses we’ve asked, none of them would recommend that approach or wish to repeat that horrible experience; 100% of them wish they had just hired a solid NetSuite consulting firm instead.
What experts are involved in a NetSuite Implementation?
During your NetSuite ERP implementation, you will need NetSuite developers to take care of code customizations. They will work alongside NetSuite consultants to ensure that all industry standards, company needs, and other requirements are met.
We consider implementations to be enough of their own beast that we have a whole additional training and apprenticeship process for our NetSuite ERP consultants before they can become implementation consultants. It is possible to be a good NetSuite functional consultant but remain unequipped for leading implementations. There’s a whole additional set of skills required to pull off a NetSuite implementation well.
Do I need a NetSuite Implementation Partner?
Implementing NetSuite is a complex process. While you could piece together a team of freelance consultants and developers to help you through it, doing so tends to drive up the price and complexity of a NetSuite Implementation.
But be careful when picking a partner! NetSuite is a massive ERP software, and you should look for a partner with expertise specific to your industry and experience with the particular NetSuite modules you require. Many partners specialize in certain industry verticals or specific NetSuite add-on modules; for instance, if you plan to implement SuiteCommerce, you should look for a SuiteCommerce Partner.
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!
Why Anchor Group is a Preferred Implementation Partner
Fast Responses Times. High Quality Results.
We offer the perfect blend of the personal attention you would get from freelance developers and the expertise you would get from a large NetSuite firm. During your implementation, you get to leverage the expertise of a full team of NetSuite specialists, without having to input dozens of support tickets and wait around for an answer.
As a leading NetSuite implementation partner, our company boasts a team of highly skilled NetSuite Consultants and NetSuite Developers who are experts in implementing and customizing ERP systems for various industries. Our teams understand the intricacies of business processes and leverage their extensive knowledge of NetSuite to tailor the software to meet the unique requirements of each organization.
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!
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!
Your NetSuite Implementation Partner
What Anchor Group Does Differently
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 teams conduct rigorous user acceptance testing, ensuring that the implemented system meets the highest standards of functionality and usability. With our expertise and dedication, we stand out among NetSuite partners, delivering successful and efficient implementations that drive business growth.
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 into NetSuite. Some are better than others, and they all can offer more features than a NetSuite module. Explore some of these integration options that customers often request of our developer team. Even if you are using an integrator platform, we'll get it set up for you.
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.
There are many options on how to modify NetSuite as your business grows. Our team of NetSuite Professionals will be there every step of the way to identify strategic methods to be more effective with the ERP, and implement solutions. Ready for a successful NetSuite implementation that meets your business requirements?
Our team is based out of Wisconsin and provides services to the entire United States, and beyond. You get USA-based senior consultants with a wide range of experience!
As both an Oracle NetSuite Alliance Partner and an Oracle NetSuite Commerce Partner, our project teams are ready and equipped to handle every aspect of your NetSuite Implementation!
