NetSuite Implementation

Is it possible to self-implement without consultant support? Sure, it’s possible, but that doesn’t mean you should do it. You’ve got enough on your plate already, leading your company through the transition. You don’t need to also take on the stress of learning a new job outside your wheelhouse. 

In fact, we consider implementations to be sufficiently complex that we have a separate training and apprenticeship process for our NetSuite ERP consultants before they can become implementation consultants. It is possible to be a very decent 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. 

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 cases, there is a new use of software that wasn’t present before, and therefore, that software needs to be installed, accessed, turned on, configured, integrated, and loaded with historical data, all of which are parts of the implementation. During an implementation, some things 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.

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. 

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!

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.

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. 

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.