How to Successfully Implement the NetSuite Software in Your Business
NetSuite’s cloud-based software has been helping businesses manage all critical business processes since 1998. You’re probably reading this article because you understand the power of NetSuite but haven’t pinpointed how to effectively use it for your business’ unique needs.
The answer to your dilemma lies in how you develop your business blueprint. It also depends on the NetSuite implementation consultant you hire to create the right synergy between your business blueprint and the NetSuite software. Here’s how you can get the NetSuite support you need using your business blueprint and the right NetSuite implementation consultant.
What is a Business Blueprint?
A business blueprint can be likened to the blueprint architects create to support construction projects. Without this blueprint, contractors and construction workers wouldn’t know how to correctly put building materials together to create an architectural masterpiece.
Similarly, a business blueprint provides the strategic framework for what the business’ journey will look like, the steps that will be taken to achieve the business’ vision, how long the journey will take, and the team needed to get there. It provides a clear description of each team member’s role in getting the business to where it needs to be.
How Can You Successfully Create a Business Blueprint?
There are ten steps that can be used to create a business process blueprint which is exactly what you need for successful NetSuite implementation.
- Clearly list and describe all your existing business processes.
- Develop the scope of the boundaries of your business processes.
- Identify the people in each department who are responsible for each step of these processes.
- Do financial mapping to determine the costs and timelines of your existing business processes.
- Consult experts within the organization to determine whether the conclusions you’ve drawn in steps one to four are correct.
- Create a deliberate approach for addressing the necessary improvements.
- Establish internal controls and metrics to analyze the successes (or failures) of these improvements. This is where NetSuite would be featured the most.
- Test your new business processes.
- Make changes based on the results of the test and do a complete roll out of the improved processes.
- Make improving business processes an ongoing practice within the business.
How Does a Business Blueprint Support NetSuite Implementation?
You shouldn’t have to bend your business processes to fit into the NetSuite system framework. Instead, your business blueprint (and ultimately your business processes) should lead and inform the NetSuite setup design. Getting this right means that anyone on your team can access accurate data in real-time across departments to make informed decisions.
There should be a clear business blueprint that everyone in your organization understands before you even consider installing and implementing NetSuite. Business blueprinting will help you find gaps in your business processes. You’ll then be able to get a clearer sense of the efficiency improvements necessary to fill these gaps. An optimal business blueprint inevitably leads to a successful implementation of NetSuite.
With a clear business blueprint in hand, your team can effectively set up or configure NetSuite to address the issues identified during the blueprinting process. The improved processes should be clearly mapped into the system’s design. Otherwise, you and your team will get lost along the way and end up with a solution that doesn’t work for your business.
Why Hire a NetSuite Consultant to Make This Synergy Work?
Although NetSuite is a powerful all-in-one business process solution, it isn’t ideal for all business problems. I have been using NetSuite since 2015. My experience includes leading multiple successful NetSuite system implementations and NetSuite Administrator setups. I use a whole-business approach to determine whether NetSuite is the right solution for the needs outlined in your business blueprint.
My analysis may result in recommendations for internal control improvements, a revised separation of responsibilities, or a completely different software solution that is more aligned with your business’ needs. I am not a NetSuite developer and will, therefore, not lead with a NetSuite first approach if I don’t believe NetSuite is the best solution for your business.
Additionally, I’ll help you get the most out NetSuite if it is truly the right solution for your business blueprint. I know how to configure existing NetSuite features and settings that are accessible to the end-user. You’ll always know exactly what I have done, how it works, and, most importantly, you’ll be able to change or update any of the configurations I have made with confidence.
Bonus Tip: Avoid These Eight NetSuite Implementation Mistakes
Ignoring a business blueprint is only one of several common NetSuite implementation mistakes. Here are eight others that you should avoid.
- Hiring the wrong NetSuite consultant. You need a NetSuite consultant who understands your industry and how to align your business blueprint with the features of NetSuite.
- Not doing a data cleanse before NetSuite implementation.
- Not creating an internal NetSuite implementation team.
- Not properly training all internal NetSuite users.
- Ignoring the benefits of using the NetSuite test (or sandbox) account to avoid mistakes with the live account.
- Implementing NetSuite without first consulting the employees who will be impacted by its use.
- Not doing a phased roll-out of NetSuite so that changes can be progressively made to ensure its success.
- Misallocating resources throughout the phases of NetSuite implementation.
Final Words
It takes strategy and skill to use NetSuite effectively. I am a NetSuite consultant who can help you get the most out of NetSuite. Your business process blueprint is my starting point. If it’s well-developed, I can use it to determine whether NetSuite truly is the best solution for your business’ needs.
However, the work doesn’t end there. I’ll work with you to develop a phased approach to NetSuite implementation that includes proper budgeting and training. If NetSuite isn’t the best solution for your business, I’ll help you develop a phased approach to the implementation of whatever appropriate solution.