NetSuite might still be doing its job, but is your integration setup keeping pace? As your business grows, systems shift. New platforms are added. Processes evolve. But without the right integration layer, those changes can quietly erode the efficiency and accuracy your ERP was designed to deliver.
Whether it’s fragmented data, outdated workarounds or teams reverting to old habits, the signs of misalignment often point to one thing – it’s time to revisit how your systems connect.
Signs it’s time to rethink your integration strategy
You certainly won’t need a full rebuild to get more from NetSuite. More often than not, it’s about tightening the handshakes between systems already in play.
If your system isn’t running as smooth as you’d like, here are a few signs your integration layer needs attention:
- Data is duplicated, inconsistent or delayed across platforms
- Your team is exporting to Excel more than they’re working in NetSuite
- Key workflows (e.g. fulfilment, billing, reporting) still rely on manual steps
- New tools have been added, but aren’t syncing cleanly with NetSuite
- Errors are creeping in during high-volume periods like promotions or month-end
- You’re not confident in your single source of truth
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s likely your integration layer is slowing you down – not NetSuite itself. Before blaming the platform, it’s worth stepping back to look at how your systems connect, where the friction is and what’s being held together with workarounds.
When to consider a more advanced integration setup
As your business evolves, there’s a tipping point where entry-level connectors or manual workarounds can’t deliver the speed, scale or accuracy you need. That’s when it pays to think bigger and plan for a more robust integration framework that grows with you.
- You’ve added new channels or regions and your existing integrations can’t keep up with the volume or complexity
- You’re dealing with multi-entity structures and syncing intercompany data is becoming a manual mess
- You need real-time visibility and delayed syncs are creating blind spots
- You’re introducing automation like AI forecasting or robotic process automation and the data flows need to be watertight
- You’re struggling to scale because every new tool or process adds another workaround
What integration options do you have?
NetSuite’s open architecture means you’re not boxed into one approach. You’ve got options and the right one depends on your setup, systems and budget.
Prebuilt connectors | Tools like Celigo offer prebuilt integrations for common platforms (Shopify, Salesforce, 3PLs, marketplaces) with drag-and-drop configuration.
Native integrations | Many leading platforms offer direct NetSuite integrations out of the box – ideal for simpler needs and faster setup.
Custom integrations | For more complex flows or niche systems, APIs and middleware (again, like Celigo) allow for tailored solutions that mirror how your business actually works.
Manual touchpoints | Not strictly integrations – but sometimes automated CSV imports or saved search exports are enough to bridge a gap temporarily, without overengineering.
How to get started with integration optimisation
Before diving into new tools or fixes, start by mapping what’s already connected to NetSuite. List out every system currently in play – eCommerce platforms, CRMs, 3PLs, payroll – and note how each one is integrated: native, custom-built, via connector, or semi-manual (like CSV imports).
Then speak with your users. Are they seeing delays, errors or missing data? Are they stepping outside NetSuite to get things done?
From here, it’s easier to spot whether the problem lies in the integration design, the tools used, or simply a lack of visibility. A good NetSuite partner who specialises in integrations can help run a structured integration health check – looking at configuration, performance and gaps – and advise whether to optimise or rebuild.
How to approach an integration refresh
Depending on your setup, you might need a light-touch update, a few new connectors or a complete rethink. What matters is approaching it with a clear plan.
Start with your most business-critical workflows. Where do delays hurt most – sales orders, fulfilment, reporting, procurement? Prioritise integrations that impact customer experience, cashflow or decision-making.
From there, look at where standard tools can help. Prebuilt connectors have come a long way and now support increasingly complex logic with low-code configuration. But if your processes are unique or you’re dealing with niche platforms, custom middleware may be the better route.
And don’t forget the basics. Sometimes the most valuable fix is eliminating manual exports, aligning naming conventions or consolidating duplicate records. Integration optimisation shouldn’t add complexity, it’s about removing it.
Ready for a clearer path forward?
If your business has grown but your system connections haven’t kept pace, it might be time for an integration review. At Annexa, we help NetSuite customers identify what’s working, what’s holding them back, and how to optimise their integrations for future growth. Talk to our team about integrating your NetSuite setup.