Oracle NetSuite, as a leading ERP solution, offers immense potential for business transformation. However, the key to unlocking this potential lies in choosing the right partner for implementation.
This guide aims to provide an in-depth look at understanding the importance of NetSuite channel partners and selecting the perfect NetSuite implementation partner for your ERP transformation.
What are NetSuite Partners?
NetSuite partners specialise in Oracle NetSuite ERP software, the surrounding ecosystem, and implementations. Their collective experience ensures you receive expert advice and services on your NetSuite journey.
NetSuite offers a variety of partner programmes, each tailored to different business needs.
- SuiteCloud Development Network: Partners in this network specialise in creating bespoke software solutions within NetSuite, offering customisation that aligns with your unique business processes.
- NetSuite Alliance Partners: These consultancies provide strategic insights to align your business processes with NetSuite’s capabilities. They excel in translating complex business requirements into efficient NetSuite solutions.
- NetSuite Solution Providers: Like Annexa, these partners are your all-in-one NetSuite implementation specialists, covering the above and much more. They manage the entire lifecycle, from initial analysis and system design to customisation, deployment, and ongoing support. Their holistic approach ensures that NetSuite aligns seamlessly with your business objectives.
Selecting the best NetSuite channel partner
Collaborating with the best NetSuite channel partner possible can lead to significant cost savings, efficient and adaptable implementation methodologies, and expert integration services. A good partner brings not just technical know-how but also a suite of support programmes and training options to maximise your NetSuite investment.
- Cost-efficient customisation: A skilled partner can navigate the complexities of customisation, ensuring cost-efficiency and minimised disruptions.
- Methodology adaptation: They bring methodologies that adapt to your business’s size, complexity, and industry-specific needs, ensuring a smooth NetSuite implementation.
- Expert integration: Their expertise in integration guarantees that NetSuite works harmoniously with your existing systems to enhance overall functionality and user experience.
- Tailored support and training: The right partner offers more than technical expertise. They also provide support and training programs, which are both vital for staff adoption and maximising ROI from your NetSuite investment.
Partners are crucial for avoiding ERP implementation failure
When it comes to enterprise resource planning projects, mistakes, setbacks, additional costs, and failure are commonplace. These types of failed ERP implementations are often due to inadequate planning, unclear objectives, or poor partner selection.
A competent partner brings invaluable insights into these challenges, offering solutions rooted in experience and best practices. Their involvement is often the difference between a successful implementation and a costly mistake.
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What should I look for in a NetSuite Partner?
When selecting a NetSuite channel partner, it is essential to look for a team with certified NetSuite expertise to ensure they have the technical skills required. They should have a solid track record in your industry to understand your specific challenges. A strong portfolio of successful NetSuite implementations is a good indicator of their experience. You should also look for positive client feedback and case studies, which reflect their commitment to customer satisfaction and successful project delivery.
Why work with a partner over a vendor?
Working with a partner rather than directly with the software vendor for your NetSuite implementation can offer several advantages. Partners typically provide a more personalised service, often with a deeper focus on your specific business needs and industry nuances. They usually have a breadth of experience drawn from multiple NetSuite implementations across various sectors, which can translate into more innovative and customised solutions. Partners can also be more agile and responsive, offering quicker turnaround times for support and customisation requests. They also tend to foster closer relationships, which can be invaluable for training, troubleshooting, and future system enhancements. Overall, a partner can act as an extended arm of your company, deeply invested in your long-term success with the NetSuite platform.
More resources:
The benefits of working with a software partner vs a software vendor >
How partners help with each phase of a NetSuite implementation
The NetSuite implementation process typically involves stages such as planning, design, testing, and deployment. Each stage has distinct activities, with your chosen partner playing a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition.
Planning stage
Involves requirement gathering, defining scope, and setting realistic timelines.
Role of partner: The partner brings expertise in aligning your business needs with NetSuite’s capabilities. They help in gathering detailed requirements and defining the project’s scope.
Why it’s important: Proper planning ensures that all business needs are understood and met. The partner’s experience in similar projects allows for setting realistic timelines and preparing for potential challenges to reduce risks of delays and cost overruns.
Design and customisation
Tailoring NetSuite to fit your business’s specific needs.
Role of partner: A NetSuite partner customises the ERP to suit your business’s unique processes and requirements. They ensure that the system reflects your unique operational workflows and business rules.
Why it’s important: Tailoring NetSuite to your business ensures that the system adds value from day one. Customisation makes the system more intuitive for your users and can automate specific processes to bolster efficiency and user adoption.
Testing Phase
Rigorous testing to ensure all components work seamlessly.
Role of partner: The partner conducts thorough testing of the system, including stress testing and user acceptance testing. They ensure that all components function as expected and that any customisation works seamlessly with NetSuite’s core features.
Why it’s important: Rigorous testing identifies and resolves any issues before the system goes live. This phase helps in ensuring reliability and performance of the system to reduce the risk of operational disruptions post-deployment.
Deployment and go-live
The transition to the new system, with support to mitigate any operational disruptions.
Role of partner: During deployment, the partner manages the transition to the new system. They provide support to address any immediate issues and assist in data migration.
Why it’s important: A smooth transition to the new system is vital to minimise downtime and operational disruption. The partner’s support during this critical phase helps in ensuring a seamless shift and quick resolution of any emergent issues.
Post-implementation review
Ongoing support and optimisation to ensure the system evolves with your business.
Role of partner: After implementation, the partner offers ongoing NetSuite support and optimisation services. They help in fine-tuning the system based on user feedback and changing business needs.
Why it’s important: Continuous support and optimisation ensure that the ERP system evolves with your business. This helps with maximising the return on your ERP investment and ensuring that the system continues to meet your business needs.
The selection process: How to select the right NetSuite partner
Technical expertise
How to assess:
- Request detailed case studies or project summaries to understand their technical proficiency.
- Ask about specific NetSuite modules or features they have implemented.
- Evaluate their approach to problem-solving through scenario-based questions.
- Discuss how they have tailored NetSuite solutions to fit different business models.
Sources for more information: Visit their website, look for whitepapers, or attend events and webinars they host to get deeper insights into their technical capabilities.
Industry experience
Consider their experience in your industry, which can bring valuable insights and tailored solutions.
How to assess:
- Inquire about previous projects they have completed in your industry.
- Request references from businesses in your sector that have worked with them.
- Ask about industry-specific challenges they have faced and how they addressed them.
Sources for more information: Look for case studies on their website or industry-specific testimonials and reviews online.
Geographical location
This can be especially important if local support and understanding of local business environments and regulations are important.
How to assess:
- Consider if they have offices or representatives in your region.
- Evaluate their understanding of local market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
- Discuss their availability for in-person meetings and on-site support if necessary.
Sources for more information: Check their company profile for office locations and service areas.
Client testimonials and references
Seek out feedback from their previous clients to gauge their effectiveness and reliability.
How to assess:
- Request a list of references and contact them directly to inquire about their experience.
- Look for client testimonials and NetSuite case studies on their website and third-party review sites.
- Ask specific questions about the partner’s reliability, responsiveness, and effectiveness.
Sources for more information: Online business directories and review platforms may provide additional feedback from past clients.
Cultural alignment
A NetSuite partner who aligns well with your company’s culture can greatly facilitate smoother communication, more efficient collaboration, and a better overall working relationship.
How to assess:
- Engage in direct discussions to understand their company values and work ethic.
- Observe their communication style during meetings and correspondence.
- Ask about their team collaboration and project management approaches.
Sources for more information: Social media profiles, about pages, and company blogs can offer insights into their company culture and values.
Remember, the goal of this assessment is not just to find a partner with the necessary technical skills, but one that aligns well with your business needs, industry requirements, and company culture for a successful long-term partnership.
More resources:
To ensure you choose the best NetSuite implementation partner, consider these 8 essential tips >
Infographic: What to look for in a NetSuite Partner >
Training and support
Ongoing training and support will maximise the benefits of your NetSuite investment. Look for partners who provide comprehensive training programs and robust support.
How to assess:
- Assess the training delivery methods – do they offer in-person, online live, or on-demand training?
- Review the support terms for response time, availability, and the communication channels they offer (e.g., email, phone, helpdesk).
- Check if they have a dedicated support team and if they offer different levels of support depending on your needs.
- Consider the support hours – are they in line with your business hours, or do they offer 24/7 support?
Sources for more information: Contact the partners directly and request information on their training and support services, including customer references and case studies.
More resources:
Becoming a NetSuite pro: Where to find NetSuite training >
What types of solutions do NetSuite development partners offer?
NetSuite partners offer NetSuite development services tailored to various business needs, providing the flexibility to customise and extend the capabilities of the NetSuite platform. These services include:
- Custom software development: Tailoring NetSuite to meet specific business requirements, including custom workflows, forms, and functionality.
- System integration: Seamlessly integrating NetSuite with existing systems, such as CRM, HR, ERP, and e-commerce platforms, to maintain data consistency and enable real-time data synchronisation.
- eCommerce integration: Connecting NetSuite with online stores to automate order processing, customer data synchronisation, inventory updates, and streamlined fulfilment processes.
- CRM integration: Enhancing customer relationship management by providing a unified view of customer interactions and enabling better sales tracking and customer service.
- Payment gateway integration: Automating and securing payment processing by integrating NetSuite with popular payment gateways, ensuring accurate transactions.
- Third-party application integration: Linking NetSuite with specialised applications for inventory management, project management, marketing automation, and other needs.
- Custom workflows and automation: Developing custom scripts and workflows to automate business processes within NetSuite, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Module development: Building and implementing specific NetSuite modules, such as financial management, CRM, inventory management, order management, and more, to cater to different operational aspects of a business.
Looking for the best NetSuite implementation partner?
At Annexa, we are a leading Australian and New Zealand NetSuite channel partner with extensive experience designing and implementing comprehensive and customised NetSuite business systems, including payroll solutions, financial management, warehouse management, and eCommerce solutions.
Whether you’re looking for more information, seeking expert consultation, or want to explore your NetSuite options, we’re here to help – Contact us.