Are you planning on a NetSuite implementation for your business? Are you concerned about the planning process? The good news is that you’re not alone in that regard, many organizations today tend to be unsure about their implementation process and how to successfully integrate NetSuite into their business.
As statistics go an estimated 60% of ERP projects fail, but while this stat may be concerning it’s important that you realize that by taking the first step and reading this blog, you’re already taking the necessary steps to having a successful ERP project. If you have already evaluated NetSuite vs. Microsoft Dynamics 365 and other ERP systems, you have chosen among good options. NetSuite is a powerful software platform that provides data that’s collecting in real time, a sleek inventory management system, and a plethora of other useful applications.
So, without further ado here are some tips on how to successfully plan a NetSuite implementation.
Make sure your team is on board
With any business decision it’s important to make sure that your employees are on board with the project. It’s extremely difficult to finish a project without the backing of your coworkers. When actually planning out a NetSuite implementation make sure that the right members of your business are on a team together. Individuals like intern subject experts, IT employees, a member from the executive-level, and making sure that whoever leads the project is a decisive and motivated leader is important for the entire project to go smoothly.
Safekeeping your data
Before you continue with your implementation plans it’s important that preparations are made to take inventory of your current data. Find the errors in your current system and try to fix errors before NetSuite comes into play. If you’re able to accomplish this before the actual process begins you can minimize delays during the data migration stage and you’ll be able to keep your project on track.
Choose the best NetSuite VAR or implementation partner
Not all NetSuite implementers are created equally. It is important that you take the necessary steps to choose the best ERP implementation partner for your NetSuite implementation. When putting together your implementation plan, it is important to recognize what your NetSuite partner’s strengths and weaknesses are since they are typically stronger on the technical aspects rather than the business process and organizational change components of your transformation. Independent ERP consultants such as our team at Third Stage can help ensure that you find the best overall solution for your project.
Testing and training
It’s important to test to see whether NetSuite will deliver what you need out of it for your business. Many times, organizations fail to go through with a successful project due to insufficient testing. By testing you can ensure that all processes in the software operate correctly and won’t crash upon going live, you can also use this opportunity to train your employees on how to use the software as well. As for training it is crucial that you give your employees the tools necessary to do their jobs efficiently once you implement NetSuite. Whether you decide to train them personally or assign department heads to do it make sure that everyone understands how to use the new software.
Prepare for anything
Not all plans are built to be successful and that’s why when you’re going through the planning process you make sure that you have a contingency plan in case anything goes south. Even after you’ve implemented NetSuite it is wise to keep an ongoing plan on how to support the software beyond going live. Keep track of who you need to contact in case you need help and how to contact them in that case. By building a support strategy into your plan it will take a large burden off your shoulders when it comes to planning for your digital transformation.
And as always Third Stage Consulting is always here to answer any of your ERP planning questions and needs, so feel free to contact us to discuss alternatives and options that may make the most sense for your company.
