Data from the NetSuite website shows that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) market remains in a phase of rapid expansion, with a total market size expected to exceed $49.5 billion by 2024.
This means more and more organisations are recognising the benefits of implementing an ERP system and taking advantage of the trend.
If you’re thinking of joining the thousands of organisations using NetSuite, you’ll get to a point where you would have to decide how you want to navigate the implementation process.
There are three possible ways to implement NetSuite:
Self-implementation
Self-implementation involves using internal resources to implement the software after purchase. To pull this off successfully, it is always necessary to have at least one person in your IT team who is well-versed in the software and the implementation process.
For many organisations, the idea of saving money by self-implementing might sound tempting. But the truth is that most times, self-implementation can end up costing your company a lot more than the cost of getting help from an implementation partner.
Issues such as longer-than-expected turnaround time and lack of experience in resolving unexpected obstacles are often common when self-implementing.
NetSuite Direct implementation
This entails getting help from NetSuite professional services. The company has a brilliant implementation team who can work directly with clients to bring their ERP to life.
However, pricing from NetSuite Direct is no cheaper than coming to an implementation partner.
If you want to go the NetSuite Direct path, make sure you do your research and get some quotes from a few different providers to compare costs.
Using the services of an implementation partner
This approach involves getting a NetSuite Solution Provider or Partner to implement the solution and provide support. These are leading industry experts entrusted by Oracle to sell and implement NetSuite.
You can choose to outsource the implementation from start to finish or follow a shared or guided implementation approach.
The former is more expensive but requires less time investment from you and your employees. If you decide to go with a guided or shared approach, you can expect to save on fees as you combine internal resources with the expertise of a partner.
Why You Should Work with a NetSuite Partner
So, what are the benefits of a NetSuite Partner over going direct or self-implementing the software?
Competent NetSuite partners are made up of a team of highly qualified, well-trained, seasoned NetSuite professionals who pack the right expertise and experience. So when you hire a partner, you are basically calling all hands on deck to maximise the return on your ERP investment.
Unlike the first two approaches, a partner will be committed to your success and growth from the get-go and long after the go-live date. Plus, partners don’t just sell software; they take the time to understand the nuances of your organisation.
This allows for a personalised relationship through which you can get tailored NetSuite support, with the freedom to discuss best practices, pricing, buying options, key modules and more.
You also get to save on the cost of NetSuite implementation when you work with a partner. This is because they have the necessary tools and resources to get the job done quickly and efficiently without costing you an arm and a leg, unlike the other two approaches.
And if you encounter any problems along the way, you can rest assured that your partner will be there to resolve them in a timely manner so that your business operations are not disrupted.
Additionally, most NetSuite partners offer training and support services to ensure that you get the most out of your ERP. They will help you stay current with the latest features and updates so that you can keep up with the competition.
Working with a NetSuite partner also gives you peace of mind. This is because you know that you are working with a team of experts who will be there for you every step of the way, from start to finish.
It is also a win-win for the software vendors — Oracle — because when a certified channel partner devotes the time and resources needed to provide great implementation and support to clients, the vendors can focus their attention on product development and improvement, keeping clients happy.
In the end, your best bet is to partner with a trustworthy, experienced NetSuite Solution Provider such as FinanSys.
Whether it’s requirements gathering, implementation, configuration, diagnosis, employee training, technical assistance, ongoing monitoring, user adoption, or help desk support, FinanSys has all it takes to help you succeed.
Today, get in touch to learn more about our high-level end-to-end NetSuite offering, tailored to fit your needs and processes.
