As anyone who’s invested in business management software knows, implementing any large-scale system is a significant investment and not one that you should go into lightly. Working with a NetSuite Solution Provider Partner is one way to ensure that you get the best possible team working on your project.
NetSuite Solution Providers must demonstrate a track record of successful implementations and meet strict organisational requirements. In return for this expertise, they get access to the latest NetSuite training, updates and best practices, marketing resources and support. In turn, this is passed on to you.
Even so, choosing the right NetSuite implementation partner is often just as important as choosing the right software, if not more so. So, when you’re evaluating potential NetSuite solution partners, you need to be sure you’re asking the right questions.
Simply put: the right partner can make or break the success of your NetSuite implementation.
A NetSuite Solution Provider will have plenty of expertise and experience, a fantastic team and an extensive track record, yes, but if you can’t match these things with your business, your industry and your requirements, then they’re probably not the right partner for you.
What you want to know:
When it comes to NetSuite partner selection, you want to know that you’re working with a partner who understands your industry and can easily get to grips with your business, your goals and your existing systems, using their expertise to tailor NetSuite to your needs. You want someone who isn’t just going to go-live and disappear, but who has a long-term strategy for optimisation and improvement.
You also want to know if your chosen partner has the expertise to deliver measurable efficiency gains and tangible results. If they have only done smaller-scale projects, they may struggle with the complexity of a larger organisation.
A follow-up question to this should be something along the lines of “how many similar implementations have you completed?”, along with a request to see case studies or references.
What to listen for:
Red flags:
If the partner can’t provide case studies or references, or is lacking in experience of larger or smaller-scale implementations, you may want to look at other options.
What you want to know:
Scope creep, delays and running over budget are common pitfalls in NetSuite implementation projects and can have a serious impact on your business in terms of time, cost and morale. You want to know that your chosen partner is aware of these risks and has robust processes and measures in place to mitigate them, as well as who is accountable in the case of any concerns or issues.
What to listen for:
Red flags:
Vague answers when it comes to timelines, lack of documented processes or framework.
What you want to know:
By its very nature, a new software implementation is a massive change for any business, not just from a technology or operational perspective, but also from a human perspective. Users often have to adapt to new ways of working and processes, and this can be difficult to navigate.
Even with a perfect configuration, if users don’t adopt the system, your ROI will suffer, so you need an implementation partner that understands the human impact of digital transformation, offering training and support and helping you to champion your new system.
What to listen for:
Red flags:
Only mentioning the setup of the system and related deliverables, with no focus on the human aspect of the change.
What you want to know:
A lot of businesses, particularly larger ones, have legacy systems, data silos, and teams using different software and processes. Not to mention a LOT of valuable data. But, the result of this can be duplication of effort, and indeed duplication of data.
NetSuite is at its best when it’s fully integrated into your business and any other systems you use. A good partner will be able to look at all the information that’s available and customise the system accordingly, without going overboard when standard functionality will work just as well.
What to listen for:
Red flags:
What you want to know:
Implementation goes beyond go-live. After launch, you need to know that your implementation partner will be there to support you with any questions, training or concerns that you or your team might have.
Furthermore, NetSuite, like your business, is an ever-evolving entity, so you’re looking for a partner who will stay engaged with your business, who will guide you through challenges, concerns, updates, new modules and any other amendments you need to make to your system.
What to listen for:
Red flags:
Once the project is done and the NetSuite implementation is complete, some providers may take that as their invitation to disappear, potentially leaving you with questions, outstanding issues or users who have not been adequately trained in the system.
Maintaining business continuity during a NetSuite implementation is vital. Even the most well-planned project can create issues if it disrupts the operations of your business. Long-term improvements should not come at the expense of your operational stability, your employees, or your customers.
A great NetSuite partner will be able to manage the change without slowing your employees and your business down – or risking affecting your customers.
What to ask:
What you want to know: As a business, you will have clear goals and KPIs, and your NetSuite implementation should be no different. You need to be able to measure progress, address any concerns and be sure that you will get the return on investment that you’re looking for. You need definitive benefits and outcomes, not just a new system (although that’s good too!).
What to listen for:
Red flags:
If they’re only talking about NetSuite’s features and not the benefits it offers, or if they are uninvested in your business goals and industry landscape, look elsewhere.
What you want to know: As you evolve as a business, so should your NetSuite partner. You need to be assured that they can proactively respond to setbacks and learn from them, applying these learnings to your project going forward. You also need to know that they are transparent about any issues.
What to look for:
Red flags:
If they have no references to offer or otherwise show unwillingness to admit to setbacks and how they handled them.
The above questions are relevant to most, if not all, businesses when considering a new software system. However, depending on your business or industry, there are plenty of additional questions to consider. Here are some others that may or may not apply to you, but are definitely worth asking when they do:
These questions should form part of the much wider conversations you will have as part of implementing a new piece of software, however they are a good framework for addressing the key concerns and problems that are likely to arise before, during and after a NetSuite implementation. Here’s how you can use these questions when evaluating a NetSuite partner:
RIXO
Retail
Choosing the right NetSuite implementation partner is a difficult and strategic decision, perhaps even more so than choosing which software to go with in the first place. You need to be proactive when it comes to asking the right questions, questions that will allow you to determine exactly who the right NetSuite partner is for your business. If you integrate the above into your evaluation process, you’ll certainly be off to a good start!
Want to work with a partner that ticks all the right boxes? NoBlue2 are an award-winning NetSuite Partner with over 25 years of experience in NetSuite implementations.
Request a quick quote or get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your business and ERP needs. We’ll be happy to help!
