A failed NetSuite implementation is as frustrating as Ross screaming “pivot” and not being able to navigate the couch upstairs. But you don’t have to stress out thinking about the NetSuite implementation problems. Just remember that a successful NetSuite setup can save your business, time, and money. It can also help your workers work more efficiently and make better judgments. So let’s look at what could go wrong and how to keep your NetSuite implementation on track.
NetSuite is a popular business management software that can help your company function more efficiently. However, NetSuite implementation can be challenging. There are common NetSuite implementation problems that might arise during NetSuite setup. They can slow down the process or make things more complicated than they should be.
Problems to Avoid in NetSuite Implementation
Let’s look at some frequent NetSuite implementation problems. If you can avoid these problems, your company’s NetSuite setup will have a better chance of being successful.
Fear of Change:
Some employees are typically afraid of change and prefer to do things the same way they always have. This is a prevalent NetSuite implementation problem in many organizations, but it can be alleviated with a few steps. By including important staff in the process and offering comprehensive training, you may build knowledge and excitement about the upcoming changes.
Clearly articulate the reasons for deploying NetSuite, highlighting how it would ultimately increase efficiency and make their work easier. Do not forget to request feedback from all system users.
Budget Overruns:
This NetSuite implementation problem is the result of an unchecked expansion of a project’s scope beyond its initially established bounds and objectives. It entails introducing additional features, requirements, or adjustments to the project that were not initially planned. Extending the project’s scope beyond the original design might result in delays, higher implementation costs, and difficulties managing project resources effectively.
Not Enough Expert Resources:
Implementing an ERP system properly requires time. Depending on the size and complexity of your organization, you will require at least one person with NetSuite knowledge, if not a full team. Consider backfilling important positions so that process owners may focus on implementation without having to worry about day-to-day labor.
Key users should include representatives from all important business divisions and departments that will interact with the system. Failure to involve all essential departments or to backfill key positions may result in unforeseen NetSuite implementation problems that derail the project and delay the Go-Live date, thereby costing more money.
Data Migration Issues:
Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of data before and during migration can be difficult since data from diverse sources may be partial, inconsistent, duplicated, or contain errors. Data migration can also lead to complexity and delays in implementation, particularly when the bulk of the data, data purification, adaptations to satisfy data mapping requirements, and dedicated personnel are overlooked.
Wrong Implementation Partner:
Many consulting organizations claim to be experts in ERP implementations, but how much do they know about NetSuite specifically? Is your partner experienced in your company’s industry?
An experienced implementation partner can assist you and your team choose the best methods to configure NetSuite to meet your goals by examining your present processes and discussing NetSuite features and capabilities with you.
If your company is SaaS-based, you’ll need a partner who understands SuiteBilling and the Contract Renewals SuiteApp. The expertise contained within these modules and apps will enable your organization to better identify income, comply with regulations, and ensure that your customers are invoiced on time and accurately.
Impact on Project Timeline:
Unfortunately, this is a prevalent NetSuite implementation problem, indicating underlying difficulties such as insufficient planning, resource limitations, scope modifications, unforeseen errors, inefficient processes, and poor communication among project team members. These unforeseen events have the ability to disrupt project timelines and cause a chain reaction of missed deadlines throughout the project’s implementation process.
Lack of Preplanning:
Are your existing business processes documented? If not, before beginning the implementation, it is critical to document your current practices and discuss with your partner which NetSuite capabilities are suited for specific procedures. NetSuite may be able to manage your processes more efficiently than your legacy system.
Lack of careful preparation can lead to unforeseen customization challenges, as current business processes often require only minor changes rather than major modification in NetSuite to adapt them.
Lower User Satisfaction:
Another common NetSuite implementation problem we see while implementing NetSuite is low user satisfaction and adoption rates. NetSuite might be difficult to understand, particularly for first-time users. Because of a lack of information, assistance, and training, users may face frequent errors and fear that the system does not suit their needs, causing them to avoid using it.
Insufficient Oversight:
A reputable implementation partner will assign a project manager to your project to manage all parts of the implementation. However, it is equally crucial for your firm to have a project manager oversee the implementation.
That project manager is essential for keeping the team on track while the implementation partner is not present. This person would be someone with a good and deep understanding of the business who can help connect the dots between departments and the flow of a transaction through the system.
Customization Overload:
While customization is a useful aspect of NetSuite that allows organizations to fit the system to their individual needs, excessive customization can cause a variety of issues, often to the point where the system becomes unnecessarily complex and difficult to manage, jeopardizing its productivity. Some adaptations also suffer from poor functional design, which does not meet the needs of company operations.
Why Do NetSuite Implementations Fail?
It’s really important to figure out how to avoid the frustration of NetSuite implementation failure. Here are some key problems to steer clear from.
Not the Right Platform:
While NetSuite offers a variety of functions, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing the incorrect platform might lead to tragedy. A thorough assessment of your company’s specific requirements and functionality is critical. Implementing a complicated system when a simpler one would suffice might result in wasted resources and user dissatisfaction.
Inexperienced Resources:
The effectiveness of a NetSuite implementation is dependent on the knowledge of the individuals involved. Inexperienced internal workers may be unable to efficiently configure the system, resulting in integration difficulties and inefficiencies. Similarly, external consultants who lack a deep understanding of NetSuite may overlook critical tasks or struggle to adjust the system to your specific business operations. Investing in experienced resources, whether through internal training or certified consultants, is critical.
User-Side Functional Gaps:
Even with diligent planning, a lack of user understanding can jeopardize a NetSuite implementation. If staff are inexperienced with NetSuite’s functions and workflows, they may struggle to adjust to the new system. This can result in decreased productivity, errors, and, eventually, reluctance to utilizing the platform. Comprehensive training programs are required to close the gap and assure user competency.
Lack of Buy-In:
NetSuite implementation necessitates buy-in at all levels of the organization. Without leadership sponsorship and staff excitement, the project may swiftly lose momentum. Executives who aren’t totally committed may be unwilling to devote resources or prioritize implementation. Similarly, employees that see NetSuite as a burden rather than a benefit may avoid learning and implementing the system efficiently.
Unsuitable Project Manager:
Leading a NetSuite implementation is a difficult endeavor that requires the skills of an experienced project manager. The chosen candidate should be able to communicate effectively with technical teams and business stakeholders.
Understanding the Challenges of NetSuite Implementation
NetSuite implementation is a transformational process that provides considerable benefits to organizations. It does have some complications too. Organizations can improve their chances of a successful NetSuit implementation by identifying and resolving the above mentioned problems. Clear project planning, data migration, data quality, change management, and user adoption are all key NetSuite implementation problems to consider during the implementation process. Customization and interaction with third-party apps, as well as managing expectations and conducting thorough testing, are all critical for a successful and efficient implementation.
Conclusion
NetSuite ERP is well-known as the best accounting and CRM software for numerous reasons. It provides broad capabilities for business management applications that meet the needs of many companies. NetSuite has become a strong platform for managing financial operations and gaining insights that drive financial performance.
While NetSuite as a program provides numerous benefits, NetSuite implementation problems can arise for a variety of reasons and can be costly to enterprises.
If you want to maximize the NetSuite implementation success chances, consider bringing us onboard to support your in-house team. Be confident because we have the expertise and experience for NetSuite integration with a plethora of clients.
You can get in touch with us and check out our resources at Folio3.
