Whether you are a NetSuite professional looking to climb up the career ladder by joining the world of consulting, or just a beginner looking to get familiarize with everything ERP, or you are a fresh graduate looking for your first job in the NetSuite ERP industry, you need to prepare yourself for everything that you may experience ahead.
Now, just like in any other field, success as a NetSuite consultant comes with the right preparation, passion, and hard work in the right direction. Here in this blog, we will be looking at everything you need to know to become a certified NetSuite consultant. So, continue to read-on and we shall meet at the other end of the blog.
How to Become NetSuite Consultant – For Mid-Range Experienced Developer
Let’s start our guide by looking at how you as a mid-range experienced developer may become a NetSuite consultant.
Prepare
As a mid-range experienced developer, you must be familiar with various aspects and technicalities of the ERP system. This certainly gives you the edge to qualify as a NetSuite implementation consultant. However, before you may begin your journey, there are some essentials you need to follow. To begin with, you should take up the NetSuite Consultant Bootcamp training. It’s a three-week training program, aimed to deliver core knowledge and skills required to become an effective NetSuite implementation consultant. The program takes a hands-on exercise and self-study approach that makes it easier for you to get practical implementation experience. The course will also require you to implement NetSuite as a consultant for multiple business requirements; thus giving you plenty of confidence and experience to embark on a consultancy journey.
In fact, there are various NetSuite Consultant Bootcamp training offered by different agencies. All of these training are directed to instill core knowledge of the NetSuite ERP system including various features, processes, workflow automation, financial reporting, analytics, and integration capabilities in the candidates.
Once you are done with the initial consultancy training, you will be better prepared to step into the world of NetSuite consultancy confidently.
Apply
Now that you are done with the initial training required for NetSuite implementation, you will be required to complete at least 2 – 3 NetSuite Enterprise ERP implementation of 5 – 10 medium ERP implementation jobs. This is a prerequisite before you can apply for the certification. As a mid-range experienced developer, you may already have completed the requisite implementation jobs. Alternatively, you may complete these requisites within 2 years; starting from the first job.
Once you have the required experience, you will be able to:
- Identify business needs to match with the right NetSuite ERP solution
- Advise businesses about the steps involved in changing the standard ERP workflows
- Know about the need of using scripting tools to meet business needs
- Give customers consultation about the benefits and impacts of NetSuite configuration options
- Identify the business needs to extend the NetSuite ERP features through integration
Reinforce
Once you have the core skills and the requisite experience of being a NetSuite ERP consultant, you are almost ready to apply for the certification exam.
However, before you jump into the certification exam, it’s recommended to participate in one of the many ERP consultant study sessions. These sessions are dedicatedly meant to reinforce core concepts and use cases for NetSuite experts. By joining the study session, you will refresh your knowledge and up the skills to take on the certification exam.
Get Certified
Now that you are done with all the prerequisites and training, it’s time to apply for the certification. You can directly apply to NetSuite ERP Consultant Exams to gain the certification. However, to become a NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant, you would have to clear both the SuiteFoundation, as well as, ERP Consultant exam.
Folio3 is Your Best NetSuite Implementation Consultant with 20+ Years of Experience
For businesses to leverage the full potential of NetSuite implementation, it’s important to follow the right implementation path. As one of the leading NetSuite implementation partners, Folio3 assist businesses to implement the right NetSuite Integration solutions as per the unique business requirements. Whether you are looking for NetSuite CRM, NetSuite ERP, NetSuite SuiteeCommerce, or any other solution, at Folio3 we got the experience and expertise to deliver you a smooth, and hassle-free implementation service.
Over the years, the company has successfully completed hundreds of NetSuite implementation projects. Thanks to our extensive experience, industry know-how, and skilled implementation partners, we can interpret the unique requirement for businesses and offer the most suited NetSuite implementation solution.
Our NetSuite Implementation Process
As a premium NetSuite consultant and implementation partner, we bring in the best workflow processes and recommendations to implement the right NetSuite Customization solution for businesses. We work in close collaboration with clients to understand their needs and come up with a detailed implementation plan. We deliver clients a realistic implementation plan that includes timelines, budget, risks, and compliance requirements. All of this make sure that the implementation process is conducted smoothly with minimal business disruptions.
Our NetSuite implementation steps include;
- Planning
- GAP Analysis
- System Design
- Data Migration
- Customization
- Integration
- End-user Testing & Training
- Support
How to become a NetSuite Consultant – For Senior Developer?
As a senior developer, you may already have the required experience (2 – 3 NetSuite Enterprise ERP implementation of 5 – 10 medium ERP implementation jobs) and knowledge to appear for the certification exam. However, just to be sure about your success in the certification exam, we recommend you to join the NetSuite Consultant Study Sessions, where you may reinforce your knowledge and relearn the detailed processes you may not have practiced for a long time.
Once you are done refreshing your NetSuite core knowledge and workflow processes, you can directly apply for the NetSuite Certified Consultant. Again, you would have to clear both, NetSuite SuiteFoundation, as well as, ERP Consultant exam to become NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant.
How to Become NetSuite Consultant – for Fresh Graduate
As a beginner, there’s a long process for you to become a NetSuite consultant. As with any other career opportunity, the key here is the hard work and willingness to go the extra mile for that certification.
Here are some steps you need to follow to become a NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant;
Get the job
Before you venture into the industry as NetSuite implementation Consultant, you should strive to get a job in the relevant field. This is important because, with the right job, you will have the opportunity to understand the various technicalities and implications associated with the NetSuite implementation job. Also, the job will help you understand various case-studies and deliberations needed to make the right implementation choice for the customers.
Get The requisite experience
Once you have the job, you would need to complete at least 2 – 3 NetSuite Enterprise ERP implementation of 5 – 10 medium ERP implementation jobs before you can officially apply for the certification. Again, with the right job, you may be able to achieve the required experience within 2 to 3 years. Alternatively, you can also complete implementation projects privately (not recommended without due experience).
Attend Certification Study Sessions
After you have the required experience and expertise to appear in the certification exam, it’s recommended to attend multiple NetSuite Consultant Study Sessions. These are professional sessions meant as final preparation for professionals looking to sit in the NetSuite certification exams. In these sessions, you would refresh all your knowledge and expertise for NetSuite implementation and be better prepared to clear the certification exam.
Get the certification
Once you are done with all the prerequisite steps, it’s time to take the long jump and apply for the NetSuite Certification Exam. For you to become NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant, you would be required to clean both NetSuite SuiteFoundation, as well as, ERP Consultant exam. While the certification exams are expensive for the liking of most people, it goes a long way to pay you back in the longer-run.
How to become a Certified NetSuite Implementation Consultant?
To become a NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant, you will need to clear the certification examination. However, even before appearing in the examination, you are required to have the necessary experience equaling to about completing 5 – 10 medium scale, or 2 – 3 enterprise-scale NetSuite implementation jobs. Again, you may need 2 – 3 years’ experience as a NetSuite implementation consultant to have the required experience.
Now, the certification exam for NetSuite covers 5 subjects including; Platform, OneWorld, ERP, Analytics, and Data strategy. As a candidate, you would have 2 hours to complete the 80 MCQs, and matching questions.
It’s highly recommended for aspiring NetSuite consultants to join NetSuite’s study sessions, which is a 2-day intensive course. The study session is meant to reinforce the strategies, and skills of consultants by reviewing all the core subject areas. This will help you to reinforce the concepts and skills in NetSuite implementation, and get prepared for the final certification exam.
Once you are done with the study session, you would be prepared to take on the NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant exam. Remember, to earn the NetSuite Certified ERP Consultant, you would have to clear both NetSuite SuiteFoundation, as well as, ERP Consultant exam.
Hidden Traits of a NetSuite Consultant
The word “Consultant” carries a deep meaning and may even appear obscure to many. In reality also, “consultant” is a broad term and carries a significant range of responsibility that goes beyond the technicalities involved.
As a NetSuite consultant, you will need to dazzle the clients with NetSuite’s technical knowledge, as well as, impress them with your ability to persuade them, connect with them, and identify their business needs. All of these traits are crucial to become a successful NetSuite consultant. Below we have come up with some hidden traits you would need to become a successful NetSuite implementation consultant.
1. Understand the Inner-Workings:
It will be your primary responsibility as the consultant to identify and understand the client’s pain points. Besides, once you understand the unique business issues, it is easier to come up with the right NetSuite ERP solution to address the same.
Once you are connected with the company’s workflow processes, it will become easier for you to identify loopholes that may be causing the problems.
So, before you jump on to fix an issue, make sure you understand the inner working and scope of the project and what could be the best way to address the existing issues. As a best practice, your first assignment as a consultant would be to talk to the client and connect with the business model. The more you connect with the business, the better your credibility.
2. Clients’ Relationships:
As a reliable NetSuite consultant, you need to keep in touch with clients throughout the length of the project. Remember, the best approach to keep clients happy is by keeping them informed of all the updates. Since ERP implementation is a major step and may include many disruptions to business operations, it becomes even more important to keep your clients updated with all the updates. This way you will be able to build trust and credibility, while also learning more about the client’s business model.
The key trait of any consultant is to build lasting relationships with clients, based on trust and empathy.
3. Ability to Work under Stress:
ERP projects are not easy by any measure. These are resource-intensive and lengthy projects and include many complexities along the way. As a NetSuite consultant, you should expect to face stressful situations and complexities along the way, as well. In these situations, you need to be calm and composed.
As a NetSuite implementation consultant, you should be composed at times of stress and be prepared to listen to clients’ complaints and hindrances in the implementation process. Your responsibility at such times would be to bring peace of mind to clients by detailing them about the problems and reassuring them of the eventual success. Again, the key here is to keep clients informed of the project’s progress. Also, you need to be on your toes to anticipate and resolve any problems that may arise at any step.
4. Detailed Business Insight:
Last but not least, as a NetSuite implementation consultant you need to have strong and exceptional interpretational skills.
You will be responsible to evaluate the entire business model of the client, connect with them for their goals, and identify bottlenecks that may impede the successful ERP implementation.
Your ability to conduct a thorough business process review will be the key to ensure delivering the right solution to clients that are optimized to their current needs, as well as, future growth prospects.
Core Responsibilities and Skills of a NetSuite Consultant
A NetSuite implementation consultant is responsible for overall project planning, implementation, monitoring, and testing of the system. You will solely be responsible to tackle all technical challenges that may arise at any step during the implementation process. You will also be responsible to promptly act to counter any business disruptions if and when they arrive.
As a NetSuite consultant, you will also be responsible for training and post-implementation support; to ensure your client is able to leverage the full potential of the implementation. Also, as a consultant, you should offer the best technological solutions in line with business needs.
As a NetSuite implementation consultant, you would also be responsible to analyze business processes and systems. You should have the skills to analyze and interpret business models and identify any issues/problems with business systems, while also delivering the aptest solution. Besides, you also need to ensure the integrity of the system and that it is being used properly in line with business objectives and recommend ideas for improvements.
In a nutshell, as a NetSuite implementation consultant, it is your responsibility to take the project from the beginning (designing/planning phase) until the very end (implementation, testing, appraising).
Some key responsibilities of NetSuite consultant include;
- Designing and implementing customizations for NetSuite ERP
- Supervising and assisting technical teams for change management
- Analyzing and interpreting business requirements
- Customizing NetSuite solutions to meet business needs
- Managing mass data imports and exports
- Developing custom codes using SuiteScripts
- Managing system integration testing procedure
- Develop system enhancement process
- Train clients’ for optimal use of the system
What is NetSuite Consultant Salary – Project, Freelance and Hourly based
The average NetSuite consultant salary will vary depending on the years of experience, market reputation, and region. In general, the NetSuite consultant salary in the USA is $81,000 per annum. However, the NetSuite consultant salary for junior/low-experienced professionals may range from $50,000 – $70,000. Whereas, the average salary for a senior NetSuite consultant could go as high as $110,000+.
In the UK, the average salary for a NetSuite implementation consultant ranges between £30,000 and £80,000. Again, the NetSuite consultant salary in the UK will vary depending on the region, experience, industry, and company.
Besides, for NetSuite consultants working as freelancers, the average hourly rate stands anywhere from $50 to $70.
