Crowe has worked with hundreds of clients to help implement and deploy the right configuration of NetSuite, and four common issues that can affect the cost of implementing NetSuite should be top of mind.
1. Breadth of involvement
NetSuite implementation isn’t an exact science, and every project is different. But it’s important for the team to consider each area of the business that should play a part.
Consider starting a project, mapping out its timeline, identifying key roles, and tying a budget to what’s there, only to get into the weeds and realize some important people still need to be factored in. Incorporating these additional perspectives will affect not only the timeline and the scope but also the budget. Crowe has found a disconnect often exists between who is hands-on, using the system day to day, and who is making the purchasing decisions.
NetSuite implementation takes more effort upfront than many businesses assume. Having a clear picture of who is involved throughout the organization can help save time and money.
2. Level of customization
Every organization has requirements specific to its business. An accurate picture of what is needed can help companies choose the correct integrations and add-ons and avoid missteps.
A NetSuite ERP solution has seemingly endless possibilities. Many business leaders wonder if the implementation process is being done the right way for them. While NetSuite isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, some common steps allow for an efficient, cost-effective NetSuite implementation. Beyond this, integrations, add-ons, or configurations can be used to address specific business needs and optimize performance.
Customization is key to getting the most out of the investment, but customization also leads to additional NetSuite implementation costs. It’s crucial to weigh possible integrations with budget requirements and choose accordingly.
3. Extent of training and support
NetSuite isn’t simply a system that should be turned on to run in the background. IT teams should be fully equipped to manage the system beyond implementation.
When trying to determine the cost of NetSuite, businesses often stop at the implementation process. But NetSuite requires training, both initially and continually. Sometimes businesses jump from a manual spreadsheet to a cloud-based solution and are unsure of where to even begin. Other times, the new system is familiar, but help is needed to work through the customized add-ons.
Every training session takes time, resources, and personnel, and the outcomes of those sessions add to the cost of implementing NetSuite. Additionally, these training and support sessions could open doors to new customizations that weren’t considered in the implementation process. Having a team dedicated to tailoring the experience and the solution to the business can be a game changer.
4. Ongoing nature of fees
An ERP system isn’t a plug-in with a single user fee that might change minimally year over year. Implementing a NetSuite ERP solution is a process that requires continuing education – and potentially continuing costs.
When it comes to the upfront costs of a NetSuite ERP implementation, Crowe has found over the years that many businesses require additional system training sessions, more or different add-ons, and change management consulting. In addition, many businesses forget to include the cost of the old system overlapping the implementation.
The cost of a NetSuite implementation can include many moving parts, but getting the most out of the investment requires full buy-in and an understanding that it can be considered a constantly evolving process.
