NetSuite Implementation: 8 Challenges & How to Overcome Them (2024)

A NetSuite ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system revolutionizes business operations, enhancing effectiveness, boosting productivity, streamlining operations, and improving overall business efficiency. However, implementing it alone creates complexities and challenges that affect entire business processes and organizational personnel.

Indeed, NetSuite has found that 51% of organizations face operational challenges in their initial go-live phase, particularly with data migration, process alignment, and user adoption. To overcome these growing challenges and reach operational excellence, partnering with the right expert, who brings the necessary skills and strategic insight, is essential.

In this blog post, we will explore the challenges associated with NetSuite implementation and discuss strategies to overcome them. Keep reading to learn more.

For further details, continue reading below!

Top 8 NetSuite ERP implementation challenges:

1. Enhanced Project Planning and Management :- NetSuite ERP implementation process involves different phases, including planning, deployment, design, development, ongoing support, and post-implementation updates. The success of the implementation depends on how all the teams work together. However, each department has its own set of responsibilities, which can create difficulties in harmonizing efforts across teams.
2. Data Integrity Assurance :- During the implementation of NetSuite, many organizations encounter significant challenges related to inadequate data quality and integrity. These issues can obstruct data transparency, accuracy, reliability, and real-time inventory visibility, making it difficult for decision-makers to make informed choices. Such obstacles can adversely affect both customer experience and employee productivity.

   Hence, it is crucial to ensure accurate data and real-time insights to enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and deliver a seamless customer experience.

3. Automated Task Execution :- As mentioned earlier, accurate inventory management is crucial for making informed decisions. However, this poses a significant challenge due to the reliance on manual entries, which are prone to errors. In fact, involving personnel in manual data entry increases the risk of human errors.

   On average, 40% of surveyed workers spend at least a quarter of their workweek on manual, repetitive tasks, impacting overall efficiency (Source: exelatech). This highlights the importance of leveraging NetSuite ERP to automate redundant tasks, workflows, and processes in your business. By doing so, you can ensure exceptional performance and maximize productivity.

4. Change Adaptation Strategies :- Regardless of your business's size, NetSuite ERP implementations often encounter opposition to change. Introducing new capabilities and features triggers complexity and resistance among employees accustomed to established processes.

   While the system is designed with logic, analytical methods, and consistent processes, users may still struggle to adapt to technological changes, especially when the benefits of new strategies are not immediately clear.

5. Streamlined Processes and Procedures :- Choosing to implement cloud-based NetSuite ERP software provides an opportunity for your organization to reassess its workflows. This evaluation helps identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies tied to outdated software.

   Implementing a new NetSuite ERP system also enables you to evaluate the roles and responsibilities within your organization. It's natural for employees to harbor concerns during these transitions, yet it presents an excellent opportunity to engage them in identifying inefficiencies across all levels. Ultimately, implementing an ERP system can aid in cost reduction and the elimination of bottlenecks.

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6. Tailored Solutions Alignment :- Regardless of your business's size, NetSuite ERP implementations often encounter opposition to change. Introducing new capabilities and features triggers complexity and resistance among employees accustomed to established processes.

   While the system is designed with logic, analytical methods, and consistent processes, users may still struggle to adapt to technological changes, especially when the benefits of new strategies are not immediately clear.

7. Skillset Development Initiatives :- Imagine that you have successfully implemented NetSuite ERP to operate, manage, and execute your business operations. The real challenge often emerges post-implementation when the full capabilities of NetSuite remain underutilized due to a skills gap. This common frustration can lead to decreased productivity. Therefore, it is imperative not to allow unskilled or semi-skilled employees on board. Additionally, persisting with training and support will help you become familiar with unlocking the full potential of NetSuite ERP.

8. Unrealistic Expectations :-When implementing a new business software system, it's important to have realistic expectations about what it can and cannot achieve. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a powerful tool, but it won't immediately solve all of your company's issues.

   In fact, many companies experience a discrepancy between their expectations and the actual results during NetSuite implementation. This can make it increasingly challenging to achieve their software goals over time.

   Therefore, it's crucial to approach ERP implementation with a clear understanding of what the software can and cannot do and to set realistic goals that align with your organization's needs and capabilities.

How to overcome these challenges?

Addressing the above challenges plays a vital role in enabling you to unlock the full potential of NetSuite, helping you maximize overall business productivity.

Choosing and implementing NetSuite alone is not sufficient to overcome your business optimization challenges. It's crucial to engage with the right NetSuite business solutions provider who has a team of highly skilled professionals, expertise, and real-world experience.

Selecting the right provider ensures that your NetSuite implementation aligns with your unique business needs and objectives. By partnering with a trusted NetSuite business solutions provider like Entartes, you can address all challenges, enhance efficiency, streamline operations, gain ongoing support, guidance, and training, and ultimately drive success in your organization.

Why choose Entartes as your NetSuite implementation partner?

Entartes stands out as the best NetSuite implementation solutions provider in the US due to their tailored services and support. With over 10 years of experience in deploying NetSuite solutions, they differentiate themselves from the crowd with their expertise and commitment to excellence.

• Extensive experience and expertise.
• A proven track record of successful implementations.
• Agile methodology for flexible and efficient project management.
• Ongoing customer support and training sessions
• Budget-friendly plans tailored to your organization's needs.