What Not To Do During a NetSuite Implementation

Throughout our decades of experience providing outsourced accounting services to clients, Plumb has helped many businesses transition to NetSuite accounting software – and we’ve seen it all. Here are our recommendations of what NOT to do during a NetSuite implementation. With some planning, and by avoiding these mistakes, your transition will be as smooth as possible.

1. Don’t forget to document your business needs.

Before you get started, it’s vital to have an understanding of what you need to get out of your software – both in the short and long term. Chances are you want to be able to do everything that you are currently doing – but more efficiently, and with fewer headaches. And you also want to be able to scale up when the time is right. Taking the time before you dive into a new software platform like NetSuite to understand what you need now, what you’ll need in the future, and what tools the software platform provides is well worth it.

2. Don’t choose the wrong implementation partner.

Not all industries are the same, and not all software platforms are the same. You want to work with a partner who is an expert in both your industry and the software you are seeking to utilize. Don’t be afraid to ask your prospective implementation partner about their depth and breadth of experience working with companies like yours and – specifically - with NetSuite. Check online for testimonials and get the names of references. We also recommend asking how they train and certify the team that will be tasked with managing your account.

3. Don’t migrate your data incorrectly.

This might go without saying, but we’ve seen how this single missed step can cause months of delays and ongoing issues. Prior to the data migration, you should figure out how you are going to migrate: will it be automated or manual? They each have their pros and cons. For example, automated data migration will be faster, more efficient, and most likely easier to execute. However, a manual process will allow you and your team to ensure that only the most accurate and necessary data moves over to your new software – ultimately saving you time down the road.

4. Don’t skip over the NetSuite sandbox tool.

The NetSuite sandbox tool is invaluable. It’s a test account that provides access to all the features of NetSuite – and your actual business data – without the risk of making any mistakes since it’s separate from the live platform. The sandbox is the perfect place for you and your team to play around with the new software. It has the dual benefit of giving your team familiarity with the tool and discovering possible issues or challenges before going live.

5. Don’t disregard your employees opinions.

Related to #4 is the importance of seeking the opinions and suggestions of the people who will be working in NetSuite each day. These are the team members who need to be comfortable with the platform, and who will be more invested in the transition – and dedicated to its success – the more they feel part of the discussion and decision-making process.

6. Don’t miss out on creating a NetSuite implementation team.

The implementation is only the start of your relationship with NetSuite. To get the most out of the software, we highly recommend that you either hire a NetSuite expert for your team, or that you work with an outsourced NetSuite expert. This person – or depending upon the size of your business, these people - will be responsible for heading up the implementation process as well as the ongoing maintenance of the tool. Your implementation (and maintenance) team will also be tasked with ensuring that you are utilizing the software to its fullest potential.

7. Don’t skimp on training your team.

A software is only as good as the data going in, and the team who is using it. Providing detailed and ongoing training is vital to the success of your move to NetSuite. Your NetSuite implementation expert will be able to provide both training as well as ongoing support, guidance, and assistance to ensure a smooth transition and that any future questions or issues are answered and addressed quickly, effectively, and accurately.

Plumb prides itself on being experts in the industries we support and the best-in-class software tools – like NetSuite - most commonly used in those industries. Our exclusive focus on these industries and software platforms means better results for our clients. Whether you are looking for full-time outsourced accounting solutions or part-time outsourced accounting support, Plumb is here to help.