Implementing NetSuite can unlock a new level of efficiency and growth for businesses, but it is not without its challenges. Each phase of a NetSuite implementation brings unique roadblocks that, if left unchecked, can impact timelines and outcomes.

Drawing from years of hands-on experience in NetSuite consulting and Salora ERP’s tailored solutions, we’ve outlined the most common pain points and practical strategies to overcome them for a seamless implementation.

1. Requirement Gathering
2. Existing System Integration
3. Legacy System Migration
4. User/Client Resistance
5. Timelines, Timelines, Timelines!
6. Maximize the Tools!
7. On-Going Support

1. Insufficient Requirement Gathering: A Recipe for Rework

One of the biggest pitfalls in any NetSuite implementation is inadequate initial requirement gathering. Failing to map out the specific needs of different departments can lead to misaligned processes, costly rework, and missed expectations.

How to Avoid:

• Cross-Functional Workshops: Conduct in-depth workshops with key stakeholders from each department to capture a full range of requirements.
• Process Mapping: Create detailed process maps to ensure that all workflows and integrations are considered before project kick-off.
• Salora’s Method: Our approach includes thorough discovery sessions that prioritize comprehensive input gathering to create a clear, actionable blueprint for implementation.

By investing time upfront in understanding every facet of your organization’s needs, you set the stage for a smoother implementation with fewer surprises down the line.

2. Integration Challenges with Existing Systems

Without proper planning, organizations may find themselves grappling with data silos that limit cross-departmental visibility and create workflow bottlenecks. Misaligned data sets and interrupted processes can lead to operational inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and frustrated teams. A well-executed integration strategy is essential to maintain a unified, streamlined business environment where data flows consistently and securely between platforms.

How to Avoid:

• Early Assessment: Evaluate existing systems and their integration capabilities before the project begins. Identify any potential roadblocks and address them in the planning phase.
• API Strategy: We suggest to NetSuite’s SuiteTalk or third-party APIs to bridge gaps and maintain data flow across systems.
• Salora’s Expertise: We specialize in developing tailored integration solutions that minimize disruptions and ensure seamless data flow between systems.

3. Data Migration: Building a Reliable Foundation

Transitioning data from legacy systems into NetSuite is complex and fraught with potential issues, from outdated formats to incomplete records that can jeopardize the integrity of the new system. These challenges can compromise data integrity and lead to significant setbacks if not addressed proactively.

How to Avoid:

• Pre-Migration Audit: Conduct an exhaustive data audit to identify and rectify errors or duplicates in legacy data, ensuring that only clean data is migrated.
• Validation Steps: Establish validation protocols across teams to confirm that data is accurate and mapped correctly before going live.
• Salora’s Approach: Our multi-step validation framework guarantees comprehensive data accuracy to lay a solid groundwork for your NetSuite journey.

A successful NetSuite implementation starts with a solid data foundation. Proven data migration strategies take the complexity out of the process, ensuring that your data is not only transferred but optimized for your new system.

4. User Resistance to Change: The Hidden Barrier

Even the most well-executed implementation can falter if users resist changing from familiar processes to new systems. This can slow down adoption and limit the effectiveness of NetSuite. Employees who are accustomed to existing workflows may find it difficult to embrace new systems, even if the new processes promise greater efficiency and productivity. This hesitation can result in slower adoption rates, decreased morale, and limited realization of NEtSuite’s potential benefits.

How to Avoid:

• Change Champions: Identify and train “change champions” within each department to advocate for the new system and help peers navigate the transition.
• Engagement Programs: Develop initiatives such as interactive demo sessions and Q&A forums to involve users early in the process.
• Salora’s Approach: We prioritize user-centric change management, ensuring that training and support are provided in a way that empowers teams and encourages early buy-in.

Change is never easy, but with the right strategy, it can be transformative. A focus on user-centric change management ensures that your team not only embraces NetSuite system but also champions it. By making users an integral part of the implementation journey, you must lay the groundwork for a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

5. Realistic Project Timelines: Avoiding Time Traps

One of the most common roadblocks is underestimating the time needed for various phases, particularly user training and onboarding. This often results in rushed timelines and poor user adoption.

How to Avoid:

• Detailed Milestone Planning: Develop a phased roadmap with specific milestones for training, data transition, and system testing to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Change Management Programs: Engage teams early with structured workshops, targeted training sessions, and continuous feedback to foster a smooth transition.
• Salora’s 90-Day Plan: We guide clients through a structured 90-day process that includes comprehensive onboarding and user adoption, ensuring the team is ready for go-live and beyond.

Setting realistic project timelines can mean the difference between a successful NetSuite rollout and one fraught with setbacks. A 90-day plan provides the structure, support, and foresight necessary to navigate every phase of your NetSuite journey smoothly.

6. Custom Reporting: Simplifying Complex Needs

When implementing NetSuite, many businesses overlook the intricacies involved in creating tailored financial reports and dashboards. While NetSuite offers a robust suite of built-in reporting tools, aligning these tools with specific KPIs and unique business needs often demands more advanced configurations.

Without a strategic approach, custom reporting can become a time-consuming and frustrating process, leading to delayed insights and missed opportunities for data-driven decision-making. Ensuring reports are not only functional but also insightful and aligned with business goals is essential to leverage the full power of NetSuite.

How to Avoid:

• Start with Standard Tools: Use NetSuite’s built-in reporting features as a foundation and layer customizations as needed to fit unique business requirements.
• Incremental Customization: Develop custom reports iteratively, involving users to gather feedback and make adjustments that meet their expectations.
• Salora’s Expertise: We leverage our decades of experience in the industry to develop customizable dashboards and applications that deliver actionable insights, streamlining decision-making for your team.

Simplifying complex reporting needs can transform how your business operates, enabling faster, more informed decisions. A Slow but Steady approach ensures that your team isn’t bombarded with massive and drastic changes. And also leveraging programs like SuiteAnalytics, benefits from insightful, customized dashboards that are as intuitive as they are powerful.

7. Sustaining Performance with Continuous Support

After a successful NetSuite implementation, many businesses make the critical mistake of overlooking the need for ongoing support. The initial phase of an implementation may go smoothly, but without continuous system updates, user training, and responsive support, businesses can find themselves struggling to adapt as new demands and challenges arise.

This lack of sustained attention can result in reduced system efficiency, missed opportunities for leveraging new features, and a decline in user satisfaction. Ensuring that your team stays proficient and your NetSuite system remains aligned with evolving business needs is key to maximizing your investment.

How to Avoid:

• Comprehensive Support Plans: Choose a partner that offers post-implementation services tailored to your business’s growth and evolving needs.
• Regular Training Sessions: Maintain user proficiency and ensure teams are up to date with the latest NetSuite features by scheduling ongoing training.
• Salora’s Commitment: We provide tailored support packages that go beyond standard post-implementation services, ensuring your system remains optimized and adaptable.

Sustaining peak performance in your NetSuite system requires ongoing attention, support, and training. Salora’s commitment to comprehensive, long-term support ensures that your NetSuite system not only meets your needs today but continues to serve as a catalyst for future growth and innovation.

Embracing the Implementation Journey

The key to overcoming common NetSuite roadblocks lies in meticulous planning, user engagement, and setting realistic expectations. Each challenge provides a chance to fine-tune processes, leading to a more resilient and effective system that supports long-term growth.

What’s Next: Ready to overcome your NetSuite implementation challenges? Salora ERP’s expert team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Contact Us and let’s make NetSuite easier today!