How should you approach choosing a NetSuite partner?

When choosing a NetSuite partner, it’s essential to carefully consider several factors that will significantly impact the success of your NetSuite implementation and its long-term value to your business. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Experience and Expertise

• Industry-Specific Experience: Select a partner with experience working with companies in your industry. They will understand the unique challenges and requirements specific to your sector.
• NetSuite Expertise: Ensure the partner has a proven track record in implementing and customizing NetSuite solutions. Ask for references and examples of previous projects.

2. Service Offering

• Implementation Services: Evaluate the partner’s ability to manage the entire implementation process, from needs analysis and planning to customization, data migration, and deployment.
• Support and Maintenance: It is essential that the partner offers ongoing support and maintenance after the implementation to ensure that the system runs smoothly and is updated as needed. Therefore, make sure that the partner you choose has a strong offering for support and management. It’s important to understand that the provider, Oracle NetSuite, does not offer any free standard support. The support Oracle can provide is only available in English and only covers standard functions. In other words, Oracle cannot support any customizations or integrations that are common in customers’ systems. This is why the support provided by the NetSuite partner you choose is especially important.
• Well-Developed Support Functions: A strong partner should have a well-developed support organization that can provide quick and effective assistance when issues arise. This includes access to technical support, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Management and Support: The partner should offer comprehensive management services to handle upgrades, patches, and other ongoing maintenance needs. This also includes advising on how the system can be optimized and developed over time.
• Training: A good partner should offer extensive training for your team to ensure they can use NetSuite effectively.

3. Project Management

• Delivery Methodology: The partner’s project management methodology should be clear and structured, with a strong focus on keeping the project within the timeline and budget.
• Communication: Choose a partner that is transparent and keeps you informed throughout the project. Effective communication is key to managing expectations and resolving issues quickly.

4. Customer Reviews and References

• Feedback from Previous Clients: Ask to speak with previous clients to gain insight into the partner’s strengths and weaknesses. Pay particular attention to how they handled challenges and whether they delivered as expected.
• Case Studies: Review case studies that describe how the partner has helped other companies achieve success with NetSuite.

5. Cultural Fit

• Work Culture: It’s important that the partner shares similar work values and that their corporate culture aligns with your organization’s. A good cultural fit can facilitate collaboration and lead to a more productive partnership.
• Flexibility: Choose a partner that is flexible and adaptable to changes in the project scope or direction.

6. Pricing Structure

• Transparency in Pricing: Understand how the partner prices their services and ensure there is a clear agreement on costs. Avoid hidden fees and try to get as detailed a quote as possible.
• Value for Money: Evaluate whether the partner offers good value for money. The cheapest partner is not always the best, and it may be worth paying more for higher quality and better support.

7. Long-Term Partnership Potential

• Future Needs: Consider your future needs and how the partner can support your business as it grows or if needs change.
• Innovation and Development: Choose a partner that is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest NetSuite features and can help you take advantage of new opportunities.
• Management and Long-Term Support: A partner that can provide ongoing management and support over time will be invaluable in ensuring your NetSuite solution remains effective and aligned with your business goals even after the initial implementation.

By carefully considering these factors, including the partner’s support functions and management capabilities, you can select a NetSuite partner that not only helps you implement the system but also becomes a reliable long-term ally in your company’s continued success.