Moving from a relatively simple software like QuickBooks to a powerhouse like NetSuite is no easy feat. The transition takes effort on both sides as we work to move your business to a new system, however the results of NetSuite users speak for themselves. After talking to Arjun Singh, Director of Finance at Genexa for feedback, I realized that his words needed to be shared beyond a ,case study.
So, without further ado, here are tips for business executives looking to implement NetSuite:
1. Have a dedicated project manager. It could be the CEO, an IT worker, or anything in between. Someone on the client side must step up and take ownership of the project.
Paapri actually implemented NetSuite for Genexa once in 2017, and to be blunt, neither side was thrilled with the results. The main reason for this was obvious, we didn’t have Arjun, a project manager with experience in software, on Genexa’s side. In Arjun’s words, nobody was “coming in with a hundred percent focus on [the implementation], like me”. It’s hard for the CEO of the company to deal with the complexities of a system overhaul while also running the business.
With such a large focus on financials throughout Genexa’s implementation, it was crucial for someone to be on the team that had “deeper financial reporting and planning experience”, knew how to “use systems similar to NetSuite”, and were “familiar with specifics like the Chart of Accounts”. In Genexa’s case, that was Arjun.
Long story short, having somebody dedicated to the project, even with limited experience, goes a long way.
2. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t have a main project manager, but be prepared to delegate.
We’ve worked with client teams of one, up to client teams of five or more. Paapri understands that there’s a lot of weight placed on the shoulders of executives, and sometimes you have to delegate. We do our best to streamline the process by breaking it up into phases, and can work with specific team members on their specialty. Some clients prefer this in fact, as the system can be customized to the specific individuals who will be using it.
3. You can always come back for more.
We run into a lot of clients who want everything out of the gate, and while willing to give it to them, sometimes it’s more practical to do things in stages. This may mean sticking to basic NetSuite, or something close to it, in phase one. After the initial implementation is finished, you can evaluate what else is needed/would be nice to have while you acclimate to the system, and then move forward from there.
While “basic NetSuite” doesn’t sound like something that’ll blow you away, you’d be surprised.
“There is a lot available out of the box that’s already more robust that any other system that you might be using prior to NetSuite like QuickBooks or QuickBooks Enterprise”
-Arjun Singh, Director of Finance at Genexa
The Key Takeaways
Paapri’s consultants can only do so much to ensure success for your business. These are ways you can meaningfully contribute to your own success on the project:
- Have an expert that’s devoted to the NetSuite implementation
- If you don’t have a person like this, delegate to relevant personnel
- Phase it out – Determine what you need out of the gate, and grow in the system from there
With these tips, the NetSuite implementation will go much smoother, leading your business to prosperity.
Questions to Ask Yourself: Know Your Purpose
The starting point for this process is asking yourself as an executive,
- Why am I transitioning into a system like NetSuite?
- From a software perspective, what is restricting my business from growing?
- How can NetSuite’s services improve my company?
If you can’t answer these questions, don’t lose hope. Our next blog post will answer them for you.
