In today’s highly competitive business environment, there is always pressure to perform: to exceed expectations and get that “one-up” on your competitors. And for an increasing number of businesses across countless industries, Cloud-based Oracle NetSuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software offers vastly-improved operational efficiencies, faster and more responsive customer service, and greater profitability.
As a decision-maker for your enterprise, it’s your responsibility to clearly advocate the need to embrace digital transformation through ERP – whether your goal is to maintain your company’s position in the marketplace or to regain your competitive edge. That, by itself, is a compelling reason to dive right in. However, ERP systems can be extremely difficult to implement correctly – no matter how good it may look on paper – for multiple reasons:
Human nature. We are creatures of habit. Change, for the most part, does not come easily. No one we’ve ever worked with woke up one morning and decided, “Let’s completely transform our operations” simply for the sake of it.
One-size (never) fits all. The unique dynamics of your business require ERP solutions that are configured to meet your needs. What works for your closest competitor may not be right for you. Planning and preparation are essential for implementing a system that achieves specific goals and maximizes productivity.
The path to successful Oracle NetSuite implementation is rich with promise and fraught with peril. Where to begin?
STEP 1: FIND THE RIGHT PARTNER
Finding the right Oracle NetSuite partner/provider is critical – and we’re not just saying that because we are one! Indeed, data indicates that over 80% of ERP implementations do not achieve the expected results.
As the customer, you know your business far better than your partner/provider ever will. The provider’s job will be to understand your wants and needs, clearly, explain the technology that will deliver measurable results, and then configure it for your specific needs.
STEP 2: DEFINE/CLARIFY OBJECTIVES
You’ll likely already have several goals in mind after confirming that ERP implementation is right for your business. From there, you and your service partner will embark on a “discovery” phase that helps clarify the process and uncovers potential approaches that may not have been considered previously. It is a time for the partner/provider to conduct a thorough, top-to-bottom review of your business and develop a clear understanding of your operations.
In this step, everything should be on the table. Are you expecting a complete transformation of your operations? Or are the goals a bit more modest, such as replacing outdated technology or making your existing software operate more effectively? Detailed focus and proper due diligence are essential for delivering a successful Oracle NetSuite implementation.
STEP 3: SYSTEM DESIGN, BUILD, & CONFIGURATION
With objectives clearly defined and excitement building, partner/providers are now set to begin engineering the Oracle NetSuite software platform in a fashion that will transform your operations and achieve those clearly-defined objectives.
Once upon a time, client organizations would welcome an army of expert consultants who would arrive on site and work alongside employees to get the new systems up and running, and then conduct employee training programs to bring everyone up to speed. It was also a time when computers, mobile phones, and other cutting-edge devices came with detailed instruction manuals. It’s a world that no longer exists.
Greater agility (and reduced overhead) is required these days. Your customers “need it now,” and you have to deliver. Welcome to the Cloud-based economy in which ERP implementation in general – and Oracle NetSuite in particular – involves the development of preconfigured software tailored to specific verticals.
In essence, you’ll have to choose between two competing service models: software installation vs. software implementation. Vendors who simply install ERP software put much of the burden on their customers to determine optimal uses. The implementation model, meanwhile, involves partner/providers engineering Oracle NetSuite capabilities to meet specific business needs. Why go it alone when you can go with an expert? The decision should be relatively simple.
In short, effective implementation makes certain that your Oracle NetSuite platform does what it is supposed to do: improve your business operations.
STEP 4: TEST, TEST, TEST
Robust testing of your configured Oracle NetSuite platform should be completed by your own employees, with provider support being offered as needed. Again, you and your team know your business better than anyone.
Does the software perform according to plan? Do the disparate modules link effectively? Is it generating actionable information? Take the time to double-check everything and identify any kinks that may pop up.
During this testing/training phase, make sure you’re asking the right questions:
- Is the software configured in a way that meets my organization’s unique needs?
- Is it able to grow and adapt as our priorities evolve?
It is entirely possible that your new software will impact operations in ways you never considered. Take note of those situations so they may be addressed in the next step, which is…
STEP 5: FINE-TUNE
Achieving optimum results with your configured Oracle NetSuite platform will take a bit of patience. The sheer scope of these implementation projects demands nothing less. The more information you can collect during the testing phase, the more effective your partner/provider will be when they return to find solutions to any potential hiccups.
And that is exactly what an effective provider will do: review the test phase results and apply their expertise to solve problems for their customer. By the time this step is complete, businesses and their employees should have a firm grasp of their new system.
There are no shortcuts. Only a disciplined, step-by-step process delivers the precision and accuracy required for the implementation of a successful business system.
STEP 6: ACTIVATE
Launching your Oracle NetSuite platform brings a mix of excitement and relief. It’s the culmination of a detailed planning and development process involving multiple teams. You’re now positioned to achieve the success you envisioned when beginning the process.
This begs the question: what does Oracle NetSuite “success” look like?
Our experience tells us that customers begin to see measurable results over time – it could be anywhere from six to 12 months. It’s a journey rather than a destination. Those first successes will be small (perhaps barely noticeable without extensive study of the data), but they will soon create momentum that spreads across the organization.
The result: better information, more effective decision-making, automation of core business operations, new efficiencies, improved customer service, and a stronger capital position.
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