How to Prepare for a NetSuite Implementation?

The NetSuite implementation does not fall under any single role to be completed in one phase. In fact, implementing NetSuite solutions involves multiple steps and preparations. Your business needs an expert advisor and implementation specialist for proper planning and implementation of NetSuite ERP systems. 

This guide is designed to help you with this. We will walk you through the different steps that you need to take in preparing for a perfect NetSuite implementation. 

What are the benefits of implementing NetSuite ERP?

What makes implementing NetSuite a good option? Well, that is something a 43000+ strong customer base will tell you about. Because NetSuite is not just a software – it is how you can transform your entire business operation. 

Here are a few benefits that you stand to get with NetSuite implementation –

1. Improved productivity – NetSuite automates most of the tasks. For instance, you can check your inventory sitting in any corner of the city.

2. Better data accuracy – With the unified system, there is no scope for human error. You will have the best possible accuracy across all sections and departments. 

3. Better decision-making – You can have access to real-time dashboards instead of waiting for month-end reports. You can make immediate decisions based on what is happening at the moment. 

4. Cost savings – Upfront investment may be high, but you will have better operational efficiency. This will reduce the overall cost over time. 

5. Scalability – You can easily scale up your business. Oracle NetSuite is highly adaptable for all your needs. 

What Makes a NetSuite Implementation Successful?

The successful implementation of NetSuite is achievable only after complete planning. Here is your checklist for the effective and efficient planning of your NetSuite implementation. 

Define Your Company’s Clear Objectives and Goals 

Be specific about what you want in and to achieve with your ERP. It can include anything. Maybe you want to cut down the financial close time by 10 days. Or you may be looking to reduce your sales outstanding. Check each of the objectives that you may be looking forward to. 

Suggested action – Write down at least five objectives of your business. These should act as your tiebreakers in winning the game. 

Assess What Your Company Needs from NetSuite

This should be the discovery phase. You can check the current state of your business based on a proper audit. 

That way, you can analyse the gap between your objectives and the current phase. 

Suggested action: Map each of your workflows. Identify the bottlenecks within your operations. You should not automate an already bad process. It is important to correct or eliminate it.

Evaluate What NetSuite Can and Can’t Do Natively

NetSuite is a powerful tool, but it cannot create magic. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the tool beforehand.

Suggested action – Understand the out-of-the-box capabilities of the tool. Once that's done, check if you can customize the behaviour to suit the exact requirements that you may have. 

Assemble a Dedicated Implementation Team

Remember that you cannot do it alone. You need a team to handle all the tasks available on NetSuite. It should not be considered a side project. 

Suggested action - You need an Executive Sponsor (to write checks and break ties), a Project Manager (to herd the cats), and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from finance, sales, and operations. These people need time carved out of their day jobs to focus on this.

Prepare Data & Systems for Migration

This is perhaps the most underestimated yet important task. If you fail to implement this properly, you will end up with a half-baked product. 

Suggested action - Start cleaning your data now. Do you have three entries for the same customer? Do you have inventory items you haven't sold since 2015? Archive the old stuff. Only migrate clean, active, and necessary data.

User Training and Change Management

Improper usage can make even the best software fail. It is important to provide the proper training for how to use the software. 

Suggested action - Change management isn't just training; it's internal marketing. You need to sell the benefits to your team. Why does this make their life easier? Plan for role-based training—your CFO needs different training than your warehouse manager.

Budget and Set Realistic Expectations

Budgeting it properly should be another prime consideration you should give serious thought. 

Suggested action - Your budget should include a buffer (typically 10-20%) for the unforeseen. Also, be realistic about the timeline. If you rush the testing phase to save money, you will pay double in "rescue" costs later.

What Are the Key Steps to Prepare for a NetSuite Implementation?

Having understood the checklist for NetSuite implementation, we will now check the preparation steps in finer detail. 

Considering the need for NetSuite ERP

We consider this to be the introspective phase. You will be looking into what your current system is lacking and what updated features you need in your ERP system. 

Document the issues with your current ERP system

Let us say you are moving away from a legacy system. Assess the reasons for the same. Find what your current system lacks in what NetSuite can offer you. This phase should help you understand what better features that you are looking for in the new system. 

Map the pain points for the requirements 

Take every complaint and turn it into a functional requirement. Check every system requirement and document it carefully.

Issues with fragmented systems

Non ERP systems are known to have a few things lacking. This would make them a fragmented system. Highlight the actual cost of fragmentation. This can lead to issues such as lost sales, stockouts, or massive admin overtime.

Choosing the Right NetSuite ERP Partner

NetSuite is sold and implemented by a network of partners. It is absolutely essential to check out the best service providers and partners. 

Evaluate the potential partners 

Always choose a partner who has experience in your industry. Look at the expertise that each of the service or alliance partners you have chosen. You may ask for references from your own industry. 

Understand the methodology and flexibility

Check if the system has a waterfall approach or an agile approach. You should always choose a partner like Jobin and Jismi who is known to perform as a consultant in the real sense of the word. They should be able to pinpoint the issues in your old system and offer you better systems. 

NetSuite Implementation Checklist: From Research to Post-Go-Live Support

Before signing contracts or configuring workflows, organizations should validate their readiness across people, process, and technology. The following NetSuite implementation checklist outlines the critical phases every business must address to avoid cost overruns, delays, and post-go-live disruptions.

Research and Business Readiness

Understand whether NetSuite is the right fit for your business size, industry, and growth plans. This includes reviewing editions, modules, and real-world use cases similar to yours.

Requirements Gathering

Document what each department actually needs by closely examining how work is done on a day-to-day basis. Identify  real operational challenges such as excessive manual effort, delayed or unreliable reports, inventory shortages, or process bottlenecks, and translate these pain points into clear, well-defined functional requirements before any NetSuite configuration or customization begins

Installation & Configuration

Set up NetSuite based on agreed workflows, approval rules, roles, and dashboards. This is the stage where processes are configured to match your real-world operations, ensuring that NetSuite adapts to your business requirements rather than forcing your teams to change the way they work.

Data Migration

Move only clean, relevant data into NetSuite. Customer records, vendors, open transactions, and inventory should be validated before migration. Move only clean, relevant data into NetSuite. Customer records, vendors, open transactions, and inventory should be validated before migration to avoid long-term issues.

Testing (UAT)

Run real business scenarios in a sandbox environment. This should include critical workflows such as financial period close, order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, inventory movements, and reporting cycles. Testing must be carried out by actual business users from each department, not just the project or IT team, to ensure the system works the way people really operate on a day-to-day basis and to identify gaps before go-live.

Training

Train users based on roles. What the CFO needs to know is very different from what a warehouse user needs. Well-trained users are key to adoption.

Deployment

Go live with a well-defined cutover plan that clearly outlines timelines, ownership, and responsibilities across teams. Ensure all key users are available during go-live, closely monitor transactions and system behavior in real time, and be prepared to identify, prioritize, and resolve issues quickly during the critical first few weeks of operation to maintain business continuity.

Post-Go-Live Support

Implementation does not end at go-live. Continuous support, optimization, and minor enhancements ensure NetSuite keeps delivering value as your business evolves.

Understanding NetSuite Modules and Editions

NetSuite has several editions that are based on the specific needs and size of the business. You would find Limited Edition (for smaller teams), Mid-Market Edition, and Enterprise Edition. Check which edition meets your exact needs. 

Different modules are used for different functions within the editions. You can choose from among ERP, financials, CRM, advanced inventory, and SuiteCommerce. You can add modules later as your business scales up.

Align the modules with your business processes

You need not buy everything on the first day itself. Modules can be added based on your exact roadmap. Like we said already, you can add up modules and upgrade editions based on your exact needs.

Scheduling and Undertaking System Demonstrations

It is advisable to go with the demo mode for a better understanding of the system. 

Customising Demonstrations to Your Needs

Never settle for anything that comes baked already. NetSuite lets you customize the demo for your specific needs and business. Send your specific business scenarios to your partner. This will help you get a completely customized output. 

Engaging Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

Do not have only the CEO in the demo. Have every stakeholder in the discussion. This is quite important because it is them who would be using it. 

Gathering and Analysing Feedback Post-Demonstration

So, what after the demo? The next step would be to get feedback from the demonstrations. 

Structured Feedback Collection

Create a scorecard for the demonstration. Rate the system based on multiple parameters. Ease of Use, Fit for Process, and Reporting Capabilities. 

Analysing Feedback with a Focus on Business Impact

Analyse the feedback from every department. This feedback helps you scope the implementation—maybe you need a custom scanner interface to make their life easier.

Why Jobin & Jismi is Your Right Implementation Partner?

Preparation is the half-battle won. The execution is where you will win the complete battle. You need a partner who brings more than just technical certification—you need a partner with business acumen.

Jobin & Jismi stand out as a leading Oracle NetSuite Solution Provider for a reason. We have a decade of experience in handling NetSuite implementation for a wide range of industries. They act as your digital transformation partners, ensuring that your preparation pays off with a seamless, on-budget, and on-time go-live. Don't navigate this complex journey alone—let Jobin & Jismi guide you to the summit.

FAQs

What is the NetSuite implementation process?

The standard lifecycle  of a NetSuite implementation involves Plan (Discovery and analysis), Design (Blueprinting the solution), Configure (Building the system), Test (UAT and validation), Train (Empowering users), and Deploy (Go-live and support).

How long does NetSuite implementation take?

There is no single answer, but generally, a standard implementation takes 3 to 6 months. Complex enterprise implementations with heavy customisation or global subsidiaries can take 6 to 12 months. Smaller, "SuiteSuccess" implementations can sometimes be done in less than 100 days.

How much does NetSuite implementation cost?

The cost varies wildly based on user count, modules, and complexity. Typically, implementation costs are a ratio of the software license cost, often ranging from 1.5x to 3x the annual license fee. It’s an investment, but one that pays dividends in efficiency.