When to Hire a NetSuite Consultant: Key Scenarios and Benefits

June 6, 2024
An individual in professional attire with a clipboard and contract.

If you're considering implementing NetSuite in your business, you may be wondering when the right time is to hire a NetSuite consultant. 

A NetSuite consultant is an expert who can help you implement, customize, and manage your NetSuite software. They can also provide you with training, support, and guidance on how to get the most out of your NetSuite investment.

One of the best times to hire a NetSuite consultant is when you're first starting out with NetSuite. 

If you're new to the software, it can be overwhelming to try to figure out how to set up and customize your NetSuite account on your own. 

A NetSuite consultant can help you get started on the right foot, ensuring your account is set up correctly and customized to meet your specific needs. They can also provide you with training and support to help you get up to speed quickly.

Recognizing the Need for a NetSuite Consultant

If you are new to NetSuite or have been using it for a while, you may be wondering if you need a NetSuite consultant. 

While it is possible to use NetSuite without a consultant, hiring one can be beneficial to your business. In this section, we will discuss how to recognize the need for a NetSuite consultant.

Evaluating Current Business Processes

One way to determine if you need a NetSuite consultant is to evaluate your current business processes. 

If your processes are inefficient or outdated, a NetSuite consultant can help you streamline them. 

They can analyze your current processes and recommend changes that will improve productivity, reduce errors, and save time.

Assessing NetSuite Utilization

Another way to determine if you need a NetSuite consultant is by assessing your NetSuite utilization. 

If you are not fully utilizing all of NetSuite's features, a consultant can help you get the most out of the software. 

They can assess your utilization and make recommendations to help you take advantage of all the features NetSuite offers.

Planning for Business Growth

If you are planning for business growth, a NetSuite consultant can help you prepare for it. They can help you plan and implement changes that will support your growth. 

A consultant can also help you identify areas where NetSuite can help you scale your business.

Key Scenarios and Benefits

NetSuite is a powerful cloud-based ERP system that can provide significant benefits to your business. 

However, implementing NetSuite can be complex and time-consuming. That's why many companies choose to hire a NetSuite consultant to help them with the process. 

Here are three key scenarios and benefits that indicate when it's time to hire a NetSuite consultant:

Scenario 1: You're Implementing NetSuite for the First Time

If you're implementing NetSuite for the first time, it's essential to get it right. 

A NetSuite consultant can help you with the implementation process, ensuring that everything is set up correctly and that you use the system to its full potential. 

They can also train your team, ensuring everyone knows how to use the system effectively.

Scenario 2: You're Upgrading to a New Version of NetSuite

NetSuite releases new versions of its software regularly, and upgrading can be a complex process. 

A NetSuite consultant can help you with the upgrade, ensuring that everything is set up correctly and your data is migrated correctly. 

They can also help you take advantage of any new features in the latest version of NetSuite.

Scenario 3: You Need Customization or Integration

NetSuite is a highly customizable system, and a NetSuite consultant can help you tailor it to your specific needs. 

They can also help you integrate NetSuite with other systems, such as your CRM or e-commerce platform, which can streamline your business processes and improve efficiency.

Benefits of Hiring a NetSuite Consultant

Hiring a NetSuite consultant can provide several benefits to your business. Here are some of the most significant benefits:

  • Expert guidance and support: A NetSuite consultant offers years of expertise and the ability to implement, optimize, and even customize the platform.
  • Time and cost savings: A NetSuite consultant can save you time and money by streamlining your business processes and ensuring you use the system to its full potential.
  • Improved efficiency: A consultant can help you improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase productivity by optimizing your use of NetSuite.
  • Better decision-making: A NetSuite consultant can help you get the most out of the system's reporting and analytics capabilities, giving you the insights you need to make better business decisions.

Key Areas of NetSuite Consultation

When you decide to hire a NetSuite consultant, it is essential to understand the key areas of NetSuite consultation. 

These areas include implementation strategy, optimization and customization, training, and support.

 A NetSuite consultant can help you with these areas to ensure a smooth transition and successful adoption of the ERP system.

Implementation Strategy

Implementing a new ERP system can be daunting, but a NetSuite consultant can help you develop and execute an effective implementation strategy. 

They can assess your business needs and recommend how to configure NetSuite best to meet those needs. 

A NetSuite consultant can also help you with data migration, integration with other systems, and testing to ensure a successful implementation.

Optimization and Customization

NetSuite is a robust ERP system with many features and capabilities. A NetSuite consultant can help you optimize and customize NetSuite to meet your specific business needs. 

They can help you configure workflows, customize forms, and create reports to ensure NetSuite works seamlessly with your business processes. 

They can also help you with advanced customization, such as SuiteScript development, to extend the functionality of NetSuite.

Training and Support

A NetSuite consultant can provide comprehensive training to help your team effectively use NetSuite. 

They can provide both on-site and remote training tailored to your specific business needs. 

Additionally, a NetSuite consultant can provide ongoing support to ensure your team has the necessary resources to troubleshoot issues and optimize NetSuite as your business evolves.

Download the Salary Guide to compare average salaries of top NetSuite ERP professionals.

Selecting the Right NetSuite Consultant

There are several factors to consider when selecting the right NetSuite consultant. 

A NetSuite consultant can help you maximize your investment in the NetSuite ERP system and streamline your business operations. 

Keep these in mind when selecting a NetSuite consultant:

Certification and Expertise

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a NetSuite consultant is their certification and expertise. 

NetSuite offers several certifications for consultants, including SuiteFoundation, Administrator, and Developer certifications. 

A certified NetSuite consultant has demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the NetSuite system and has the expertise to help you with your business requirements.

Understanding of Industry-Specific Needs

Another essential factor to consider when selecting a NetSuite consultant is their understanding of industry-specific needs. 

Different industries have different requirements for ERP systems, and a NetSuite consultant with experience in your industry can help you tailor the system to meet your specific needs. 

Look for a NetSuite consultant with experience in your industry or who has extensively researched industry-specific requirements.

In addition to these factors, looking for a NetSuite solution provider with a proven track record of success is important. 

A NetSuite partner with a strong reputation can provide you with the confidence and peace of mind that comes with knowing you're working with a reputable partner. 

Finally, make sure the NetSuite consultant you select has a consultative approach that aligns with your strategic vision. A good NetSuite consultant should work closely with you to understand your business requirements and provide tailored solutions that meet your needs.

Maximizing ROI with NetSuite Consultants

When it comes to implementing robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions like NetSuite, the expertise of NetSuite consulting services is almost essential to correctly adapt to it, and will significantly enhance the value and effectiveness of your investment. 

So, how can NetSuite consultants help you maximize your return on investment (ROI)?

Streamlining Financial Processes

One of the key benefits of hiring a NetSuite consultant is the ability to streamline your financial processes. 

NetSuite's financial management capabilities can be complex, and a consultant can help you navigate the system to ensure that your financial processes are optimized. This includes everything from setting up your chart of accounts to automating processes like billing and invoicing.

With the help of a NetSuite consultant, you can ensure that your financial processes are efficient, accurate, and compliant with regulations. This can save you time and money and help you make better financial decisions.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Another area where NetSuite consultants can help you maximize your ROI is by enhancing your operational efficiency. 

NetSuite offers a wide range of capabilities, including inventory management, warehouse management, and order management. 

A consultant can help you leverage these capabilities to streamline your operations and improve efficiency.

For example, a NetSuite consultant can help you set up automated workflows to reduce manual tasks and improve accuracy. They can also help you optimize your inventory management processes to reduce waste and improve profitability.

Conclusion

Hiring a NetSuite consultant can be a game-changer for your business. A consultant can help you assess your company's processes and team to identify which NetSuite solutions are the best fit for your needs. 

They can also provide a roadmap for your proposed NetSuite adoption and outline operations that are easily transferrable to NetSuite. By doing so, they can help you streamline your operations and drive success.

When considering hiring a NetSuite consultant, it's essential to choose the right firm. 

A NetSuite consulting firm with expertise and knowledge can help you maximize your investment. They can provide tailored business solutions that meet your unique needs and help you unlock the full potential of NetSuite.

According to a recent survey, the average hourly rate for NetSuite consultants in 2023 ranges from $130 to $250 per hour, depending on experience, type of consultant, scope of the work, and length of time you'll keep them under contract. 

Anything below $130 an hour would indicate that the consultant is either inexperienced or from a low-cost region.

To learn more about hiring a NetSuite consultant and get insight into the current market rates, download the Atticus Solution Salary Guide. 

It can help you make informed decisions when hiring a NetSuite consultant and ensure that you're getting the best value for your investment.

Aspect
Offshoring
Nearshoring
Outsourcing
Long-Term Costs
Cost-effective for skilled talent
Cost-effective but needs initial investment
High, offers control and flexibility
Investment
Moderate, reduces overhead
Initial training and technology
Highest initial and ongoing costs
Benefits
Access to nearby skilled talent
Large global talent pool
Maximum control over operations
Download the Salary Guide to compare average salaries of top NetSuite ERP professionals.
Key Differences
BPO
EOR
Not over PHP 250,000
Tax-exempt
Not over USD 434.49
Over PHP 250,000 but not over PHP 400,000
15% of the excess over PHP 250,000
Over USD 434.49 but not over USD 695.18
Over PHP 400,000 but not over PHP 800,000
PHP 22,500 + 20% of the excess over PHP 400,000
Over USD 695.18 but not over USD 1,390.36
Over PHP 800,000 but not over PHP 2,000,000
PHP 102,500 + 25% of the excess over PHP 800,000
Over USD 1,390.36 but not over USD 34,759.04

Frequently Asked Questions

SALARY GUIDE EBOOK

Compare NetSuite ERP talent salaries

Attracting top NetSuite talent with clear job descriptions is the first step. Understanding salaries is your next key move! Download this free salary guide to view talent costs, offshore hiring tips, and more

2024 Atticus Solutions. All Rights Reserved