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7 NetSuite Issues and How to Fix Them Quickly

NetSuite is a powerful tool, but like any software, it has its own challenges. Learn how to solve the seven most common NetSuite issues. 

September 26, 2024

NetSuite is a powerful ally for scaling your business, but it can feel more like a stumbling block when things go wrong. You might encounter performance lags, confusing reports, customization overload, or integration headaches. Don’t let these common NetSuite issues derail your progress. You can fix them quickly with the right support! 

Keep reading to discover the seven most common NetSuite issues and how to fix them quickly. NetSuite can support your business goals with the right strategies in place. 

NetSuite Issue #1: Performance Lag

We’ve moved beyond the days of dial-up internet and slow computer programs, or so we thought. Slow load times and delayed reports are incredibly frustrating, impacting productivity and driving your team up the wall. Next time you get stuck watching the spinning wheel of doom, take the following steps to tackle performance issues head-on. 

Identify Bottlenecks

To solve a problem, you have to get to the root of it. NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Performance Analytics tool is your best friend. Use it to dig into your system and identify what’s causing the lag. Pay attention to any inefficient scripts or workflows that are gumming things up. Once you pinpoint areas of improvement, you can take actionable steps to remedy the problem. 

Database Tuning

Next, you’ll need to turn your attention to your database. A cluttered desk can slow you down, and a messy database can drag your system’s performance. So, regularly review your data, clean out the old and irrelevant, and optimize your indexing strategy. General housekeeping works wonders in almost every circumstance, from your home to your workspace to your NetSuite database. 

External Support

Sometimes, your next best step is to call in the experts. If you can’t find the problem and housekeeping isn’t solving it, don’t hesitate to contact NetSuite support or your trusted financial partner. Experts have the skill set to ensure NetSuite runs at peak performance so you can focus on growing your business effectively. 

NetSuite Issue #2: Reporting Problems

NetSuite’s reporting tools are powerful, but they can be complex. If your team struggles to generate accurate, actionable reports, keep reading to learn how to glean the most insights from your data. 

Training

To get the most out of NetSuite, you have to invest in training your team. Education is the first step to conquering NetSuite’s reporting challenges. Teach your team to unlock the potential of tools like SuiteAnalytics Workbook and Saved Searches. With a solid understanding of NetSuite’s functionalities, you can transform raw data into meaningful insights. 

Define Your Requirements

Clarity is your compass in the reporting landscape. Start by clearly defining your reporting needs and KPIs. What data is crucial for your business decisions? Which metrics will drive growth? By outlining these requirements, you provide your team with a roadmap to create reports aligned with your strategic objectives. 

Leverage SQL 

While NetSuite offers robust reporting tools, sometimes you need more customization to extract and manipulate data effectively. Encourage your team to learn SQL basics to create advanced reports that provide deeper insights. SQL can unlock a level of reporting precision and power by combining data from different sources and performing complex calculations. 

NetSuite Issue #3: Customization Overload

NetSuite is incredibly flexible, and that can be a double-edged sword. Too much of a good thing or too many choices can lead to over-customization, leading to conflicts and operational headaches. If you’ve got too many scripts and workflows, take steps to streamline processes and regain control. How do you do that? 

Stick to Best Practices

Less is more when it comes to customization. Stick to NetSuite’s best practices to ensure your customizations enhance your operations, not hinder them. Before making changes, determine if they align with your business objectives and avoid the temptation to customize every feature. Only focus on modifications that deliver real value. 

Conduct Regular Audits

Don’t let unnecessary customizations pile up in your NetSuite environment. Conduct regular audits to assess the relevance and efficiency of your customizations. Are they still serving their intended purpose? Are they slowing down your system? You can keep your system lean and agile with periodic reviews and pruning. 

Partner with Experts

Are you seeing a theme here? Experts have specialized knowledge of NetSuite, so they will know how to customize NetSuite precisely to your business needs. NetSuite partners can help you understand the intricacies of customization and help you avoid the common pitfalls, so NetSuite remains a powerful asset for your company. 

NetSuite Issue #4: Low User Adoption and a Lack of Training

Change is hard, and most people struggle with it. That’s why you need to take active steps to encourage user adoption. Otherwise, resistance can seriously hamper the effectiveness of your ERP system. How do you get your employees and teams to embrace all NetSuite offers? 

Education

Comprehensive training is step one for user adoption. You should organize hands-on training sessions and workshops that allow your team to explore NetSuite’s features and workflows in a supportive environment. Tailor these sessions to the different roles and functions in the company to empower everyone to use the system confidently and effectively. 

Communicate the Benefits

If you tell people how NetSuite will make their lives easier and solve their pain points, they’ll be more likely to give it a real effort. Make it your mission to communicate how NetSuite can streamline processes, reduce tedious tasks, and make their life easier with real-world examples and success stories. 

Gather Feedback 

Feedback is a powerful tool for improving user adoption. When you foster a culture of open communication and feedback, people take more ownership of what they’re doing and are more willing to collaborate. Actively listen and make adjustments based on input from your teams to boost adoption rates and create a more engaged, motivated workforce. 

NetSuite Issue #5: Budget Overruns

No one wants to go over budget, and you can prevent costly NetSuite implementations and customizations with careful planning. NetSuite is a significant and worthwhile investment. With a strategic approach, you can keep the implementation and your budget on track. Some steps you can take to keep costs from spiraling are below. 

Detailed Planning

Start by crafting a comprehensive blueprint that outlines clear objectives, timelines, and budgets. Your fractional CFO can help with this process. Your blueprint should serve as your North Star, helping you navigate the complexities of the implementation process within budget. Regular check-ins and oversight will help you catch any deviations from the budget early. 

Avoid Scope Creep

Scope creep can derail the best-laid plans, so commit to sticking to your original project scope. Any proposed changes should be scrutinized for their necessity and potential impact on the budget. Establish a formal change management process to evaluate and approve changes to ensure they align with your strategic goals. 

Don’t Lose Sight of the Bigger Picture

While keeping costs in check is crucial, you don’t want to lose sight of the bigger picture, which is the long-term ROI. Sometimes, spending more upfront is worthwhile because it can yield substantial savings and benefits down the line. Consider expenses through the lens of ROI and how they’ll improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability in the future. 

NetSuite Issue #6: Integration Nightmares

Integrating NetSuite with other systems can be a headache, especially if data synchronization isn’t well-managed. You’ll need to take a strategic approach to ensure seamless integrations. How do you ensure a smooth NetSuite integration process? 

Develop a Clear Strategy

A well-defined strategy is the cornerstone of almost anything working out well and as planned. Begin by mapping out exactly how data should flow between NetSuite and your other systems. Identify the key touchpoints and data sets that need to be synchronized and establish clear protocols for data exchange. This will be the guide to ensuring data integrity is maintained. 

Use Middleware

Middleware solutions act as intermediaries, facilitating a seamless data exchange between disparate systems. Your fractional CFO can help you choose a middleware solution that aligns with your specific needs, simplifies the integration process, and reduces errors. 

Regular Testing

Even the best-planned integrations run into bumps along the way, so you’ll want to test regularly. Schedule routine tests to verify that all integrations are functioning as expected and that data is synchronized accurately. Regular testing helps you identify issues early so you can course-correct before they become bigger problems. 

NetSuite Issue #7: A Lack of Expert Resources

You need an expert to implement NetSuite, and lacking skilled resources can derail your project. If you’re facing a talent gap, you can lean on a fractional CFO with experience in NetSuite implementations. How do you fix the problem of a lack of resources? 

Backfill Positions

Backfilling positions is the most effective strategy to keep your implementation on track. By temporarily filling roles that handle day-to-day operations, you free up your core team to focus on the NetSuite rollout. 

Hire Consultants

When in-house expertise is lacking, bring in external help. A NetSuite-certified consultant brings a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience to the table. They can guide your team through the complexities of implementation, onboarding, and training and offer insights and solutions that might not be apparent to those who aren’t as familiar with the system.

Train Your Team

Building internal expertise is a long-term investment that pays dividends well beyond the initial implementation. First, identify team members who show aptitude and interest in mastering NetSuite. Those NetSuite champions become valuable resources, ensuring your organization fully leverages NetSuite’s capabilities. 

Key Takeaways

NetSuite is a powerful tool, but like any software, it comes with its own set of challenges. You can solve the most common NetSuite issues by taking a proactive, strategic approach to prevent problems before they become problems. The most common NetSuite issues include: 

  1. Performance lag
  2. Reporting problems
  3. Customization overload
  4. Low user adoption and a lack of training
  5. Budget overruns
  6. Integration nightmares
  7. A lack of expert resources

By facing these challenges head-on, you’ll have a smoother implementation and maximize the benefits of your investment over the long term. Success lies in planning, training, and leveraging experts like Lineal. 

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