Six Tips for Successful Global NetSuite ERP Implementation

Global ERP Implementation

It is not always easy to manage the implementation of NetSuite ERP for global organizations because of the underlying threat of project failure. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to think that Your Business cannot experience losses in implementing NetSuite ERP. Research done in 2018 shows that 28 percent of the organizations that implemented global NetSuite ERP failed. The risk continues to grow every day with the adoption of  NetSuite ERP implementations for global organizations with time zone differences. However, this does not mean that Your Business cannot implement global NetSuite ERP successfully. Several techniques can be taken into consideration when creating a NetSuite ERP project plan and IT strategy. Here are six  tips for a successful NetSuite ERP implementation:

1. Consider Reshaping Your Business Processes

You need to understand whether Your Business processes are required to be reconstructed in order to operate optimally on a global level before choosing a NetSuite ERP solution. Business process redesign is complicated, especially when every business reacts differently to different processes. For example, different countries have different tax structures. Some countries tax profit equally while other countries have a progressive tax rate on company dividends. Accounting is also an aspect that differs from country to country hence making standardization a challenge. As a result, you may have to engage with stakeholders across the countries which Your Business operates in order to solve country-to-country differences. The way you redesigned Your Business processes will determine the success or failure of global NetSuite ERP.

2. Have an Impeccable Rollout Plan

The manner in which you launch your NetSuite ERP solution in each location determines how manageable your operations can become. A well-crafted rollout allows you to handle any issues that could come up in small and manageable bits. You should always avoid a big bang approach where all modules and locations go live simultaneously, especially if you run a larger and more global enterprise.

But why is the “big bang” approach a more challenging technique?

Here is an example: A company, Hershey, rolled out global NetSuite ERP in the big bang way in 1999. The suggestions to roll out the global NetSuite ERP solution gradually within 48 months were overlooked. Rather, the company insisted on 30 months’ rollout. To make it worse, they would use three NetSuite ERP systems which increased the chances of failure. From errors in NetSuite ERP implementation, the company missed out $100 million in orders. Hershey has ended up being a modern example of failure in global NetSuite ERP implementation.

3. Be Discreet in Choosing Your NetSuite ERP Vendor

A careful Selection of a NetSuite ERP solution vendor could save a lot of your time and resources. However, It can also consume plenty of time and money especially when running a business with global needs.  It is always essential to check whether the vendor of your global NetSuite ERP solution supports the global variables of your enterprise. More importantly, pay attention to items such as currency and regulatory issues.

4. Prepare Employees for Adoption of the Global NetSuite ERP

It is very typical for employees to resist change. At SCG (Seibert Consulting Group), we’ve created a system of organizational management to reduce organization resistance. Thus, Your Business will get a better adoption rate of your implemented NetSuite ERP system.

Standardization is a thorn in user adoption of a global NetSuite ERP solution in many enterprises. For instance, employees may want to keep off any new system with a format of new standards and credit management policies. Therefore, you must work with veterans who know how to neutralize organizational resistance to the new NetSuite ERP system.

5. Adequate Resource Allocation

Most companies’ leadership may look at global NetSuite ERP implementation as a complementary system and allocate few resources to it. This habit stifles the chances of getting the best out of a NetSuite ERP solution. Note, the installation of talented individuals in a project team results in a perfect alignment of a NetSuite ERP technology with your corporate strategy.

6. Create KPIs to Measure NetSuite ERP Success

Do not let Your Business fall into the population of those organizations that are so excited by the feature set of a global ERP like NetSuite instead of its real performance. Now that we’re talking about performance, how should you quantify the success or failure of a NetSuite ERP implementation?

For the adoption of your global NetSuite ERP, have some standardized metrics ready as you coordinate with the heads of departments to develop individual performance metrics for each unit of the company. Most importantly, ensure the metrics are clear and quantifiable at every step of implementation.

Finally, decide which metrics result in Your business’s growth and start monitoring them in order to know whether it is working or failing.

 

Conclusion

As you make plans to implement a global NetSuite ERP Solution for Your Business, it is good to consult a veteran NetSuite Solution Provider Partner. At Seibert Consulting Group, we ensure that your global NetSuite ERP solution is aligned with Your Business’ requirements. Contact us today at hello@seibertconsulting.com or 760-205-5251.