Netsuite implementation timeline - how long does it really take?

Unveiling the mystery, 
A realistic look at your NetSuite implementation timeline with Entartes 

Ever felt like time crawls when you're eagerly anticipating something for business?  

Well, that's exactly how it can be when embarking on a NetSuite implementation. Dreaming of a streamlined business operating system, but the looming shadow of a lengthy NetSuite implementation timeline scaring you off? Business owners, we hear you.  

NetSuite is widely recognized for its comprehensive ERP capabilities. However, there exists a common perception that its implementation process is complex and the timeline for completion can be unpredictable. At Entartes, recognizing the concerns that businesses may have regarding the implementation process. That's why we are committed to maintaining transparency and providing expert guidance to ensure successful NetSuite implementations for our clients over the years. Today we're here to shed light on the NetSuite implementation timeline and what exactly is needed to get it implemented for a business like yours. 

Unveiling the NetSuite Implementation Timeline: It's Not One-Size-Fits-All 

Did you know? 
SuiteCommerce Advanced is trusted by over 3,000 businesses worldwide, spanning various industries and sizes. 

Every organization has its unique needs and complexities within their system and operations. While the exact duration varies, we make sure to equip the right knowledge that navigates this journey with confidence. Here's a breakdown to help you estimate your own timeline: 

• Simple Implementations (3-6 months): Ideal for small businesses with straightforward processes and minimal customization needs. Think of it as a "plug-and-play" approach for the operations.
• Medium Implementations (6-12 months): This is the sweet spot for many mid-sized enterprises. Expect some configuration and data migration, but with a focus on some core functionalities to concentrate upon
• Complex Implementations (12-18+ months): Large businesses with intricate workflows, heavy customization requirements, and multiple entities fall under this category where the journey defined tends to be longer, but the rewards of a perfectly tailored system are immense  

Factors affecting your NetSuite Implementation timeline 

Beyond the base numbers it is best advised to ditch the one-size-fits-all mentality because NetSuite implementation timelines can vary greatly depending on several factors: 

1. Company size and complexity: A startup with basic requirements will naturally have a shorter timeline compared to a corporation with intricate processes to be streamlined
2. Project scope: Is your firm aiming for a full-blown ERP overhaul or a more targeted implementation focusing on specific modules (think of examples like finance, inventory, operations or a full setup)? A narrower scope translates to a quicker turnaround.
3. Customization needs: If your unique workflows necessitate significant customization, be ready and know that this will likely require an additional investment of time.
4. Data Migration Complexity: The quality and volume of your existing data heavily influences the migration process. Clean and organized data leads to a smoother, faster migration.

One of the keys to a successful NetSuite ERP implementation project is the right planning. If the expectation is known and how to account for it, the team won’t have to worry about statistics. 

Beyond the software - Introducing NetSuite ERP Consulting 

Implementing it on your own can be a daunting task! NetSuite ERP Consultants provide expertise in understanding your business needs, tailoring the software, and ensuring smooth integration with existing systems. These consultants bring vast experience, streamlining processes and tackling challenges you may face during the process. Their services can significantly enhance your business efficiency.  

The NetSuite Implementation process - A roadmap to success 

NetSuite ERP implementation may vary case-to-case, but the core NetSuite implementation process typically follows these steps: 

1. Assessment and Planning  :- This phase involves a good amount of rersearch to understand the requirements of the implementation and setting clear goals for the process. It's very crucial to establish the scope, the right processes for the goals, objectives, challenges, limitations, and specifics of the implementation at this early stage. 
   In terms of timeline, this step may take a minimum of several days to complete the processes. However, for more complex organizations with numerous stakeholders, it could extend to several weeks. 
2. Requirements analysis  :- The next step, the client and implementation teams will examine the business processes and requirements for the implementation. This phase encompasses activities like on-site visits, organization-wide discussions, and the formulation of a data migration strategy. It's an essential stage for aligning the implementation plans with the actual operational landscape of the organization. 

   In terms of timeline, businesses should be prepared that this phase lasts at least a few weeks. However, for organizations with more intricate structures, this duration could extend to several months. 

3. Data migration :- Transitioning data from the existing finance system to the new one is a crucial step. To best prepare for this task, it's advisable to have the chart of accounts ready. This implies that vendor data, customer data, and product data should also be transferred during this phase. 
   Ensuring data is correctly formatted is essential, as this task can be both challenging and time-intensive. The flexibility of NetSuite, particularly concerning segments/analysis codes, emphasizes the importance of establishing an effective financial data structure to simplify the process. 
   Regarding the timeline, the duration of the data migration process can vary widely, from a few weeks to several months, depending on the volume and complexity of the data involved. . 
4. User training  :- This step is essential for client organizations who work to adopt the full benefits of NetSuite. The fastest approach to this step’s success is by working with an internal trainer that is appointed to receive the bulk of the training over a brief period who then shares lessons with other key stakeholders within the organization. 
   The timeline for this training phase is usually less than a month to complete. It's worth noting that integrating user training with other steps in the process can further expedite the overall timeline. .
5. Testing  :- After migration and training is completed, the system undergoes rigorous testing which is important to troubleshoot any issues. Not only does this mean identifying technical hitches but also means validating the congruence of business processes and the system. 

   Timeline? Expect this step to take anywhere from two weeks to a month depending upon the complexity of the setup.

6. Deployment and support - (Go-Live and Post-Launch Support)   :- Ensuring a smooth transition and providing ongoing support to maximize your NetSuite experience is the gameplan in this phase  

   Timeline? Takes place over a day, and typically involves continued support to ensure everything goes as planned. Recommend timelines are two months of support post go live. 

What’s the advantage of having NetSuite implementation Consultants? 

As a full-service NetSuite implementation partner, we oversee the entire process or augment the capabilities of your in-house project manager and their team. Streamlining the NetSuite implementation takes the following paths: 

• Providing a standardized chart of accounts for your industry.
• Providing staff to assist all accounting tasks.
• Cleaning and organizing data to facilitate a smoother data migration 

Concluding thoughts 

Every NetSuite implementation timeline is unique to the enterprise. This might seem like a moving target, but with the right knowledge and a skilled partner by your side, you can navigate this process with confidence. Don’t just implement NetSuite, empower your business with the right actions.