Why it's time to upgrade to NetSuite

NetSuite is a comprehensive, modern, cloud-based ERP that provides a great alternative to legacy systems that hold your company back from greatness.

Take flip phones as an example. They did a basic job of making phone calls, but they couldn’t text, browse the web, or capture high-quality pictures. Despite their limitations, some users have clung to this outdated technology, risking disconnection and being left behind in the fast-paced world of smartphone advancements, where modern phones can do everything from letting you know when it’s time to take a breather during your cardio session, to facial recognition and real-time translation.

The same analogy applies to aging legacy systems, which continue to drive many organisations but have long outlived their useful lives. While these systems may feel comfortable and familiar, they can severely limit your company’s potential. Their restricted functionality, information silos, scalability challenges, and security concerns are just a few of the common problems these outdated solutions present.

Modern technology has made significant strides over the last 5-10 years. Any legacy system that was implemented years ago and is still in use has effectively become a proverbial flip phone for the employees who must rely on it daily. On-premises legacy systems also impose several burdens on companies, including:

• The need to maintain servers and other hardware within their own data centres.
• The requirement to invest in hardware, software, physical space, and personnel to implement and keep the system operational.
• The disruption caused by software upgrades, which can be particularly challenging for solutions that have been heavily customised to meet a company’s unique requirements.
• The complications associated with version lock, where forgoing upgrades forces users to rely on older, outdated versions of the software. A cloud ERP like NetSuite eliminates all these issues and more, providing companies with a business system that scales alongside them rather than stifling growth and progress. It also offers a user-friendly, modern interface that employees will genuinely enjoy using. This is particularly important for companies that recruit from a talent pool accustomed to having digital technology at their fingertips.

A cloud ERP like NetSuite eliminates all these issues and more, providing companies with a business system that scales alongside them rather than stifling growth and progress. It also offers a user-friendly, modern interface that employees will genuinely enjoy using. This is particularly important for companies that recruit from a talent pool accustomed to having digital technology at their fingertips.

“Generally, cloud ERP solutions offer a more efficient approach, letting companies take advantage of tremendous computing power,” NetSuite states. “Shifting from on-premises to cloud ERP generally offers lower upfront costs, faster implementation, and reduced physical and staff resource usage. Companies can become more agile with cloud-based systems because they are highly adaptable and scalable.”

NetSuite Innovations for 2024

The recent SuiteWorld event showcased NetSuite’s commitment to innovation, unveiling a host of upcoming features designed to enhance user experience and streamline business operations.

Among others, the introduction of the Redwood UX marks a significant leap forward in interface design, offering an intuitive experience with natural language search, customisable dashboards, and enhanced navigation. This consumer-grade interface aims to bring the ease of use associated with popular apps like Airbnb and Uber to the enterprise software realm.

Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) has also received a substantial upgrade, leveraging AI innovations to revolutionise financial processes. The integration of Generative AI for narrative reporting and AI-driven planning and budgeting tools empowers finance teams with unprecedented efficiency and insights. A new digital assistant further enhances these capabilities, offering real-time support and analysis. In fact, the AI enhancements extend across the entire suite, with the introduction of “Ask Oracle” global search and NetSuite Prompt Studio. These features allow users to interact with their data using natural language queries, providing deep insights and automating complex tasks. The AI-powered tools are designed with privacy and security at their core, ensuring that sensitive business data remains protected.

Finally, for organisations grappling with procurement challenges, NetSuite SuiteProcurement offers a streamlined solution that automates approvals, order creation, invoicing, and reporting, while integrating seamlessly with major suppliers like Amazon Business and Staples. The result is a more efficient purchasing process that saves time and reduces errors.

These are just a few of the ways that NetSuite is managing to stay ahead of the competition in ERP.

Bringing Everything Under One Roof with NetSuite

When companies approach award-winning NetSuite Alliance Partner, SANSA, for assistance in replacing their ageing legacy systems with a unified business management solution, the engagement begins with a thorough assessment of the organisation’s current state and future goals. This initial step is crucial, as it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the existing challenges and opportunities. In nearly all cases, the data gaps, numerous process workarounds, and the burden of excessive manual work will surface quite quickly.

The assessment process is designed to identify the specific pain points that the organisation faces. This includes examining how data is currently managed, where inefficiencies lie, and how existing systems hinder productivity. By understanding these elements, SANSA can tailor a solution that not only addresses immediate concerns but also aligns with the long-term vision of the company.

Once the assessment is complete, SANSA collaborates closely with the organisation to develop a customised implementation plan. This plan outlines the steps necessary to transition from the outdated legacy system to the modern capabilities offered by NetSuite. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition that minimises disruption to daily operations while maximising the benefits of the new system.

The implementation phase is where the real transformation begins. SANSA’s team of experts works diligently to configure NetSuite to meet the unique needs of the organisation. This includes integrating existing data, customising workflows, and ensuring that all users are adequately trained on the new system. The emphasis is on creating a seamless experience that empowers employees to leverage the full potential of the cloud ERP.

Moreover, the ongoing support provided by SANSA does not end with the implementation. They remain committed to the organisation’s success by offering continuous training, updates, and optimisation services. This ensures that the company can adapt to changing market conditions and continue to grow without being hindered by outdated technology.

In conclusion, upgrading from a legacy system to a modern cloud ERP like NetSuite is not just a technological shift; it is a strategic move that can unlock new levels of efficiency and growth for your organisation. By embracing this change, you position your company to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. The transition may seem daunting, but with the right partner like SANSA, it can be a smooth and rewarding journey towards a more agile and capable future. Investing in a cloud-based solution is an investment in your company’s future. Don’t let your legacy systems hold you back any longer. Embrace the change, and watch your organisation flourish.

Five Steps to Success

Change is never easy, but transitioning from a stagnant legacy system to a dynamic platform like NetSuite yields undeniable results that companies simply cannot afford to overlook. Having orchestrated many transitions, at SANSA we know that the bottom line is that moving to a new platform is far less painful than most people tend to believe.

Here are five essential steps we advise all companies to take once they’ve made the decision to move away from their legacy systems:

1. Initiate the ERP evaluation process early: Start the ERP evaluation process at least three months before your planned implementation start date. This allows ample time for thorough research and decision-making.
2. Document your standard operating procedures (SOPs): Even before selecting your ERP, take the time to document your standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all your various systems. This foundational work will streamline the implementation process.
3. Collaborate with your ERP implementation partner: Share those SOPs with your ERP implementation partner. This proactive step ensures they won’t have to “pick apart” all of your business processes, saving valuable time.
4. Cleanse your current data: Prior to migration, cleanse your current data to ensure accuracy and relevance.
5. Assemble an internal implementation team: Form an internal implementation team to serve as a sponsor and point of contact for the project, ensuring effective communication and support throughout the process.

By following these steps, companies can navigate the transition smoothly and effectively, ultimately leading to enhanced operational efficiency and growth. The journey may seem daunting, but with the right partner like SANSA, it can be a rewarding experience that positions your organisation for a more agile and capable future.

Investing in a cloud-based solution is not just an upgrade; it is a strategic investment in your company’s future. Don’t let your legacy systems hold you back any longer. Embrace the change, and watch your organisation flourish.

Contact SANSA today for information and advice on how NetSuite can take your organisation to the next level.