Amongst the many cloud ERP solutions, Oracle NetSuite stands out as a comprehensive and versatile cloud-based solution. However, the one-size-fits-all approach is rarely sufficient when it comes to ERP implementation. This is particularly true for NetSuite, which, while robust in its standard form, often requires customisation to fully align with the workflows, processes, and needs of different businesses.
This is where NetSuite development services come into play. Good NetSuite developers or development teams will be able to transform a standard NetSuite platform into a bespoke solution that fits the unique contours of your business.
In this guide, we explore why and how customised NetSuite development can be the key to unlocking its full potential for your enterprise.
What is NetSuite development?
NetSuite custom development involves tailoring the NetSuite ERP suite to meet specific business requirements. These customisations can range from minor tweaks in functionality to major overhauls of the system. The goal of any NetSuite development service is to ensure that your ERP solution is not a generic tool, but a strategic asset tailored to your business's unique challenges and opportunities. Here, the role of a NetSuite development company becomes critical, offering expert services to meet these customisation needs.
What is the role of a NetSuite developer?
An Oracle NetSuite developer is a technologist skilled in moulding NetSuite to business specifications. It’s a role that requires a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of NetSuite and the business processes it supports. Therefore, good NetSuite developers must possess a unique blend of skills, including proficiency in SuiteScript, a keen understanding of business workflows, and the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
When do you need custom NetSuite development?
Custom NetSuite development services are essential for businesses seeking to maximise their ERP investment. Customisation allows for enhanced functionality, more efficient workflows, and better integration with other systems. A bespoke NetSuite ERP solution, tailored by skilled NetSuite web developers, will fit your business requirements perfectly, enhancing productivity and supporting your unique processes.
What are the different types of NetSuite development and customisations?
Here are the most common types of NetSuite development and customisations, typically handled by expert developers NetSuite:
- Scripting and Workflow customisations
- SuiteScript development: SuiteScript is NetSuite's own JavaScript-based scripting language, enabling the creation of custom scripts for complex business logic, automation of tasks, and integration with external systems.
- Workflow customisations: NetSuite's SuiteFlow allows businesses to create and modify workflows, automating processes like approvals, notifications, and record management without the need for coding.
- User interface customisations
- Dashboard personalisation: Customising dashboards to display key performance indicators (KPIs), reports, and shortcuts specific to user roles or individual preferences.
- Form and field customisations:Tailoring forms and fields to capture and display data relevant to the business, including custom entry forms, field additions, and layout changes.
- Module development and extensions
- Custom module development: Building entirely new modules to cater to business-specific functionalities that are not part of the standard NetSuite offering.
- Module extensions: Enhancing existing NetSuite modules with additional features or functionalities to better align with specific business processes.
- Integration with other systems
- API Integrations - purpose or pre-built:Utilising NetSuite's APIs to integrate with other business systems, such as CRM, eCommerce platforms, or bespoke internal systems, ensuring seamless data flow.
- Reporting and analytics customisations
- Custom reports and searchesDeveloping tailored reports and saved searches to provide insights specific to the business needs, aiding in better decision-making.
- Advanced analytics customisations:Leveraging NetSuite's analytics capabilities to create custom analytics solutions, offering deeper and more industry-specific insights.
- Mobile and web development
- NetSuite mobile app customisation: Adapting the NetSuite mobile application for enhanced on-the-go accessibility and functionality.
- NetSuite web development: Developing custom web applications or portals that interact with NetSuite, offering unique web-based solutions to customers or employees.
- Vertical solutions: Tailoring NetSuite to meet the unique requirements of specific industries, such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, or finance, considering the industry's standards, compliance needs, and best practices.
A few more helpful resources:
The complete guide to selecting a NetSuite implementation partner >
Your guide to successfully navigating a NetSuite implementation >
The benefits of working with a software partner vs a software vendor >
What to look for in a NetSuite implementation partner >
What are some of the challenges of NetSuite customisations?
Customisations in ERP implementations is a common and necessary aspect for many organisations but needs to be managed carefully to avoid extending beyond the scope, budget, and timeline of the project, and to ensure it doesn't negatively impact user adoption and system stability. However, there are a few challenges that come with NetSuite development and customisations.
The need for customisation can lead to project delays, cost overruns, and additional complexities during implementation. Customisation demands specialised knowledge and may extend the scope and timeline of the project.
Customisations, while necessary to meet specific business requirements, can sometimes complicate end user adoption. Tailoring the system extensively might make it more challenging for users to adapt, especially if they are accustomed to standard ERP functionalities.
It’s important to find a balance in ERP implementation. While customisation is essential to address specific business needs, excessive customisation can lead to higher costs, longer implementation times, and potential issues in system stability and maintenance.
The need for customisation, if not managed well, can be a contributing factor to the high failure rates seen in ERP projects. According to Gartner, as much as 50-75% of ERP projects do not fully meet their objectives, and issues related to customisation could be a contributing factor.
How to choose the right NetSuite development partner
The above challenges underscore the importance of selecting the right NetSuite development company that can navigate these challenges effectively. A skilled partner should have a deep understanding of NetSuite's capabilities and limitations, and be adept at implementing custom solutions that align with business goals without compromising the project's scope, budget, or timeline. They should also be proficient in ensuring that any customisations enhance, rather than hinder, user adoption and system performance.
When assessing NetSuite development companies, look for NetSuite development partners with a proven track record of successful implementations. The company or individual should have a strong portfolio that showcases a variety of projects, highlighting their depth and breadth of experience. Client testimonials play a key role too, offering insights into the partner's reliability, expertise, and ability to deliver.
Most important, the best NetSuite developers will understand not just the technology, but also the nuances of different business sectors and how NetSuite can be optimised to support them.
What is the cost to hire a NetSuite developer?
The cost to hire a NetSuite developer is influenced by several factors. First, there is the complexity of the project. Simpler projects, requiring basic customisation and integration, will naturally cost less compared to more complex projects that demand extensive development work, such as building custom modules or intricate integrations with other systems.
The expertise and experience of the NetSuite developer or the development team is another critical factor. More experienced developers or teams with a proven track record in delivering high-quality NetSuite solutions may command higher fees, but they also tend to bring greater efficiency and expertise to the project. This expertise can be invaluable, especially in complex projects or those requiring a deep understanding of specific industries.
Geographical location can also impact development costs. Developers based in regions with higher living costs may charge more than those with lower costs. However, with the rise of remote work, it's possible to find skilled developers from various parts of the world, potentially offering competitive rates.
Finally, when considering the cost of hiring a NetSuite developer, it's essential to think beyond the initial expense. A well-executed NetSuite development project can bring long-term value to your business through enhanced efficiency, scalability, and the robustness of your NetSuite solution. The return on investment (ROI) from a well-implemented custom solution can far outweigh the initial development costs, making it a worthwhile investment for the future growth and adaptation of your business to changing market demands.
While it's challenging to provide specific cost figures without detailed project information, understanding these factors can help in making informed decisions when budgeting for NetSuite development services.
NetSuite development services are a critical investment for businesses looking to leverage the full power of their ERP system. By choosing the right development partner and focusing on custom solutions, businesses can ensure that their NetSuite system is an asset that drives growth and efficiency.
Are you ready to explore how NetSuite development services can transform your business?
Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover how we can tailor NetSuite to your unique business requirements.
