Step 1: Which NetSuite Partner to use?
Selecting the right NetSuite implementation partner sets the foundation for a smooth ERP rollout, as they handle configuration, customization, and ongoing support. Poor partner choices often lead to delays, cost overruns, or misaligned solutions, while top partners align expertise with your business needs.
Key Criteria for Evaluation
Focus on partners with NetSuite Alliance or Solution Provider status, verified certifications like SuiteFoundation or ERP Consultant, and at least 5 years of proven implementations. Prioritize those with industry-specific experience (e.g., manufacturing or retail) and strong client references showing successful go-lives.
Verify authorizations via NetSuite's partner directory and request case studies for your sector.
Assess technical depth: Ask about module expertise, SuiteCloud development, and integration capabilities with tools like CRMs.
Evaluate team strength: Look for dedicated project managers, responsiveness, and post-go-live support models.
Practical Selection Steps
Start by shortlisting 3-5 partners, then conduct discovery calls with scenario-based questions on your processes. Demand a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) outlining timelines, milestones, budgets, and support policies to ensure transparency. Industry data shows certified partners reduce implementation risks by up to 40% through best practices and Oracle-backed updates.
Step 2: Requirements
Hold off on purchasing your NetSuite licensing until you've gone through the full requirements stage. This part of the process allows you to develop a clear strategy for which modules to roll out and where lightweight customizations might replace a more expensive add-on. Skipping or rushing this step often leads to overspending.
You might save a significant amount by avoiding modules that are overloaded with features you’ll never use. Instead, by tailoring specific workflows to your business through targeted customizations, you can meet your needs more efficiently. The requirements process sets you up for long-term success and prevents you from locking yourself into licensing you don’t actually need.
Plan to invest between 10-30 hours on defining requirements. That’s what’s typically needed to create an actionable strategy and select modules with confidence. It will take at least 10 of those hours just to pinpoint the correct licensing and module solutions for your organization.
Step 3: Buy Licensing and Kick-Off
Now that the requirements are finalized, you’ll know exactly which modules and add-ons are necessary to hit your business goals. It’s common to feel pressure to make a purchase quickly - but resist that. Finalizing the requirements first is non-negotiable if you want a successful and affordable implementation.
A smart extra step is to review your requirements with at least two NetSuite partners before you sign anything. Yes, the requirements phase is billed time, but that's far better than overpaying later for add-ons you never truly needed. Confidence in your licensing decisions is worth the upfront investment.
When it comes to buying licenses, you have two main options: NetSuite Direct Sales or working with a NetSuite Solution Provider. Direct sales can sometimes offer up to 65% off retail pricing - though that usually requires buying more licenses or committing to a longer contract. Realistically, expect somewhere around 30% off list price.
Solution Providers won’t generally offer discounts over 50%, but the trade-off comes with added value. Solution Providers typically deliver better support for managing your licensing, users, and add-ons. And you’re still likely to get at least 30% off the list price.
While Versich is not a license reseller ourselves, we’ve partnered with a reliable Solution Provider who delivers outstanding support across the board. If you need help connecting with them, just reach out - we’re happy to make the intro.
At Versich, we specialize in NetSuite ERP and SuiteCommerce implementations. To deliver the best possible result, we collaborate with both Solution Providers and NetSuite Direct, depending on what's best for our clients.
It’s also worth noting the difference between Solution Providers and Alliance Partners. Unlike Solution Providers, Alliance Partners don’t sell licenses - they focus solely on implementation.
Once your licenses are locked in, the project kicks off as soon as your NetSuite consultants and developers gain access to your NetSuite instance. Giving access is a straightforward process, and from there, the team begins configuring everything to fit your specific needs.
You’ll typically be assigned a project lead - a functional consultant - who will keep the project on track and serve as your communication bridge to the broader implementation team. We highly recommend scheduling a discovery call with the project lead before officially signing with a provider, since they’ll be your go-to contact throughout the process.
A Note on Initial Steps of NetSuite Implementation - Bundle Deployment
It’s a common misconception that once you receive access to your NetSuite instance, everything will be set up and ready to go. That’s no longer how it works.
Since NetSuite introduced the SuiteSuccess Program in 2021, most new licenses come bundled within an edition. That edition includes a predetermined package of features, dashboards, forms, PDFs, and roles - custom-built with your industry in mind.
To take full advantage of it, an implementation partner needs to guide you through a very specific deployment process. This setup involves installing the right bundles in a particular order, enabling the proper features, and even requesting shared SuiteApps when necessary.
And keep in mind - certain features, once activated, can’t be undone. This makes the deployment process both essential and delicate.
Step 4: NetSuite Training and Testing
Before launch day, a solid round of NetSuite training is non-negotiable if you want a smooth transition. Every stakeholder and user should be trained not only on NetSuite fundamentals but also in how to navigate their specific day-to-day workflows in the system.
Sometimes this stage of the implementation process uncovers opportunities for additional system improvements after the go-live. In certain cases, you might decide to expand the scope of the project to capture major efficiency gains that will assist end users in their daily tasks. It's essential that your implementation partner develops role-specific documentation for NetSuite so your team has something to reference. This documentation can come at an added cost - but it’s worth every penny to ensure a smooth transition to NetSuite.
Step 5: NetSuite Go-Live
If all goes according to plan, you're well on your way to joining the ranks of successful NetSuite implementations. A near-flawless launch means your employees start integrating NetSuite into their daily operations with minimal disruption. While the system becomes part of the culture, it’s normal for employees to have questions. Make sure your NetSuite implementation partner remains easily accessible during this period to answer questions and quickly resolve any issues that arise.
Step 6: NetSuite Post-Go-Live Support
NetSuite isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it platform. Like any valuable business system, it needs ongoing attention and refinement. Your business will evolve, and there will always be new ways to unlock added efficiency. Hiring a full-time NetSuite administrator or developer who knows the platform inside and out is difficult and costly. One of our clients - with $500 million in annual revenue - spent two years trying to find a NetSuite admin with over three years of experience. They were willing to pay a base salary of $150,000, plus benefits totaling nearly $200,000 in actual expenses, plus a 20 - 30% recruiter fee. Even after going through all that, retaining talent is still an ongoing challenge due to high demand.
For this reason, most businesses prefer to go with NetSuite managed services or build a support model through staff augmentation. This gives them access to a broader skill set while keeping overall costs in check when you factor in benefits and turnover. Versich provides staff augmentation solutions that offer you a dedicated resource who can serve as your NetSuite administrator or developer. When urgent projects come up, this resource can quickly bring in the right people with the specific skill sets needed to deliver rapid results.
NetSuite Implementation Timeline
Timing is key when planning a NetSuite implementation so you can manage your migration from legacy software effectively. Below, we’ve outlined a standard timeline most companies can expect when launching a NetSuite project.
In some cases, depending on your business size or needs, this timeline may be extended to account for additional customizations or requirements. That said, most companies earning less than $20 million annually typically fall within this standard framework. More complex implementations can stretch to as long as 32 weeks, especially in enterprise environments.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
Simple Implementation - For smaller companies with fewer than 10 users. Annual revenue usually falls between $5 - $50 million.
Standard Implementation - Usually covers businesses with multiple entities, more than four NetSuite modules, and roughly 10 - 100 users. Annual revenue typically ranges from $50 - $200 million.
Complex Implementation - Designed for companies earning over $200 million per year and requiring more than 100 users. Heavy customization is expected due to intricate workflows developed over years of scale.
Key Factors That Influence Implementation Length
Several elements can impact how long your NetSuite implementation will take:
The amount of historic data being migrated and cleaned up (To save time, consider migrating only the data you truly need.)
Number of internal staff available to respond quickly during implementation
Amount and complexity of unique customizations or functional requirements
Number and types of third-party applications needing integration
Total number of NetSuite users
Use of multiple currencies
Number of subsidiaries
Quantity of physical office or operational locations
Post-Go-Live Timeline for NetSuite Implementations
Even the most detailed implementation plans can’t anticipate everything. As you move through your NetSuite project, new requirements naturally surface. To stay focused and avoid delays, we recommend breaking the implementation into two or more phases. That way, your organization can go live with a minimum viable product (MVP) while pushing less-critical items to a later date.
This phased approach should be supported by a long-term improvement plan. At Versich, we help create timelines for continuous improvement after go-live, so clients understand where future projects and optimizations will fall. We also build in a rhythm for regularly surfacing unaddressed areas of potential - allowing us to uncover time-saving strategies that can fuel business transformation over time.
Versich recommends a continual improvement rhythm once all the post-go-live activities are wrapped up. As a top-tier NetSuite implementation partner, Versich brings a strong reputation to every project. We were recognized as the #1 NetSuite Consulting Firm by GoodFirms in 2020 and maintained that momentum into 2021. We also earned the #2 spot for ERP consulting firms in the United States according to Superb Companies.
With certified experts across the board, our U.S.-based team has delivered over 50 full-cycle NetSuite and SuiteCommerce implementations. One of the biggest benefits of working with Versich is having a fully domestic team - meaning no timezone delays, communication issues, or overseas support queues. Many businesses actually prefer working with smaller firms like ours because they receive the personalized service they need without being buried in tickets or passed between departments just to find the right help.
At Versich, we deliberately limit the number of NetSuite implementations we handle every year. This allows us to deliver high-quality implementations and ensures our team is still available to support your post-go-live needs. In fact, the same specialists who work on your implementation will continue supporting your team without jumping to the next ERP rollout.
Still have lingering questions? Here are some of the most frequently asked ones:
Is there a “best” NetSuite implementation process? The best implementation process is one that addresses the exact needs of your business. While the general stages include discovery, configuration, testing, training, go-live, and support, you’ll find that the deeper you go into your requirements, the more tailored your approach needs to be. A sound project management methodology - such as Agile - helps ensure things move forward efficiently. And tools like Gantt charts are especially useful for layering different parts of the project and tracking deliverables.
How much does it cost to implement NetSuite? Costs depend heavily on what your business needs. Most companies purchase NetSuite with Advanced Financials and at least one add-on module. You should expect the process to take around 350 hours and cost between $50,000 and $100,000. Also don’t forget to budget ongoing expenses - many organizations plan for at least the salary of an experienced IT manager to cover support and maintenance.
Because implementation pricing is so closely tied to your business complexity, it’s tough to be exact without understanding your model. For example, depending on your company size and unique needs, implementation costs could land between $25,000 and $100,000 - and in some cases, exceed that. Major variables that influence the budget include data migration, customization, integrations with external platforms, and employee training.
How do I pick a NetSuite implementation consultant? Look for a consultant who has successfully completed at least 5 full NetSuite lifecycle implementations specifically in your industry and who has worked with more than 20 NetSuite environments. Your implementation team should include at least one person with that deep level of experience to lead the process effectively.
What are some common NetSuite implementation problems? The most frequent issue is insufficient user support - particularly a lack of training. When employees don’t feel confident using the new system, resistance grows. If you're new to large transformations, it's wise to start learning about organizational change management. Another common mistake is attempting too much at once. By trying to roll out every “nice to have” instead of focusing on a minimum viable product, you risk overcomplicating the implementation. A phased approach is better: start with what’s essential and optimize from there.
What causes NetSuite implementations to fail? Failures typically result from choosing the wrong partner, inadequate user training, or trying to stuff every single wish list item into the first go-live. These risks are avoidable with proper vetting of your consulting firm, focused training by role, and a phased implementation approach that leaves room for fine-tuning after deployment.
Self-Implementation: Using internal staff to run your NetSuite rollout. While this may seem cost-effective, it tends to lead to failures in most cases.
The only scenario where a direct approach might make sense is if your company already employs experienced NetSuite developers and consultants. Without that internal expertise, it's unlikely you'll be satisfied with the results.
Direct Implementation: This means working directly with NetSuite for your implementation. While they do offer solid statements of work and options for reducing costs through fixed bids, the consistency of their professional services leaves much to be desired. Success really depends on the luck of the draw - who you’re assigned and where in the world they’re located. Businesses are often drawn to this option simply because NetSuite is the creator of the software. However, it’s important to note that the most skilled consultants typically end up working with NetSuite partners instead.
Partner Implementation: The majority of highly-rated NetSuite implementations come from businesses that chose a NetSuite partner. That’s largely thanks to the personalized experience and the high value partners place on customer success.
NetSuite Implementation Checklist: Here are several key tasks to tackle at the beginning of your NetSuite implementation journey:
Confirm NetSuite is the right platform for your company
Gather multiple implementation estimates
Take time selecting who you purchase licensing from (remember: you’re not required to use the same group for implementation)
Choose a NetSuite implementation partner
Appoint an internal team to support the project
Identify all stakeholders and expected NetSuite users
Build high-level business flow maps to clearly share your operational needs
Determine which parts of the business NetSuite will support
Define a clear budget for your implementation
Allocate a separate budget for post - go-live support
Begin recruiting full-time NetSuite talent - this can take up to two years
Prioritize your wish list and minimum viable product needs
Decide on any third-party tools you intend to integrate with NetSuite
Ensure all internal subject matter experts have cleared enough time on their schedules to fully support the ERP process
Set and confirm your go-live date with your consultants
Custom Forms for Implementation
NetSuite for Service Companies
NetSuite Optimization
ERP Implementation Best Practices for NetSuite Deployment
We hope this guide has given you a strong foundation to understand NetSuite and how it might serve your business efficiently. If you’re exploring next steps and need guidance, the team at Versich is here to help - feel free to reach out for no-cost consulting advice.
