As a business leader, you know that no two companies are exactly alike. Each organization has its own processes, workflows, and requirements that set it apart. When implementing a cloud ERP platform like NetSuite, it’s essential to customize the system to support your unique business needs. A “one-size-fits-all” approach simply won’t cut it.
In this article, we’ll explore key ways to tailor NetSuite to match your business operations without extensive coding. We’ll also look at the benefits of working with an experienced implementation partner like SuiteRep to ensure your NetSuite solution is configured for success.
Key Ways to Customize NetSuite
NetSuite is highly flexible, with numerous configuration options to adapt to your workflows. Here are some key customization techniques to make NetSuite your own:
Forms and Records Customization
One of the easiest ways to customize NetSuite is by modifying forms and records. For example, you can:
- Add or remove fields on transactions, accounts, contacts, etc. to match your data points.
- Make certain fields mandatory vs optional.
- Customize field labels to use your preferred terminology.
- Apply specialized field validation rules.
- Set default values to auto-populate certain fields.
- Customize transaction numbering sequences.
Saved Searches
NetSuite’s extensive search functionality can be tailored to your needs via “saved searches”. You can create searches to quickly access the precise data sets you require.
For example, standard NetSuite searches may show more results than needed. A saved search could filter to just customers from a certain region or products above a revenue threshold. The possibilities are vast.
Workflows and Approvals
NetSuite Workflows allow you to build customized business processes into the system without coding. You can create rules and logic flows to trigger specific actions during transactions based on your approval requirements.
For instance, you may want purchase orders above $5,000 to route for executive review. Workflows can handle this automatically rather than relying on informal process documentation.
Custom Tabs, Links and Menus
Tailor the NetSuite interface by adding custom shortcut links, tabs, and menus to access frequently used pages or data in fewer clicks. Hide unused menu options from users to simplify navigation.
Custom Dashboard Portlets
NetSuite’s home dashboard features multiple widget-like “portlets” for data snapshots. You can create custom versions to highlight the specific KPIs most important to your role. Sales may want to see the sales pipeline while Finance wants to monitor AP aging.
Advanced Personalization Features
Take personalization deeper by customizing user interface elements, from custom record types to tailored PDF templates, custom help pages, and more. NetSuite also allows extensive custom code integration for additional advanced modifications.
Benefits of Customization
Why does customization matter so much for NetSuite success? Here are some of the top reasons:
- Improves User Adoption: Users will more readily adopt software tailored to existing workflows rather than needing to change processes to match the system.
- Boosts Efficiency: Employees work faster in a system providing the precise data and access points they require. There’s less hunting around for the right information.
- Increases Data Accuracy: Custom validation rules, mandatory fields, pre-populated defaults, and other configuration options help ensure data is entered consistently and correctly the first time.
- Enhances Reporting and Analytics: Saved searches and KPI portlets allow you to easily access sliced data sets that provide business insights not available out-of-the-box.
- Supports Growth: Highly customized systems are better equipped to scale, onboard new employees, and support changing needs as your company evolves.
Keep in mind that too much customization can lead to issues down the road. Work with an expert implementation partner to determine the optimal customizations for maximum usability while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Why Choose SuiteRep for NetSuite Implementation?
As you can see, tailoring NetSuite’s flexible platform to your exact specifications takes know-how. Attempting too many customizations without guidance can make upgrades and testing significantly more complicated.
SuiteRep eliminates these hassles through expert NetSuite implementation services for all types and sizes of businesses across industries.
Here’s how SuiteRep stands apart when custom configuring your NetSuite account:
Proven Customization Expertise
SuiteRep’s team brings decades of combined expertise customizing all aspects of NetSuite to improve operations for hundreds of clients. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach but instead dig into your unique needs.
Our consultants combine knowledge of NetSuite best practices with experience supporting businesses similar to yours across manufacturing, distribution, retail, professional services, nonprofits and more. The SuiteRep team helps you determine optimal NetSuite customization for long-term success.
Comprehensive Project Management
The SuiteRep team handles all facets of your NetSuite implementation from initial analysis through testing and post go-live optimization. Our structured methodology ensures all details are covered without getting overwhelmed.
We develop a detailed project plan mapping out phases, customization requirements, data migration needs, and more. You gain transparency into progress through weekly status calls.
Ongoing Training and Support
SuiteRep doesn’t just implement and disappear. We provide training tailored to different user groups at your company so everyone understands how to use NetSuite’s features and custom aspects optimally.
Post go-live support continues ensuring a smooth transition as employees adjust to new workflows. Have a question? SuiteRep is just a phone call away to troubleshoot issues or provide refresher training.
Risk Mitigation Throughout the Project Lifecycle
Business leaders have enough to worry about without implementation project uncertainty. SuiteRep mitigates customization risk through extensive testing and validation at every stage.
From initial configuration review to final acceptance testing, our team works diligently to uncover any defects early and handle required fixes to avoid go-live delays. We leverage industry best practices to minimize disruption.
NetSuite Platform Expertise
SuiteRep maintains extensive knowledge on the latest NetSuite releases and functionality. We stay on top of new features that may benefit your organization now or in the future.
SuiteRep also holds multiple NetSuite certifications including Administrator, SuiteCloud Developer I and II, and SuiteAnalytics. Our experts understand how all the platform’s components work together for unified success.
Bottom Line Savings
Some clients first consider having an in-house admin handle NetSuite customization until they realize the costs of learning on the job. SuiteRep’s expert consultants avoid this wasted budget through years of focused NetSuite experience you can leverage.
The SuiteRep team completes projects faster and more efficiently than novices getting up to speed. Our experts also proactively mitigate issues that could require expensive rework down the road if not configured properly from the start. In the end, SuiteRep saves money, headaches, and time.
Let SuiteRep Help Tailor Your NetSuite Platform
We’ve only scratched the surface of NetSuite’s abundant customization capabilities in this article. While NetSuite delivers proven value out of the box, adapting the solution to your organization’s needs is critical for seeing transformational results.
The SuiteRep team has guided hundreds of companies through successful NetSuite implementations tailored to their objectives. Let us help you as well. Contact SuiteRep today to discuss your project and get expert NetSuite customization aligned with your unique business requirements.
