For finance and operations teams that have faced setbacks with enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation projects, the difference between success and frustration often comes down to strategy, experience, and execution. This article focuses on achieving a smooth NetSuite implementation. A modern ERP implementation project should be about more than the successful migration of data. It should encompass enhancing processes, delivering measurable business outcomes, and reducing risk. Done right, it can help streamline workflows, accelerate adoption, strengthen auditability, and position your organization for growth. Done poorly, it can lead to costly failures, operational disruption, and even irreversible system issues.
At Forvis Mazars, our approach is built on addressing the real pain points organizations encounter and guiding clients toward lasting value. Below, we cover eight critical domains for ERP migration and implementation projects to address.
The Risks of “One-Size-Fits-All” Implementations
Many organizations choose NetSuite expecting a solution tailored to their unique needs. Too often, they receive a generic, “one-size-fits-all” setup that overlooks business complexity and future growth. The result? Unmet needs, stalled progress, and an ill-fitted ERP system that may hamper adoption and scalability.
The cost of a failed ERP implementation goes far beyond dollars spent. It includes the time and resources of key personnel who worked on the project and were distracted from their core responsibilities. In some cases, flawed setups, especially in areas like general ledger configuration or system integration, can create “unfixable” states that require starting over.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Industry experience shows that failed ERP implementation often stems from a combination of these “seven deadly sins”:
- Engaging unqualified technology implementation providers
- Poor system configuration and organizational structure
- Integration failures (such as Amazon data reconciliation issues)
- Lack of clear roles and permissions
- Insufficient change management and training
- Weak technical readiness and cutover planning
- Gaps in compliance, security, and governance
Avoiding these pitfalls requires more than technical know-how. Preferably, a consultative, outcome-driven approach is required to help put your near- and long-term business goals first and center.
Eight Critical Domains for Achieving a Smooth NetSuite Implementation
A productive implementation often follows a structured, best-practice-driven process. Here are eight critical domains to cover:
- Data Migration: Start early with data cleansing, mapping, and reconciliation.
- System Integration: Prioritize robust testing, monitoring, and error handling.
- Process Design & Configuration: Favor configuration over customization; document roles and permissions.
- Change Management: Engage stakeholders, provide hands-on training, and track critical adoption metrics.
- Technical Readiness: Conduct performance testing and plan for cutover and version validation.
- Compliance & Security: Map regulatory requirements, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), and maintain audit trails.
- Project Governance: Implement change control, milestone tracking, and budget visibility.
- Post Go-Live Operations: Expect dedicated support after your system goes live to help resolve issues promptly, answer your questions, and proactively monitor user satisfaction and adoption.
Pro Tips
- Data quality is the foundation of your NetSuite experience. Begin early with data cleansing and reconciliation.
- Technology adoption is earned through clarity, training, and trust.
NetSuite Implementation Phases
| Phase | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| Discovery & Planning | Perform a technology assessment and gap analysis, develop a project plan (may include a phased approach), assemble the project team, map processes, and set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals. |
| Design & Configuration | Work with your NetSuite implementation partner to plan integrations, map data, configure the system, and set roles and permissions in the system. Creating purpose-built roles is growing increasingly important as connecting external artificial intelligence (AI) services grows in popularity. |
| Data Migration & Testing | Cleanse your data, use a sandbox environment, conduct user acceptance testing (UAT), and finalize the cutover plan. |
| Training & Deployment | Work with your NetSuite implementation partner to move to production, execute go-live cutover, and deliver role-specific training to your team. |
| Post-Go-Live Support | After go-live, your NetSuite implementation partner should provide dedicated support to help you monitor and optimize system performance. |
Helpful Tips for Cutover
- Freeze change requests during the final test cycle.
- Lock data scope and complete a final data cleanse.
- Validate integrations under production-like loads.
- Finalize roles, permissions, and approvals.
- Complete backup and rollback rehearsal.
- Communicate about the go-live window and provide support channels.
- Run controlled cutover with checkpoint sign-offs.
- Perform post-cutover reconciliations and confirm system readiness.
Overarching ERP Migration Best Practices
- Prioritize People: Executive sponsorship and proactive change management are crucial.
- Master Your Data: As the saying goes, “garbage in, garbage out”; start your data preparation early.
- Standard First, Custom Second: Avoid unnecessary technical debt by leveraging system configuration settings versus custom code.
- Rigorous Testing: Include day-in-the-life UAT and negative scenario testing before your go-live cutover.
- Engage Experienced Consultants: Leverage experienced, certified consultants for NetSuite implementation and guidance.
How Forvis Mazars Can Help
What sets the NetSuite team at Forvis Mazars apart is a commitment to delivering an Unmatched Client Experience® and deep technical knowledge. Our approach focuses on meeting client business goals and providing measurable outcomes such as faster close cycles, improved controls, and enhanced reporting. Our services are designed to scale with your organization, from startup agility to midsize enterprise complexity. With readiness planning, disciplined testing, and adoption strategies, we can help your team realize value quickly with your NetSuite system.
As a certified Oracle NetSuite partner, we provide software implementation, integration, and consulting services. In addition, NetSuite at Forvis Mazars offers two premier program options:
- NetSuite Solution Provider – Helping your business get up and running with its own suite of NetSuite modules.
- NetSuite Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) – Helping fast-growing startups and small and midsize organizations supercharge their business management with outsourcing services.
Ready to see what’s possible? Connect with professionals at Forvis Mazars to discuss your NetSuite implementation. Schedule a complimentary strategy session today.