Checklist for NetSuite Implementation

August 24, 2022
Jhansi Rani
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Published On August 24, 2022

A successful implementation requires an outline and a strategy for it to flow smoothly. Oracle NetSuite ERP has a series of steps for its implementation methodology.

The below phases under each category defines how implementation strategies are prescribed and how much it costs for NetSuite ERP Implementation.

Engage

Oracle NetSuite ERP implementation requires parties and the engagement of those parties to figure out the initial strategy for the implementation. Here project managers, Project steering committee members, the Implementation team, management from both client side and the product end side are involved. This includes kick-off calls and finalizing project budgets, timelines, and change management plans.

Drive

Oracle NetSuite ERP solution requires building actionable deployment plans, including NetSuite Implementation Cost. Some significant customizations necessary for the business are supervised. The training plans are also defined for business users. Requirements related to customization of any level are discussed under this phase. In this phase, the cloud application’s licensing is taken care.

Enable

The installations of any custom solutions or any records are personalized for the business in NetSuite accounting software. This phase defines the data migration of critical data into production—the approach and timeline for it. It also encompasses testing of solutions described against the business requirements—this is the pre-stage of a Go-live.

Convert

This is the final stage of NetSuite accounting software where we review if the respective setup and configuration have been completed successfully. Then, we transfer the ownership of the system to the customer.

Following are some of the deep-dive into the implementation process. These steps are highly crucial in ERP implementation. These have to be performed in similar phases.

Requirement Gathering

The implementation team, the business users from each process area, and the management come together to document and examine the current condition of business processes to identify common problems and unnecessary efforts. The business also defines its issues on the ongoing business, and possible analysis of the design solutions are discussed in this phase. The kick-off call and recurring status calls are also defined during the project deployment phases. The project sponsor, Project manager, Steering committee, and the team are also established in this phase.

Pre-Configuration

In this phase, the implementation team, based on the requirements gathered from their initial workshop with the business users, will configure the master and transactional data into a sandbox environment. This can be a combination of dummy and actual data provided for each process from the customers. The basic setup of the business account is done. The configuration of bundles with layouts specific to the industry and the customer preference are completed.

Training and Walkthroughs

Business users might be new to the cloud ERP system. Hence, to familiarize them with the system with the initial iteration of master and transactional data and customizations of records and forms, walkthroughs are conducted to ensure the business users adapt to the cloud ERP system for each of their owned process areas. There comes a second walkthrough which the users perform from the customer end to show their familiarization with the system and clarify any queries related to the process area.

The implementation team also provides end-user training to ensure they sync up on any customizations relating to the form or record and encourage adoption and ownership.

User acceptance testing

Initiate tests for all interfaces with user data to clearly understand processes. It also consists of acceptance and validation to assure that all functions and user groups perform as planned. In order to address any challenges encountered throughout the testing process, business users can register them during this step. The tickets are logged and tracked for audit purposes as well.

Data-Migration

This is the final iteration for Go-live. The data provided is the final static data for migration according to the format of the NetSuite-defined template. It is of utmost importance that the data provided by the business to the implementation team is sanitized for accuracy and completeness. It should stay up to date, with no duplicates or errors. Initiate data mapping so data can flow freely between departments and business segments for pending testing and go-live tasks.

Deployment and Transfer of ownership

Establish configuration for any additional components and conduct a cutover meeting for go-live. To ensure everything is sent to the customer production account, setups and integrations are continually reviewed. Once the go-green sign is given, the customer receives ownership of the product.

Post-Implementation support

Transition to the post-implementation support teams. This is to maintain ongoing maintenance and support of software through users. The initial stage of post-implementation involves evaluating the project through KPI improvements.