Unlocking Success: Navigating the Phases of a NetSuite Implementation Project

Background

Embarking on an ERP implementation project is not an easy and straightforward task. Several aspects need to be considered to ensure a successful transition from the old system (or no system at all?) to the new one. At Novutech, we aim for excellence. We apply a rigorous methodology that enables us to:

• Gather customer requirements and analyse them during design workshops.
• Validate customer requirements and create prototypes to show the customer.
• Configure and prototype the requirements.
• User acceptance testing and final validation.
• Perform the data migration and going live with on the new platform.
• Do the go-live follow-up and support.

This article briefly explains the stages of a NetSuite project

Customer requirements and design workhhops

After the project kick-off, we submit questionnaires to our customers concerning the main processes to be implemented. The main processes we encounter the most often are:

• Procure to pay.
• Order to cash.
• Record to report.
• Design to build.

Once the questionnaires have been completed, we organize an initial workshop, during which we explain the components of each process and analyze the responses, asking for further explanations.These workshops are very important, as they give us a comprehensive insight into the customer's processes. Vice versa, this allows the customer to begin to understand how NetSuite works.

Configuration and prototype

During this phase, we materialize the customer's needs in the form of user stories. Then, based on these user stories, we create prototypes on NetSuite which we show to our customers during workshops. The customer validates (or not) what has been done on the test environment (SandBox). The aim at the end of this prototype phase is for Novutech and the customer to agree on what needs to be set up on NetSuite. This agreement is materialized in the form of a CMS (Core Model Specification), which brings together everything that will be implemented on NetSuite. It represents an shared vision between Novutech and the customer on how the end solution should work and deliver added value..

User acceptance testing and final validation

Once the prototypes have been validated, the UAT phase can begin. We prepare for our customers a set of tests to be validated in accordance with the CMS, along with the necessary user guides. We work closely with our customers during this phase, providing immediate, hands-on support to help them use the system for the first time and ensure proper testing. The customer tests the various elements of each process, validating them as the tests progresses.

Data migration and go live

Once the UAT phase has been finalized, the various SandBox elements are put into production. We follow a rigorous method that enables us to faithfully copy the elements to be put into production, as well as the necessary master data (Chart Of Account, Vendors, Customers, Items, etc). The SandBox is then refreshed to contain all the elements put into production, which we retest to make sure there have been no errors.Finally, we import the closing balances and open A/P and A/R transactions.

Go-live follow-up and support

Once the system has been put in production (on go-live) we follow up to ensure that users are being supported when doing their daily job in NetSuite and to fix any issues that may have slipped through the configuration and testing process.Do you feel confident now to enter into your NetSuite adventure with us? Do reach out, we would be delighted to help you realize a successful ERP implementation.