NetSuite SuiteSuccess Implementation: What’s Really Included

In our last blog on NetSuite pricing, we explored the often-hidden Oracle NetSuite ERP pricing secrets and shared how some of their customers have turned to us for advice and help after implementing Oracle NetSuite (ONS). We’ve seen a trend among these businesses: they approached us during their ONS renewal period because the renewal costs blindsided them, significantly exceeding their budget. Unfortunately, we’ve heard similar concerns about ONS’s SuiteSuccess implementation. Clients have expressed that, much like their renewal costs, the NetSuite SuiteSuccess implementation presents unexpected challenges (read: costs), particularly between what was promised and what was actually delivered.

There are key differences people don’t realize when choosing to implement ONS that can lead to surprises and problems down the road. We’re here to try and clarify what’s involved in the ONS SuiteSuccess package so you can budget appropriately and make the right decision for your business.

NetSuite SuiteSuccess: The Complete Package?

ONS claims its SuiteSuccess package is an all-in-one cloud platform that includes everything a growing business needs to increase efficiency and drive success. While this may be true for some, what they don’t tell you is that SuiteSuccess implementation includes very little, so almost everything is out of scope.

ONS’s initial quote might seem low at first, making it an attractive option for a lot of companies. However, right after implementation or a few months later, SuiteSuccess customers discover they need more functionality, and subsequently, their bills get larger and larger. Almost everyone feels their implementation is pretty basic and that they don’t need much, we hear it all the time, but in the end, most companies want more than the basic system.

Cost Transparency Matters

Avoiding unexpected costs and having a complete and accurate understanding of what’s included in your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package is crucial to a successful implementation and maximizing your investment for several reasons. The big ones are for your budget management and resource planning.

It’s not uncommon for ERP systems to come with various additional costs beyond the initial purchase, like maintenance fees, licensing renewals, and add-on modules, necessary to manage your business how you like to. We’re not saying those don’t exist, with Sage Intacct or with NetSuite ERP pricing, but knowing all these costs upfront saves you from future financial strain & stress. You can also more effectively allocate team resources for any extra work needed for those new features or functionality, which helps avoid delays and disruptions company-wide.

Seems straightforward, right? It should be, but only if your ERP partner is fully transparent and honest about all aspects of the system. You can protect yourself and your business by asking the right questions and thoroughly reviewing your contract, its terms, costs, and features, before making your decision. If it seems too complicated, consider that a red flag.

SuiteSuccess or SuiteMess?

55% of ERP projects take longer than expected to implement, and ONS is no exception. NetSuite SuiteSuccess customers get what they pay for. ONS’s sales and implementation team touts that their customers typically get their ERP system up and running in less than 100 days. This is a bit off the mark. ONS’s implementations often take longer than promised, likely due to finding out at the last minute that their business needs additional add-ons or functionality. In fact, customers told G2 that ONS’s implementations average 71% longer than Sage Intacct’s - with more of the burden being shifted to the customer.

As we said earlier, we’re not here to criticize ONS or their SuiteSuccess ERP package. Instead, we hope to provide you with valuable insight into some of their customers who approached us asking for help after struggling with their NetSuite ERP pricing. As a trusted ERP partner, we’re here to help you navigate the many complexities of the ERP selection and implementation process. If you have any questions or would like some clarification about our solutions and the industry expertise we offer, drop us a line anytime.