NetSuite Implementation Cost: Everything You Need to Know

Today, NetSuite is one of the market’s most popular cloud-based ERP solutions.

Every day more and more companies are turning towards NetSuite implementation as the solution includes a bundle of modules for financials, customer relationship management, e-commerce, and inventory management, that companies can obtain specifically for their industry.

In addition, NetSuite’s combination of integration, cloud-based delivery, customisation, scalability, and support is what makes it a more popular choice for businesses looking to streamline and automate their operations.

So if you run a business and looking for an integrated business management software suite to manage all your key business processes, NetSuite is certainly worth considering. And to get started, it is ideal to have a general idea of what NetSuite might cost you before deciding to implement the system.

How much does a NetSuite implementation cost?

It isn’t easy to provide a precise cost estimate for a NetSuite implementation without knowing more about your specific needs and requirements. The NetSuite implementation cost will depend on several factors, including the size of your organisation, the complexity of your business processes and the need for customisations, data migration, training and more.

Here are some things to consider when budgeting for a NetSuite implementation.

Licensing costs

In order to determine the price of NetSuite, you need to figure out which NetSuite edition your business needs. There are multiple types of user licenses within NetSuite. For example, the full user license might be applicable to employees who require access to NetSuite on a regular basis, and the employee centre license might be suitable for users with limited roles. So eventually, the price will vary depending on the exact type of access your employees need.

Company size

You can determine the cost based on your company size and needs, as NetSuite offers various packages. For example, the starter edition might be designed for 10 users, whereas the enterprise edition may be applicable for 1000 users. However, businesses with more complex operations may require more customisation and integration with other systems, which can increase the cost of implementation.

For example, a large business with multiple locations, a large number of employees, and a variety of different departments may increase the complexity of the project and the resources required to complete the implementation process, which can increase the cost. Also, the high volume of licenses a large business needs leads to a higher cost of implementation.

Module selection

NetSuite offers a range of modules for financials, CRM, e-commerce, and other areas of business, and the cost of the software will depend on the specific modules being implemented. Alongside the ERP and CRM modules, many additional modules are available to license through NetSuite.

The more modules you purchase, the more integration and customisation it requires, which can increase the cost of the project. So it’s essential to carefully evaluate which modules are necessary for the business and how they will be used in order to determine the overall cost of implementation.

Data migration

Businesses require to export data from the legacy system and import it into NetSuite. The process is sensitive and involves various formats and structures. And the cost depends on how much data you are required to bring over and the quality you require. For larger businesses, data migration can be a month-long process and cost $10,000+, whereas medium size companies may require $2,000- $4,000.

Customisation

The cost of customisation will depend on the specific needs of the business and the complexity of the project. There are a few different ways that NetSuite can be customised, including customising the user interface, adding custom fields and forms, and integrating with other systems. And customising NetSuite to fit the specific needs of a business can add to the cost of the project, as it may require additional resources and time to complete. The cost can be around $0-10k.

Integration

Whether it’s a 3PL, a CRM system or an ecommerce site, businesses often require some sort of NetSuite integrations to utilise other software for certain business functions. Though the cost will depend on the development work needed, for individual integration, it may cost at least $2000-$4000+ annually.

Training and support

Not just to understand NetSuite better but to stay up to date with ongoing updates and industry best practices of NetSuite, training is mandatory. And it is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. So it’s essential to carefully evaluate the cost of training and ongoing support and how it will fit into the overall budget for the project.

For example, you can consider budgeting around $1,500-$12,000+ depending on the number of employees being trained, the duration of the training and technical support, and the specific modules being covered.

Considering NetSuite for your growing company?

Here are some cost-saving tips.

Now, if you are sure that NetSuite is worth the investment and aiming towards successfully licensing and implementing NetSuite cloud ERP while saving money and time, check on the following tips.

Compare and get a good partner with sufficient resource

When it comes to licensing NetSuite, you can either choose to work with NetSuite’s direct sales and service teams or work with a trusted NetSuite partner. Try to be selective and choose the right partner who can provide you with enough resources for implementation and help you in proposing a combination of software and professional services and tailor the evaluation approach to align with your needs and intentions.

Subscribe to modules as per your business processes

The modules can be added on at any time. So before adding any modules, you can see how NetSuite’s functionality works. Later it may be possible to save money by opting for a lower-priced plan that includes only the necessary modules and add-ons rather than paying for additional features that the business does not need.

Negotiate and look for discounts

When buying a NetSuite subscription, ask your provider if they offer any discounts instead of paying for NetSuite upfront. Also, negotiate whether the deals will be applicable to your renewals as well. If possible, try to purchase a more extended NetSuite license because the longer you license for NetSuite, the more you can save. And before signing the contract, check the terms and conditions to eliminate any future surprises and frustrations.

Conclusion

So it is the breadth of the NetSuite platform that creates a ton of pricing options for startups to enterprise-sized businesses. And this makes it tough to say what NetSuite would cost, as it depends on a few factors. But if you are new to it, no matter whether your business needs any sort of customisation, integration or detailed training, working with an experienced NetSuite agency can be a big help in turning the implementation process much more accessible; that also, in a cost-effective way.