In conversation with NetSuite

During one of our regular meetings with NetSuite, we took the opportunity to discuss the benefits of choosing TrueCloud solutions and how companies should think when they are looking into replacing their ERP solution or investing in one for the first time. Here are some of our thoughts..

Why did you decide to become a NetSuite Alliance Partner? 

There are mainly two reasons: one, as a company our mission is to be the Digital Transformation partner for entrepreneurs, and our focus has been the SME segment. When looking for a Financials and ERP solution for clients that were growing beyond basic accounting and Excel needs, NetSuite was simply miles ahead of anything else. Secondly, we were, and continue to be, big believers in the Cloud, and NetSuite is the leader in cloud ERP. Almost all enterprise software will move from on-premise to cloud- and recent conditions have only accelerated this trend. The advantages are just too compelling, particularly for SME customers: reduced Total Cost of Ownership, simplified maintenance, world-class backup and security, and access from anywhere - by design. NetSuite's simplified implementation process, particularly its customized set of industry-specific solutions called SuiteSuccess, meant that we could set very clear expectations upfront on what was involved in an ERP implementation and get through a typical initial implementation within a quarter - a huge boon, especially when compared to the multi-year timelines required of other solutions. We are such believers that when our own growth demanded a move beyond Quickbooks, we implemented NetSuite for ourselves - with great success.

What would you say is the three most common challenges companies usually seeks to solve with a new ERP-solution?

The challenges for Middle Eastern customers are much the same as that for our clients elsewhere in the world: as their business operations grow beyond simple accounting systems and spreadsheets, they need a system that can capture and automate all their key processes, and provide reports on key business metrics as and when needed. This includes not just financials, but also inventory, projects, customers and employees. Middle East companies in particular have multiple subsidiaries in different zones, businesses or countries, and they typically want their HR system to be integrated with their ERP as well. #NetSuite.eu offers all of this, and also allows partners to build apps that are customizable to user needs. For example, we have built an out of the box HR solution for the Middle East, within NetSuite, so that its all part of that one truly integrated system.

From your perspective, what are some of the benefits of choosing a True Cloud ERP-solution?  

Anyone trying to stay up to date with the latest version of a software solution and all the expense, focus, and effort it entails will appreciate always being on the current and latest version. It's not just you who is current, its the entire ecosystem, all the partner applications and plugins. As you grow, you can simply add users and modules when you need them, without any installation, backup, security and scalability concerns. It is a truly turnkey solution, that takes all the hassle away from maintaining and updating software, and lets you focus on the essential parts of running your business.

What differentiates NetSuite from other ERP-solutions in the Middle East Market?

Firstly, it’s the most mature and battle-hardened cloud ERP solution. A lot of the kinks that other solutions are still in the process of streamlining, NetSuite has already figured out. Secondly, it’s the only solution that can support your business from simple operations requiring basic financials and workflows, all the way up to complex processes with multiple subsidiaries in multiple regions and different lines of business. NetSuite supports automation for all types of complex processes as the business grows. Thirdly, Oracle NetSuite has built up a significant presence in the Middle East, including a rich partner ecosystem, which includes the Middle East specific add ons such as ours.

What kind of advice would you give to companies that are looking into replacing their current ERP, or that is looking into purchasing their first one?

Firstly, you need to know your business: get a clear understanding of what your needs are today, and what they are likely to be in the next few years as you grow. Understand what is essential for today while planning for the future as well. This knowledge will come both top-down and bottom-up - both from the CEO and CFO, as well as from the various users of the system: your accountants, sales and marketing people, warehouse managers, purchasing, project managers, logistics, ecommerce, shippers etc. Secondly, while you may have your way of doing things, be open to possibly better practices and following industry standards to achieve results. Get a thorough evaluation of the products you are considering and write down and specify as much as you can upfront. The more methodical and detailed you are upfront, the easier the implementation process and the subsequent adoption will be. At the same time, don't try to "boil the ocean". Understand, accept and plan to get the essentials in the first phase, and then build from there. Most failed IT projects have two causes: either people have not done enough planning, or they have done too much planning and want absolutely everything to work right off the bat. Prepare well, but be realistic. 

We have been a NetSuite partner for over a decade and have a global Practice with over a 100 expert staff serving North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific in diverse industries and market segments. In addition to our core offering of implementation and consulting services, we offer several pre-built integrations or "connectors" between NetSuite and other popular systems, our own HR product focused on the Middle East market, software development and customization services and have expertise in building custom cloud and mobile apps.

#Adnan Lawai #NetSuiteapp #NetSuitepartner #NetSuite.eu

Please contact us if you are looking for the Oracle NetSuite implementation.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/folio3/mycompany

www.folio3.com

Link to Oracle NetSuite’s Webpage

Anwarul Hasan Rizvi

Director Of Sales