When it comes to managing and optimizing your NetSuite ERP system, one crucial decision lies in determining the best support approach for your business. NetSuite, a powerful and versatile cloud-based enterprise resource planning, or ERP platform, empowers businesses with seamless operations, efficient financial management, and comprehensive customer relationship management. However, to ensure smooth functioning and resolve issues promptly, organizations face a choice between two primary options — in-house support or external NetSuite support.
Both in-house and external NetSuite support have their own set of advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each approach, allowing you to weigh the options and select the most suitable support model for your organization. Continue reading to learn more.
In-House NetSuite Support
In-house NetSuite support refers to having a dedicated team of professionals within your organization who possess the necessary expertise to manage and support your NetSuite system. This team can include system administrators, developers, and analysts who work directly for your company. Let’s delve into the pros and cons associated with this approach.
Pros of In-House NetSuite Support
Familiarity with the Business
An in-house support team actually becomes intimately acquainted with your company’s unique processes, challenges, and goals over time. They develop a deep understanding of your NetSuite implementation, customizations, and configurations specific to your organization. This level of familiarity allows them to provide tailored solutions, recommendations, and support that align closely with your business requirements. They can even anticipate your needs, suggest optimizations, and ensure that the NetSuite system is fully optimized to support your business operations efficiently.
Immediate Response
With an in-house support team dedicated to managing your NetSuite system, they are readily available to address any problems or concerns that may arise in real-time. This prompt response time can significantly minimize downtime and ensure that your business operations continue smoothly.
Moreover, having direct access to the support team means that they can quickly investigate and troubleshoot issues, offering timely resolutions to keep your NetSuite environment running optimally.
Cost Control
Another compelling advantage of in-house NetSuite support is the ability to have better cost control. By maintaining an in-house support team, you have direct control over the budget allocated to NetSuite support activities. You can optimize costs by tailoring the team size and skillset to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. And unlike external support providers that often charge a fixed fee or require ongoing subscription plans, in-house support allows for more flexibility in managing expenses.
Cons of In-House NetSuite Support
Limited Expertise
One significant drawback of in-house NetSuite support is the potential for limited expertise compared to specialized external support providers. While your in-house team may possess valuable knowledge and skills, they may not have the same level of expertise and exposure as professionals who focus solely on NetSuite implementations and support.
Additionally, in-house teams may face limitations in accessing advanced troubleshooting techniques, specialized knowledge, and emerging trends within the NetSuite ecosystem.
Training and Knowledge Gaps
As the NetSuite platform evolves and introduces new features, updates, and functionalities, it is crucial for support professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. However, keeping an in-house team consistently trained and informed about these changes can be a demanding task. It requires allocating resources for continuous training, attending workshops, and investing in certifications to ensure that the team remains proficient in handling complex NetSuite-related issues. And failure to address these knowledge gaps can lead to inefficiencies in problem-solving, potential errors, and suboptimal utilization of the NetSuite system.
Scalability and Availability
Scalability and availability can also be a potential drawback of in-house NetSuite support. As your business grows or experiences fluctuations in demand, it may be challenging for an in-house team to scale up or down accordingly. Hiring and training new team members to accommodate increased support needs can be time-consuming and costly.
Additionally, in-house teams may face limitations in terms of availability, especially during holidays, weekends, or after-hours support. If critical issues arise during these times, it may take longer to address them, potentially impacting your business operations.
External NetSuite Support
External NetSuite support involes partnering with a specialized service provider or consultancy firm that focuses on NetSuite implementations, maintenance, and support. These external experts can offer comprehensive support tailored to your business needs. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Pros of External NetSuite Support
Specialized Expertise
External support providers focus exclusively on NetSuite implementations, maintenance, and support, allowing them to develop a deep level of expertise in the platform. They stay updated with the latest features, functionalities, and best practices, ensuring that your NetSuite system is optimized for maximum efficiency. Their specialized knowledge allows them to offer advanced troubleshooting techniques, industry-specific insights, and customized solutions tailored to your business needs.
Also, with their extensive experience across multiple clients and industries, they have encountered a wide range of challenges and can apply their expertise to address your unique requirements.
Access to the Latest Updates
NetSuite regularly releases updates, patches, and new features to enhance system functionality and address potential issues. And external NetSuite support providers are dedicated to staying abreast of these updates and ensuring that your system remains up to date. They have a comprehensive understanding of the latest enhancements, bug fixes, and industry-specific updates, allowing them to provide proactive recommendations and implement the necessary changes promptly.
Scalability and Availability
External support providers are well-equipped to handle the scalability needs of your business. Whether you experience rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations, or changes in demand, they can readily adapt their support services to match your requirements. They have the resources and flexibility to allocate additional support personnel or adjust service levels to accommodate your evolving needs.
Moreover, external support providers often offer round-the-clock availability, ensuring that you have access to support whenever issues arise, regardless of the time zone or holidays. This high availability minimizes downtime and ensures prompt resolution of critical issues, allowing your business operations to continue uninterrupted.
Cons of External NetSuite Support
Cost Considerations
While engaging an external support provider can offer cost-effective solutions, it is essential to carefully evaluate the associated expenses. External support providers typically charge fees based on service agreements, which may include monthly subscriptions, hourly rates, or project-based pricing. These costs can accumulate over time, especially if your support needs are extensive or require frequent assistance.
There may also be additional charges for specialized services, customization, or on-site support. Thus, it is crucial to assess your budget and compare the costs of external support with the potential expenses of maintaining an in-house team.
Learning Curve
When businesses work with an external support provider, it may take some time for them to fully understand business processes, configurations, and specific requirements. They need to familiarize themselves with your unique setup and operations before providing effective support. This initial learning curve can cause temporary delays or misunderstandings as they adjust to your organization’s intricacies.
Communication and Coordination
Communication and coordination can also pose challenges when working with external NetSuite support. Since the support team operates outside your organization, there may be potential difficulties in establishing effective communication channels and coordinating efforts. Time zone differences, language barriers, and limited availability for real-time discussions can hinder prompt and seamless communication.
Also, misinterpretation of requirements or delays in response times may occur, which can affect issue resolution and prolong the support process. It is crucial to establish clear lines of communication, define expectations, and maintain open channels for regular updates and feedback.
Key Takeaway
The decision between in-house and external NetSuite support involves careful consideration of the pros and cons associated with each option. And by finding the right support model while considering some of the factors that were mentioned above, it will ensure that your NetSuite system is well-maintained, optimized, and aligned with your business objectives, facilitating smooth operations and growth.
