What is NetSuite?
NetSuite is a piece of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and CRM software that enables organisations of all sizes to unify and centralise their disparate operations. This means data from areas such as inventory management, finances, CRM and more can all be collated and compared in a single place.
With rich automation and analytics features, this enables companies to streamline operations and gain deep, actionable insights that can inform decision-making. The result is an optimisation of operations across the board and greater opportunities to thrive and grow in your industry.
NetSuite is a cloud-based business solution that provides all the benefits of cloud computing including affordability and scalability. This is why it works for businesses of virtually any size that need access to its capabilities.
Why do people buy NetSuite?
Companies invest in NetSuite because it provides them with many opportunities for efficiency gains throughout their operations. Whether by replacing time-consuming manual tasks with powerful automation, compiling data from numerous sources into a single area in real-time or delivering analytics and insights that facilitate informed decision-making, the benefits are there to be claimed by businesses looking to capitalise on the power of this innovative technology.
Available as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution via cloud computing, another reason companies invest in NetSuite is that it saves them money versus many other solutions. This is because it requires virtually no investment in on-site infrastructure or IT personnel, and you pay only for the number of users and modules your business needs.
No sacrifices are made in terms of the power or customisation options of the solution, so you can make it your own and enjoy the many benefits of not having to run and manage your own servers.
Who uses NetSuite?
Currently, NetSuite helps run the business of more than 32,000 users in no fewer than 217 countries and territories. With its flexibility and tailored configurations for different sectors, it is used by companies in such diverse industries as:
- Distribution
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Construction
- Software
- Retail
- Professional Services
- Energy
- Healthcare
This is just a snapshot of the many sectors that benefit from NetSuite, so you can be confident that it is a good fit for your needs.
What is the difference between NetSuite Editions and NetSuite Levels?
Each of the 3 NetSuite Editions offer different levels of functionality in terms of the business processes they manage. The 3 NetSuite Levels reflect the size of a business, the number of employees and the service level for technical support. NetSuite customers choose an edition that covers their business needs, and a level based on the scale of their business.
NetSuite Editions Explained
- NetSuite Standard – this is the middle-of-the-road option that provides a good balance between price and capabilities. It is the most popular edition, used by the majority of companies that implement NetSuite. Expect strong resources for financial, inventory management and CRM – the main limitation is that isn’t suitable for companies with numerous subsidiaries.
- NetSuite CRM – this edition is aimed at companies that mainly want NetSuite to help manage their customer relationships. It is designed as an entry point for things like sales and marketing automation. It is the least feature-rich of the 3 editions because it doesn’t have accounting functions built in. However, one benefit is that it comes cheaper than the other editions.
- NetSuite OneWorld – this is the largest NetSuite edition. It includes everything you get from the CRM and Standard editions but also offers many features for organisations with many subsidiaries and for multinational enterprises. NetSuite OneWorld can handle all your international operations and transactions, booking them to different subsidiaries, each of which is available at a reasonable price point.
NetSuite Levels Explained
- NetSuite Light Edition – this is based on user count and employee size. In simple terms, Light Edition is available to companies with no more than 10 users and 50 employees.
- NetSuite Mid-Market Edition – at this level, there is technically no minimum requirement for a number of users, but it is designed for companies with between 15 and 1,000 employees. The price point for Mid-Market Edition would be prohibitive for most smaller companies. Its biggest contrast with the Light Edition is that it offers the option to add more modules and functionality, such as Fixed Assets, Inventory and eCommerce.
- NetSuite Enterprise Edition – this is the level designed specifically for organisations with 1,000+ employees. It provides everything offered by the Mid-Market Edition, but with more rich interaction with the vendor and a higher level of support available. The price of the Enterprise Edition is significantly higher than that of the Mid-Market Edition, as you might expect with such a high user count, but the rich functionality is extremely useful for larger companies.
How much does NetSuite cost in the UK?
Although NetSuite doesn’t publish pricing, NetSuite SuiteSuccess Financials First Standard starts at around £1350 p/m. Additional general access users are charged at around £70 p/m. If businesses require a NetSuite Sandbox test environment, this would work out at £350 p/m (10% of the total monthly subscription).
This is just a rough guide. The cost of NetSuite will vary depending on your business needs. Without published pricing, NetSuite may seem out of reach but in reality, some ERP vendors who do share their pricing publicly can often end up costing more than first anticipated once everything is put together. So although NetSuite’s pricing appears less transparent than other vendors, it’s actually a conscious decision so that the pricing offered is reflective of your business and it’s unique requirements.
Why doesn’t NetSuite publish pricing?
NetSuite doesn’t publish pricing because the price is actually dependent on the number of users required, the modules you select and any additional bespoke requirements. This means the pricing is actually different for everyone. If you are trying to determine how much NetSuite will cost you, the best move is to speak to NetSuite or a NetSuite Solution Provider who can offer their expertise to assess what your business will need.
How to buy NetSuite in the UK
The two options are to approach NetSuite directly or work with a NetSuite Solution Provider. Solution Providers act as an intermediary between the customer and the vendor, purchasing the software and/or licences from NetSuite on your behalf, and then working with the customer on implementing the solution.
By approaching NetSuite directly, you’ll benefit from working with the actual software vendor. Their knowledge is unrivalled and they are a vast organisation with huge resources available. However, there are huge benefits to working with a NetSuite Solution provider too.
NetSuite Solution Providers are fully certified by NetSuite, so you still take advantage of a vast amount of knowledge and expertise. You might also find that a Solution Provider can help you with the entire project, delivering all the IT infrastructure and any other ad hoc requirements the project demands.
Working with a Solution Provider can often feel more personal too. You’ll likely receive a dedicated point of contact and an implementation team who will see out the lifespan of the project. You could also choose a local NetSuite Solution Provider who can accommodate face-to-face meetings and better service your queries and requests.
Investing in a new ERP is a complex decision and it can be extremely helpful to have that point of contact available for support as and when you need it. In both cases, you will end up getting the software you need, but a Solution Provider can certainly help you to feel more confident about the decisions you make along the way. After all, we all need a bit of hand-holding at times!
Want to learn more about NetSuite? Please take a look at our article What is NetSuite and how does it work?.
Why choose Eventura to deliver your NetSuite Project?
As an official NetSuite solution provider, we have successfully delivered countless NetSuite implementations and integrations. Our expert team of business analysts, developers, consultants, technicians and support staff can guide you through your entire project, from initial scoping through to implementation and on-going support. We also offer a wide range of Managed IT Services, so we can help you deliver your project in it’s entirety.
We believe that NetSuite offers its customers a comprehensive suite of products that can digitally transform their businesses, replacing a range of disparate systems and software with one unified solution to business management.
If you would like to speak to one of our NetSuite experts, you can request a free call back here.
