Another month, another NetSuite Myth to debunk. As we continue our NetSuite Myths Series, we would like to discuss one of the top “selling points” that vendors and resellers of best-in-class software options attempt to make: Suites are hard to implement.
This myth is an interesting one, as it is well-crafted to instill fear in ERP software buyers who want to avoid risk at all possible costs. Yet a myth is a myth, and we’re going to break it apart piece by piece, as we’ve done in the past (Myth: NetSuite Is Too Big for You).
The Myth: ERP Suites Are Hard to Implement, and Often Result in Failure
The Tactics
This is a pretty common myth and is one that attempts to pitch simple products as safer to implement, less disruptive, and more likely to succeed. They will tout the shorter implementation times that come with a simple software (as little as six weeks), the failure rates of ERP (nearly three-quarters fail completely or aren’t able to provide the value promised), and attempt to discuss how a multi-phase implementation using multiple vendors is somehow safer.
This is an effective tactic, because ERP failures are devastating, demoralizing, and often result in staffing changes. With fear of the unknown second only to fear of failure, these unscrupulous partners have sold customers on their “safer” alternative.
The Verdict: Mostly False
We won’t say that this is a blatant, aggressive, and egregious lie—however, it’s a lie of omission, and one that is more dangerous for the future of your business than most of the other myths we’ve discussed. Why? The implementation partners who spread this myth are glossing over their own risks to attack NetSuite. ERP implementation projects are challenging regardless of your vendor, and a partner willing to lie about this is also likely to gloss over other risks to close the deal.
The Reality: ERP is Hard to Implement, Whether You Choose Suite or Best-in-Class
A wise man once said, “don’t focus on the speck in your brother’s eye while ignoring the log in your own eye.” Those willing to pitch this myth aren’t painting an entire picture for you.
It’s a reality in the software industry that enterprise resource planning software is hard to implement, and implementation projects often run over budget or fail completely. This is a reality of any project that runs for 3-24 months, affects nearly every facet of your business, and has dozens of moving parts that need to operate in conjunction with one another.
In fact, one could argue that this isn’t a best-in-class vs. suite debate, it’s a decision on your implementation partner.
Why It’s So Important to Work with Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing
Whether you’ve been with your company since its inception and are looking to move to a more effective, business-friendly software, or you’re a seasoned leader who has led multiple changes at the companies you’ve led, one of the most important things to remember is that the wrong partner can derail the right software.
We’re not going to say that the implementation process is easy. We’ve completed enough projects to know that the opposite is true. That said, we’ve completed enough projects to know the pitfalls in the process and address them before they derail an implementation. For nearly three decades, we’ve perfected the process of the ERP implementation, and have found ways to reduce risk and make sure that the implementation is done right the first time.
As you continue to compare ERP options for your business, it’s important to know that your partner has been there and done that. At MIBAR, we have successfully completed hundreds of implementation projects in our time, and saved dozens more from failure. If you choose to work with us, we will do everything in our power to honestly explain the risks, mitigate potential challenges, and get your ERP up and running on time.
We invite you to learn more about our work with NetSuite, learn about some of the other myths being discussed, and read our recent blog on why it’s so important to find an honest, straightforward implementation partner.
Additional NetSuite Resources
ERP Customizations Made Easy With NetSuite
