When you’re considering what’s the best NetSuite support option for your business, you must first answer the question: internal or external? At first glance, in-house NetSuite support may seem like a no-brainer (your employees know your company inside and out, right?), but it's important to think critically about this decision to determine if it will allow your organization to get the most from your NetSuite investment.
Relying on someone within your business to manage your cloud ERP system does offer the perk of proximity. However, it might not be enough to outweigh these potential drawbacks of in-house NetSuite support:
NetSuite Support Is No Small Task
Firstly, you need someone who can manage your ERP system daily — monitoring, analysis, end-user engagement, system customizations, and making sure it runs as efficiently as possible. But you also need a NetSuite expert who can keep you strategic and keep an eye on the future so your ERP system can be continuously optimized and scale with your organization.
Altogether, that’s a lot for one person to handle and requires an extensive amount of knowledge and skills, which is why finding a resource who has all the necessary skills is becoming more and more challenging.
Internal NetSuite Support Isn’t 24/7
As a business, you probably clock out around 5 p.m., take weekends off, celebrate holidays, and spend well-deserved time off on vacation. But even when your company or employees are off the clock, your NetSuite solution is not. While you hope no problems arise at any time of the day, an issue that occurs during non-business hours or during your NetSuite admin’s vacay could be especially difficult to deal with when your NetSuite admin is internal.
You don’t want to find yourself in a bind without support, but you can’t expect someone to work all day, every day. Fortunately, you have options to choose from that will support your business around the clock. When you look at the spectrum of solutions available, don’t forget the importance of staying covered, and keep an eye out for those who offer 24/7 support — because you never know when you may need it.
A Lack of NetSuite Expertise Can Cost You in the Long Run
Whether it’s the result of limited resources or budget, all too often, businesses fall into the trap of having the “most qualified” employee, or someone who simply has the most bandwidth at the time, take on the task of managing the company’s NetSuite ERP system. Without the essential training and expertise a NetSuite ERP system requires, this accidental admin (not unlike the accidental DBA) pitfall can lead to sub-par NetSuite management, an IT team stretched to its limits, and overall results that are just OK (which is never OK).
NetSuite is a powerful solution that your business relies on every day, not to mention the investment of both time and resources you’ve put into this business-critical technology. So, of course, you want to ensure the highest return possible. The good news is there are plenty of support options beyond an internal hire, from independent consulting firms to managed services providers.
Want to explore your options? Download the Definitive Guide to NetSuite Support here.
By working with a managed services provider (MSP), your business can rely on 24/7/365 support from a team of NetSuite cloud ERP experts who are skilled in all the tasks your business requires. Specializing in both pre- and post-implementation, your business will have a skilled strategic partner, ready to help your business grow and make the most out of your NetSuite investment — for a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee.
Want to know more about how partnering with an MSP can save you time and money, while bringing a wealth of expertise to your business? Get your copy of the NetSuite ROI Resource here:
