Achieving NetSuite Project Delivery in a Remote Environment
In a remote and ever-increasing digital world, companies are continually evolving with a heads down and “business as usual” operating manner. Meetings that would typically consist of large groups of colleagues in a conference room brainstorming have pivoted to “Raising Hands” on Zoom and engaging backgrounds. Nevertheless, companies have pushed forward, are adapting and are making the most out of difficult situations. The need for companies to efficiently execute on strategic initiatives continues to be of utmost priority.
As we continue to work with clients on a day to day business, we’re seeing more and more companies look to ERPs, like NetSuite. NetSuite’s ability to integrate or consolidate multiple systems, provide real time insight into financials, and streamline inventory management are just a few ways in which we’re seeing client’s take advantage of what the platform has to offer. The benefits of NetSuite and need of companies to scale has not taken a pause as working environments have gone virtual. As with any new system implementation, there are challenges, and even more so in a remote work environment. After nearly a year of implementing NetSuite in a remote environment, Bridgepoint Consulting has found a few keys to achieving NetSuite project delivery success in today’s world.
- Set Realistic Expectations
- Building and defining a virtual team
- Ask for continuous feedback
- Remote end to end collaboration
- Virtual “micro-walk throughs”
Set Realistic Expectations
Establishing a plan early in the project and walking through it with the entire project team comes as no surprise here. A standard process for all projects, this is ever more important during this new norm and allows for expectations to be set and agreed upon early. The sense of ownership of expectations early in a project has allowed for clarity from start to finish of projects and avoided any communication issues in a remote setting. Outlining incremental project goals, as well as short- and long-term repercussions of missing goals has allowed for a level of comfort and confidence in remote NetSuite project delivery.
Building and defining a virtual team – emphasizing that it is truly a team
As Bridgepoint Consulting continues to implement NetSuite, it’s imperative to bring together the right group of people and defining specific roles on the project teams. It’s easy to head into an ERP implementation project and think of this as two teams – a client team and implementation team, but this can quickly create silos. Instead of breaking out two teams, it’s critical to create a single project team that blends both the client and implementation team. Establishing this unified team at the project kickoff is important to bring all needed parties together for clear and concise communication. Everyone involved with the project should have a sense of purpose and identity as one cohesive group, allowing for a smooth and seamless NetSuite implementation.
Ask for continuous feedback
Implementing a new ERP like NetSuite is no small feat. The implementation can be nuanced, and in order to ensure that NetSuite is set up to accomplish the goals your team has in mind, you’ll need to schedule regular checkpoints throughout the project. By setting up feedback sessions, it allows for the project team to have time where everyone is prepared to ask questions, provide clarification, and ultimately, aid in the progression of the project. Encouraging two-way feedback is imperative to be able to align working styles enabling everyone to work in a way that is most suitable for project delivery and success.
Remote end to end collaboration
In a fully remote work environment staying engaged and collaborative end to end on projects has been crucial. End to end collaboration is important on remote projects to ensure that there is not a disconnect between expectation and project progress. When done effectively, projects are completed smoothly and on time. One of the great things about NetSuite is the customization that it offers, and that’s exactly what Bridgepoint Consulting has done. We’ve developed a custom feature, User Stories Bundle, that allows the project team to leverage NetSuite for project documentation and full end to end collaboration within the system for greater tracking ability. It’s a fantastic add on that allows for collaboration through all stages of a project. If you’re struggling with your NetSuite implementation and would like to learn more about this tool, we encourage you to learn more about our NetSuite Consulting practice here.
Virtual “micro-walk throughs”
NetSuite’s user-friendly interface allows for virtual “micro-walk throughs” as projects progress. NetSuite allows for the project team to open the system and go through quasi whiteboard sessions through virtual configuration and incremental walkthroughs prior to sprint completion and formal UAT. This provides critical feedback as well as establishes familiarity with the system and processes, leading to successful virtual NetSuite project delivery.
Summary
Bridgepoint Consulting is a strategic NetSuite Implementation partner with years of experience tackling ERP projects. As we’ve continued to assist companies with their growth goals, we’ve recognized these 5 areas to assist teams in achieving a successful remote NetSuite implementation. If you’re evaluating an ERP Solution Implementation (remote or not) and have questions, we highly encourage you to contact us. Start the conversation with our consulting experts to help you achieve your ERP Goals and succeed in an ever-changing environment.
