NetSuite in practice – business value beyond system support
A modern ERP system can serve as a solid foundation for both operational efficiency and continued development. A clear example of this is NetSuite, a cloud-based ERP platform designed to bring an organization’s core processes together in a single, unified system.
Many organizations eventually reach a point where existing ways of working and system landscapes are no longer sufficient. Growth, new business models, increasing reporting requirements, and the need for better visibility mean that fragmented solutions and manual processes become a direct obstacle to both efficiency and decision-making.
Many organizations eventually reach a point where existing ways of working and system landscapes are no longer sufficient. Growth, new business models, increasing reporting requirements, and the need for better visibility mean that fragmented solutions and manual processes become a direct obstacle to both efficiency and decision-making.
In such situations, the question of an ERP system is no longer merely an IT concern – it becomes a strategic business issue.
A modern ERP system can serve as a solid foundation for both operational efficiency and continued development. A clear example of this is NetSuite, a cloud-based ERP platform designed to bring an organization’s core processes together in a single, unified system.
This blog post does not focus on features as such, but rather on the tangible value NetSuite can create – and how that value materializes in practice.
When the systems no longer supports the business
Many companies build their system environments incrementally. A financial system is supplemented with separate solutions for CRM, inventory, projects, or reporting. Initially, this may work well enough, but over time clear challenges emerge:
- The same data is managed across multiple systems
- Manual steps increase the risk of errors
- Reporting becomes time-consuming and often relies on outdated information
- Changes require adjustments across several systems
When the business also expands internationally, with multiple entities, currencies, and regulatory requirements, these challenges are amplified. It is in this context that a unified ERP system can make a real difference.
“For many companies, a modern ERP system is not primarily a technical investment. It’s about creating control, reducing unnecessary costs, and freeing up time for what truly drives the business forward,” says Martin Englert, Sales Manager NetSuite at xperitus.
One unified ERP-system for the entire organization
NetSuite is designed as an integrated platform where finance, sales, customer relationships, inventory, procurement, projects, and reporting all share the same database. Information is entered once and then becomes available across the organization.
This holistic approach creates value at several levels:
- Operational – fewer manual steps and smoother process flows
- Tactical – clearer monitoring of KPIs and deviations
- Strategic – better decision-making based on accurate, up-to-date data
Instead of spending time consolidating information, organizations can focus on analysis, prioritization, and continuous improvement.
Scalability built into the business logic
One of NetSuite’s key strengths is that it is designed for change. New functionality, modules, and legal entities can be added as needs arise – whether growth is organic, through acquisitions, or via expansion into new markets.
The cloud-based architecture also means that:
- Upgrades are delivered automatically
- IT maintenance is minimized
- All users work in the same system version
As a result, the ERP system is not a project that needs to be replaced every few years, but a platform that evolves alongside the business.
From technology to business value – a practical example
To truly understand the value an ERP system can deliver, it is often most useful to see how it works in practice. One such example is NTT Group, an industrial group operating across several European countries.
Starting point
NTT Group was facing the phase-out of its existing ERP system. Over time, the system landscape had grown complex, consisting of multiple peripheral systems and manual processes. At the same time, the timeframe for replacing the system was limited, placing high demands on structure, clarity, and execution.
The requirements were clear:
- A system capable of supporting the entire group
- Improved support for sales, procurement, and inventory
- More efficient financial processes
- Reduced reliance on manual work
Platform and partner selection
After evaluating several alternatives, NetSuite was selected as the ERP platform, with xperitus chosen as the implementation partner. Decisive factors were not only functionality, but also a strong understanding of the business and the ability to translate requirements into effective, working processes.
“We were facing two clear challenges: a very tight timeline and a complex system landscape with many surrounding systems. What was crucial for us was finding a partner who not only understood our business, but could also deliver a working solution within the limited timeframe,” explains Anders Ericsson, CFO at NTT Group.
A key strategic decision in the project was to rely as much as possible on standard functionality and adapt ways of working where feasible, rather than developing extensive custom solutions.
Results in day-to-day operations
Following implementation, NTT Group now operates in a single, unified ERP system that supports the entire process from quotation to invoicing. Some of the most notable outcomes include:
- A fully integrated quotation and sales process
- Procurement increasingly driven by actual demand
- More structured and transparent inventory management
- Significant time savings for the finance function through increased automation
Overall, the transition was not just about implementing a new ERP system, but about establishing a more cohesive and scalable way of managing and developing the group.
ERP as a foundation for long-term development
A recurring pattern among organizations that succeed with ERP initiatives is that the system is not viewed as a completed project. Implementation is the starting point, followed by continuous development of processes, ways of working, and system usage.
NetSuite is well suited to this approach, as new functionality can be adopted gradually. Many organizations begin with core processes and expand over time as maturity increases.
The importance of the right approach
Technology alone rarely creates value without a well-considered approach. For an ERP system to deliver real business benefits, several factors are essential:
- Clearly defined implementation objectives
- A strong understanding of existing processes
- Organizational buy-in and engagement
- A realistic view of standard functionality versus customization
Experience plays a decisive role here. Knowing when to refrain from a bespoke solution and instead propose an alternative is often what creates sustainable results over time. This is also a key factor in determining whether an ERP implementation succeeds in practice.
“An ERP replacement rarely works if it is run as an IT project alongside the business. When management is clear about the purpose, the business is involved early, and the right people are engaged from the start, it becomes significantly easier for the rest of the organization to follow,” says Martin Englert.
At the same time, many organizations face a challenge already at an early stage – clearly articulating their actual needs.
“Many of the companies we meet struggle to fully define what they actually need. In those cases, we take clear end-to-end responsibility as an experienced partner and help define both the solution and the path forward – so the customer knows exactly what they will get,” he continues.
Summary and next steps
NetSuite is a modern and powerful ERP system that provides organizations with a solid foundation for efficiency, governance, and continued growth. When implemented with clear objectives and a well-considered approach, it becomes a natural hub for the company’s core processes — from finance and sales to inventory, projects, and reporting.
By bringing data and workflows together in a single platform, organizations gain better control, more efficient processes, and decision-making based on up-to-date and reliable information. The example of NTT Group illustrates how an ERP transformation can become a concrete step toward more structured operations and stronger conditions for long-term development.
Is your organization facing challenges related to growth, increasing reporting requirements, or a fragmented system landscape? If so, NetSuite can serve as a strategic tool to create transparency, efficiency, and scalability across the business.