ERP is a legacy term that’s unfortunately still with us in 2020. It stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, a term introduced in the 90s, which today is a bit of a misnomer. We prefer Business Management Software as a more accurate description of what NetSuite (and other ‘ERP’s’ such as SAP and Microsoft Dynamics) do.
NetSuite is a single system to run many facets (and in many cases all facets) of a business. A single software application that provides role-specific visibility & functionality against a common data repository. That means each job role in your business views the same data, but that data is always presented in a way that makes sense to the role accessing it and in a way to enable making the best possible decisions.
Typically Business Management Software is something businesses look to as they grow, or as they plan for growth. Businesses typically start with a small accounting-only system like Xero or MYOB and then add other independent applications (Excel, CRM etc) which work well when the business is small.
However, there comes a point where a lack of a single business system with the ability to provide real-time visibility, will prevent a business from striding forward.
The catalyst for business systems change is often:
- Expansion into global markets
- The need for real-time business visibility
- Mergers or acquisitions
- Introducing new product lines or services
- Changes to government regulations
- Organic growth in people and departments
- Acquisition of large customers / large projects
- Preparation for acquisition / IPO
- Complex processes that need to be systemised
- Damaging operational inefficiencies
NetSuite provides businesses with a single system that can grow with them, no matter how big or complex their operations become. It’s a cloud-based software application, which means it can be accessed from anywhere, on any device with an internet connection. It’s also scalable, so businesses only pay for the users and functionality they need at any given time.
NetSuite was born in the cloud, so unlike other business management software applications that have been ‘bolted’ onto legacy systems, it’s designed to take full advantage of the cloud computing model. That means it can provide businesses with real-time visibility, no matter where in the world they are operating or how big their customer base is.
