Your chosen implementation partner can make or break your NetSuite ERP journey. According to a recent Gartner report, 70% of enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations fail to meet their original business objectives, with poor partner selection ranking among the top causes of project failure.
Fortunately, with the proper evaluation framework, you can find a NetSuite partner to usher your corporation through a successful digital transformation. This guide provides tips for evaluating potential partners, whether you're a small business taking your first steps into ERP or an established enterprise looking to optimize operations.
Understanding the Different Types of NetSuite Partners
Before diving into your search, you must understand the NetSuite partner ecosystem. There are several distinct categories of top NetSuite implementation partners, each serving different roles. The various types of NetSuite consulting partners include:
- Solution Providers: These are full-service firms that handle everything from initial consultation through implementation and ongoing support. This is the only partner type that can sell licenses and perform implementations.
- Alliance Partners: These are technology companies that work directly with NetSuite sales to secure deals and then execute implementations, integrations, and customizations using the NetSuite platform.
- Business Process Outsourcing Partners (BPO): These BPO partners provide ongoing managed services to operate clients' finance and business processes to deliver scalable, repeatable outsourced operations.
- NetSuite SuiteCloud Developer Network Partners: These companies create industry or use-case-specific applications that extend NetSuite capabilities and are approved by the Built for NetSuite verification program.
Most businesses will focus on NetSuite Solution Providers, as these partners sell NetSuite licenses and offer the comprehensive services needed for successful full-scale implementations, integrations, and customizations. Solution Providers range from boutique consultancies with deep industry specialization to global firms with broad capabilities across multiple sectors.
The key to finding a NetSuite partner is to match their expertise with your enterprise requirements and organizational culture.
How to Identify the Right NetSuite Partner
Making a thorough NetSuite Solution Provider comparison requires understanding what each partner offers and which aligns with your implementation goals and ongoing support needs. By evaluating potential partners through various lenses, you can identify which one will best serve your company.
Start With the NetSuite Partner Directory
Begin your search on Oracle NetSuite's official partner directory. This vetted resource lists certified partners with detailed profiles, including specialization badges, customer reviews, and service offerings. The directory's filters allow you to narrow results by location, industry focus, and specific expertise areas.
While the directory provides valuable initial leads, expanding your search beyond it can be helpful. For example, industry associations frequently maintain lists of recommended technology partners. Professional networks and peer recommendations can also point you to partners with proven track records in your sector.
Assess Key Characteristics
After compiling your initial list of candidates, evaluating different factors will show you which partners have the right combination of skills, experience, and approach for your project.
- Industry expertise: The best NetSuite implementation partners have experience in your industry. They understand industry-specific challenges, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices. This expertise translates into faster implementations, fewer surprises, and better alignment with industry standards. Request examples of similar companies they've helped, configurations they've developed, and challenges they've overcome.
- Technical proficiency and certifications: NetSuite certifications validate technical competence and ongoing professional development. Key certifications include SuiteFoundation, ERP Consultant, and specialized credentials for specific modules or technical areas. Beyond certifications, explore their technical capabilities in areas critical to your implementation. Technical proficiency determines whether a partner can deliver what your company needs.
- Implementation methodology: Structured methodologies reduce implementation risk and increase success. Leading partners have refined their approaches through many deployments, developing frameworks that balance standardization with flexibility. Request information on their implementation process to learn more.
- Range of services: When evaluating service offerings, consider immediate implementation needs and future support requirements. Top NetSuite implementation partners can support your entire NetSuite journey, from initial implementation through ongoing optimization, and provide better long-term value than those with basic deployment services. Evaluate capabilities in business process consulting, data migration, integration development, training delivery, and post-implementation support.
- Reputation: A partner's track record shows their true capabilities. Research candidates through online reviews, industry forums, and direct references. Many implementations encounter challenges, so pay attention to how partners handle adversity. Look for a partner known for creative problem-solving and unwavering commitment to client success, even during difficult project phases.
- Scalability and flexibility: Your NetSuite partner should accommodate current needs and future growth. Assess whether candidates have sufficient resources and expertise to support expanding requirements. Can they support multi-entity implementations if you grow? Partners that view your implementation as the beginning of a long-term relationship rather than a one-time project provide better ongoing value.
Prepare a List of Questions
Identifying the right NetSuite partner often comes down to asking the right questions. Standardized questions help you gather comparable information from each potential partner. Your questions should explore technical capabilities, project approaches, team composition, pricing structures, and support models.
Include scenario-based questions that reveal problem-solving approaches. Ask how they would handle data migration from legacy systems, manage scope changes mid-project, or address user adoption challenges. The responses you get help you understand their methodology and client management style.
Ask for a Consultation
Initial consultations reveal a lot about a partner's approach and capabilities. Use these sessions to assess their technical knowledge, engagement style, and cultural fit.
- Do they ask insightful questions about your business?
- Do they demonstrate an understanding of your challenges beyond the surface level?
- Are their proposed solutions aligned with your stated goals and constraints?
These meetings allow you to evaluate interpersonal dynamics. The best NetSuite implementation partners feel like natural extensions of your team rather than external vendors.
Why Consider GSI as Your NetSuite Partner
To pick the best NetSuite implementation partner, you must evaluate their technical capabilities, industry expertise, methodological approach, and cultural alignment. The right partner has deep NetSuite knowledge, a genuine understanding of your industry challenges, and a commitment to your success.
As a leading NetSuite partner trusted by G2, GSI offers a comprehensive suite of NetSuite consulting services, including implementations, licensing, support, integrations, and more. Our team combines technical proficiency, industry knowledge, and interpersonal skills to help you navigate complex organizational change.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how leading businesses trust us with their digital transformation.
