Q1 2025 GDP Decline: How NetSuite System Users Can Stay Resilient

The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest advance estimate from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). This downturn, after a 2.4% increase in Q4 2024, has raised concerns among business leaders and NetSuite users alike.

While the headline may seem discouraging, it's also a valuable moment to reassess, realign, and reinforce your operations. Whether you're a CFO, operations manager, or NetSuite admin, this slowdown doesn't have to spell trouble. With the right strategy and tools, you can use this time to sharpen your systems and stay agile.

In this blog, we'll briefly discuss the report and share tips for NetSuite customers to strengthen their business resiliency with strategies and optimizations for their NetSuite investment.

Why the GDP Report Matters

The BEA attributes the Q1 decline to an increase in imports (which subtract from GDP), along with reduced federal spending, particularly on defense. At the same time, there were encouraging signs: Consumer spending remained strong, inventories were replenished, and exports continued to grow.

For businesses running on NetSuite, the message is clear: Adaptability is the key to maintaining resilience.

What NetSuite Users Should Be Thinking About

Whenever there are changes in the economic climate, visibility and efficiency become even more crucial. Now is the time to make sure your NetSuite system is delivering exactly what you need:

• Are your dashboards giving you a clear real-time view of cash flow, margins, and demand? Are they built to flex?
• Are manual processes slowing down your teams with non-revenue-generating tasks?
• Are you confident in your forecasting, especially with inflation and inventory pressures in play?

These are the types of questions GSI helps NetSuite users answer every day. And right now, those answers matter more than ever.

How GSI Can Help You Refocus

At GSI, we specialize in helping businesses get more out of NetSuite—not just during growth cycles, but also during times when precision and control are critical.

We offer NetSuite managed services through our SuiteCare program, along with a range of other specialized services.

Through our NetSuite SuiteCare managed services, we help you:

• Offload non-critical tasks so your team can focus on what drives revenue.
• Optimize existing NetSuite configurations to reflect current goals and market conditions.
• Conduct business assessments to ensure your ERP environment is aligned with your strategic objectives.

This quarter’s economic data is a reminder that conditions can shift quickly. We’re here to help you adapt just as quickly.

In addition to SuiteCare, we also offer:

• Version upgrades and testing
• Ad hoc support
• Workflow process evaluation
• Integrations
• Adding modules and SuiteApps
• Customizations
• Training

The NetSuite consultants at GSI have an average of 10 years or more of experience in the NetSuite ecosystem. Plus, we are the #1-rated Managed Services Partner on G2.

Let’s Talk About What’s Next

If the Q1 GDP report has you rethinking your processes, systems, or strategies, that’s a good thing. Times of transition offer opportunities to refocus and get sharper.

Have questions or want to talk through how your NetSuite system can support smarter decision-making right now?

Contact GSI today to discuss how we can help future-proof your NetSuite investment.