The Right Combination: ERP Software and Implementation Partner

Lumenia Guest Post from Roger Gribbin, Sales Director, OSSM. 

It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to choosing an ERP system and an implementation partner. Many systems can begin to look similar, particularly if you are comparing several systems as part of your ERP system journey.

In this article, we explore seven key factors that organisations should consider when selecting the right software and implementation partner for their ERP project, and why NetSuite and OSSM make the perfect combination.

1. Flexibility

Choosing the right ERP system means selecting software that can adapt to your business needs. As was once the norm, “shoe-horning” processes into an “off-the-shelf” software application is now more likely to hinder companies from achieving their ambitions.

With its inherent flexibility, NetSuite can be tailored to fit unique business processes and requirements, providing a foundation that grows with your company. Equally important is the flexibility of the implementation partner. We pride ourselves on our agile approach, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and customer needs. Our team is renowned for its ability to transform complex challenges into straightforward, scalable solutions that not only meet current needs but also anticipate future demands.

2. Supporting Your Growth Journey

Investing in an ERP system is a significant decision, and it’s not one you’ll want to reconsider any time soon. Choosing the right ERP solution and partner involves much more than just reaching the “go-live” phase. As your business needs change over time, it’s crucial to ensure that you’ve selected the right software to support your growth and that you have a reliable partner who will be there to assist you throughout your entire journey.

Most of our customers engage with us in ongoing continuous improvement projects that expand their use of NetSuite across their entire organisation. Whether it’s implementing global rollouts, integrating new departments or replacing outdated in-house systems. Whether through custom-developed applications or enhancements to reports and workflows, we provide the expertise and support necessary for every stage of the way. Our commitment is to help our customers maximise the value of their ERP investment by continuously optimising their NetSuite environment to better support business growth and operational excellence.

3. Expertise and Scale

Selecting a partner with the appropriate scale and expertise is essential. This doesn’t mean that large companies should always opt for working with other large firms. Often, a more “boutique” experience offers greater care and attention to each project. Instead of being just another number in a series of ERP implementations, your company will be recognised as a valued customer and receive personalised, attentive service.

As a leading NetSuite Solution Provider, we leverage the robust foundation of NetSuite and combine it with our local expertise. We have some of the most experienced NetSuite ERP experts in Ireland and the UK, providing our customers with top-tier service and support. Our team is dedicated to implementing solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer, ensuring that every project delivers maximum value. We are committed to long-term relationships, supporting our customers’ growth and adapting their NetSuite environment as their needs evolve.

The right combination partner

4. Right First Time

In business, precision and accuracy are critical to success. When starting an ERP implementation, it’s essential to get it right the first time to avoid costly mistakes, delays, and disruptions. Working with your implementation partner, you should expect a meticulous approach to planning from the outset to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standard, laying a solid foundation for long-term success and growth.

For us, getting it right the first time is more than a goal; it’s our standard. From recruiting the best talent to careful planning and executing every project, we ensure that quality is embedded in everything we do. Our reputation is built on our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. As our CEO, Ray Ryan, often says, “If you’re focused on the outcome, the income will look after itself.” This philosophy drives us to deliver superior service, from initial implementation to ongoing support, ensuring that our customers achieve their desired outcomes efficiently and effectively.

5. Local Presence with a Personal Touch

In today’s market, having a robust local presence is more crucial than ever. Businesses seek partners who are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable but also accessible and responsive. While global software applications offer the best option in terms of depth of functionality, scale and flexibility, a local implementation partner delivers the solution: A personalised service with an in-depth understanding of regional regulatory requirements, delivering a level of service and personal connection that larger, more distant providers often cannot replicate.

While we have the scale and expertise of a large company, we maintain the personal touch of a local partner. We understand the importance of being close to our customers, not just geographically but in our relationships as well. Our local presence in Ireland and the UK means we are readily available to provide hands-on support, and we are deeply committed to understanding the unique needs of our customers. Remaining customer focused allows us to build strong, trusting partnerships with a personalised service.

6. Innovation and Customisation

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation and customisation are key to staying competitive. Off-the-shelf solutions often fall short of meeting unique business requirements, making it essential to have an ERP system that can be tailored to your specific needs. Customisation ensures that your software evolves with your business, enabling you to optimise processes, improve performance, and gain a competitive edge.

We thrive on the challenge of developing innovative, customised solutions that align with specific goals and objectives. Our team of experts is skilled in leveraging NetSuite’s extensive capabilities to create customised solutions that work seamlessly and that can be delivered quickly and efficiently. From custom-built applications to tailored workflows and advanced reporting, we ensure your ERP system is a perfect fit for your business, driving efficiency and fostering growth.

7. Proactive and Transparent Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful collaboration. From simple to complex ERP projects, ensuring that everyone is on the same page is crucial to achieving desired outcomes. A strong communication strategy not only keeps all stakeholders informed but also helps in quickly identifying and resolving any issues that may arise. This level of transparency is vital for building trust and fostering a productive, long-term partnership.

Clear and consistent communication is at the heart of any successful partnership. We maintain open lines of communication with our customers throughout every phase of the ERP implementation and beyond. Our proactive approach and systemised methodology ensure that customers are always informed and that any potential issues are addressed promptly, creating alignment between our teams and our customers’ organisational goals.

We’re delighted to be taking part in this year’s ERP HEADtoHEAD event on 1st and 2nd of October, where we will be showcasing our Production, Projects and Field Service Management solutions for NetSuite. We hope to see you there.

Click here to Register and use promo code OSSM20 for a 20% early booking discount.

Register your place today!

Lumenia ERP HEADtoHEAD event

The ERP HEADtoHEAD™ event offers a unique opportunity to see the leading ERP products pitted against each other over two days. The events are run annually in Ireland and the UK.