NetSuite Inc. — NetSuite

877-Net-Suite

www.netsuite.com

NetSuite was one of the original developers of SaaS for the small and mid-sized enterprise, but we do not include them along with the other systems in this review because they are priced just outside of the margins we set for products for the small business market. The program is exceptionally well designed and is certainly powerful, but it is above our own definition of the small business market, which is a business that would use a professional public accountant for periodic services.

However, since many small businesses at the top of our sphere may be nearing need for such a program, we have included information on NetSuite (and in the same general order as the reviewed programs), but have not provided star ratings, since we do not believe it to be on the same playing field as the other programs, which are more geared toward smaller entities.

Basic System Functions

NetSuite includes accounting, sales, CRM, ERP, inventory and ecommerce solutions, as well as various industry-specific utilities and functions designed and implemented by a large base of independent consultants. The most recent version, NetSuite 2010.1, also provides optional modules for managing complex business processes for small to large entities.

The system offers customizable interfaces for each of the users, based on their functions and position within the company. As such, while executives may have access to all system functions, their dashboards are more likely to reflect top-level business indicators and management functions. Regardless of the user role, the program opens through the user’s web browser, with dashboards comprised of various graphical and numerical data, with the ability to drilldown into underlying information, all the way to transactional and other details.

Each user can have multiple dashboards, accessible via tabs across the top of the screen. This generally provides smooth navigation, with additional functions and features accessible through selection menus across the top of the screen. For users with more than one role, they can also change the role without logging in as a different user, with the dashboards for the new role automatically displayed. Common business user roles include executive, controller, warehouse manager, sales manager, sales staff, e-commerce/website manager, and marketing and support personnel.

During initial setup of the program, which is often aided by consultants, charts of accounts and other business details can be started with industry templates, such as software developers, wholesale/distribution entities, ecommerce, retail, services, media, IT resellers, advertising, agriculture, manufacturing and nonprofit organizations. The system can also include features specific to each of these industry types.

NetSuite is a very comprehensive collection of tools and business management resources, but the dashboard views help streamline much of the tasking for users. Extensive online support resources are available both through the program and through the vendor’s support website, including full documentation, video tutorials, a live user and support community, and training and implementation options. Live support is included with system subscription pricing.

Core Accounting Capabilities

The base of the system is the NetSuite Financials component, which provides a solid GL, AR and AP base, along with comprehensive budgeting and reporting capabilities. The system includes a full-time audit trail and is designed to support entities with multiple locations, including businesses with locations and even sales in multiple countries. The audit trail has additional features that not only note the user and the tasks they performed in the system at a particular time, but also shows the IP address of the computer that they used to log into the system.