NetSuite Inc. — NetSuite

NetSuite includes versions in many languages, as well as international currency conversions and compliance functions for many international markets. Sales tax rates can be managed manually by businesses, or NetSuite can be used in conjunction with the automated sales tax functions from Avalara, which integrate with the sales and financial components to ensure accurate rates for all jurisdictions and also to help automate reporting.

Day-to-Day Operations

The sales management capabilities in NetSuite are exceptional, with comprehensive features for order and billing management, shipping and fulfillment tracking, human capital management, services resource planning and even recurring revenue management. Sales staff members have quick access from their dashboards to key functions, ranging from vendor and customer management, to inventory management, and even purchasing and ecommerce integration. Shipping functions integrate with FedEx, UPS and USPS services.

The optional NetSuite CRM+ adds exponentially to the customer relationship management functions, including sales force and marketing automation, customer support features and extensive customization options. The CRM package also integrates with the back office functions for order management, fulfillment and financials, which can help speed resolution of support issues. Additional tools and modules are also available, including payroll and staff benefits management capabilities through integration with outside packages.

Management Features

NetSuite is focused on its dashboard views, which are completely customizable and provide excellent overviews of key data, based on user needs and access rights. Dashboards can include virtually any data, from receivables aging, to period comparisons and communications, depending on the user’s role in the business. This allows senior management to more closely watch the financials, while other staff members focus on their own departments.

The dashboards also provide quick access to reporting functions, which are also available through the reports overview screen. Reports can be emailed directly from within NetSuite or can be output into Word, Excel or PDF formats.

e-Features

As a web-based system, NetSuite can be logged into from virtually any location, and there are also smartphone apps available for the iPhone and BlackBerry. The system natively includes email options for report output, along with collaboration tools, the ability to attach digital documents to transactions and other paperless-focused features. The system integrates with electronic shopping carts for ecommerce functions, can be tailored to offer customer portals for collaboration, and also has e-payment and banking integration options through its Online Bill Pay feature.

Integration/Import/Export

NetSuite can import data directly from QuickBooks, Peachtree, SAP and most other accounting systems, and it can output data and reports into most common formats, including Word, Excel, PDF and XML. The system integrates with banking and shopping cart applications, as well as with third-party payroll solutions and a variety of industry-specific programs and modules that have been developed by the NetSuite consulting community. Additional capabilities for CRM and ecommerce are also available through optional modules. External accounting professionals can be granted access to the program for audit or periodic services like write-up, enabling access to real-time business data.

Summary & Pricing

NetSuite is ideally suited to mid-sized and larger businesses that need multi-location support and have extensive CRM needs. The system has outstanding ecommerce capabilities and multi-currency support, but many of its features may be overboard for smaller businesses. NetSuite pricing starts at a base cost of $499 per month, plus $99 per month per user seat.