NetSuite, a cloud-first ERP solution within the Oracle enterprise software ecosystem, offers users a range of functionalities spanning accounting, financial management, CRM, and inventory management.

Usually, it is a strategic move to integrate NetSuite into your workflow alongside other systems, such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or a dedicated data warehouse, rather than isolating your data within it. This approach efficiently extracts accurate information from NetSuite, facilitating valuable insights through dedicated analytics software.

So, what is NetSuite integration? What are its benefits, and how does it work? Below, I’ll answer all of these questions and more.

Business systems and the need for integrations

Business integration seeks to harmonise IT and business cultures and objectives, aligning technology with corporate strategy and goals. It illustrates the evolving role of IT as a pivotal business function.

This evolution has significant implications for corporate CIOs, who assume additional responsibilities such as business process management. Unlike in the past, where CIOs primarily oversaw IT processes, integrating technology into core business functions means that business leaders, rather than just IT experts, are increasingly involved in IT decision-making and leadership.

Traditionally, IT resources like computers, storage, and networks were treated as separate entities used to digitise conventional business processes. For example, paper-based orders were replaced with computerised systems. While IT streamlined operations, it was often viewed as a necessary expense rather than a value-adding asset. 

However, as technology becomes more deeply integrated into business operations, its impact on all aspects of the business, including products and services, is becoming increasingly apparent.

The shift in perspective occurred when businesses recognised that their IT assets could provide more than mere digital office capabilities. At the core of business integration is the concept that IT should function as a service or facilitator for business. It can cut costs, optimise operations, minimise errors, improve transparency and compliance, and introduce untried opportunities and capabilities otherwise unattainable. 

Ultimately, IT should support the business in achieving its objectives. Consequently, critical components of business integration encompass the following:

• Alignment: IT should not be treated as an abstract corporate experiment. Instead, technology should be acquired and implemented with the overarching goal of serving the business. Business integration ensures that IT activities are in sync with business objectives.
• Services: IT infrastructure should not be viewed solely as a collection of costly hardware. Business integration aims to repurpose these assets into valuable business services. For instance, a data centre server can be reimagined as an application platform, empowering business leaders to deploy new software applications.
• Acceleration: IT efficiency diminishes when it merely mirrors traditional human actions. Business integration leverages automation and orchestration to streamline and connect business processes and workflows. This strategic use of IT accelerates business operations, reduces costs, and enhances consistency while minimising errors.
• Innovation: IT has the potential to foster creativity and competitiveness among business leaders and employees. Business integration harnesses IT capabilities to generate novel business opportunities. For example, a company might utilise IoT devices and artificial intelligence to optimise product transportation or other aspects of the supply chain.

What are NetSuite integrations?

NetSuite integration links a NetSuite software deployment with various systems, databases, and endpoints, ensuring seamless information exchange across different applications within your environment.

It’s crucial to meticulously plan integration projects, particularly when acquiring a new platform that could leverage NetSuite integration. When devising your data integration strategy, factor in the platform’s costs and integration expenses to optimise time and resources.

How NetSuite integrations provide a solution

NetSuite integration may necessitate utilising one or both of the following NetSuite technologies: SuiteTalk Web Services and SuiteScript. SuiteTalk is a web service integration tool that links NetSuite with third-party applications and systems by allowing coding in any programming language. It offers real-time data integration, inherent support for NetSuite’s ERP, CRM, and e-commerce products, and advanced security and error-handling capabilities.

On the other hand, SuiteScript is a NetSuite platform based on JavaScript that enables users to customise and automate business processes. With SuiteScript, users can specify when to request data, where to call the data from, and what actions to take once the data is within NetSuite.

However, not all organisations have the resources or expertise to use SuiteTalk and SuiteScript proficiently. Consequently, many businesses opt for prebuilt connectors or integration platforms to expedite NetSuite integrations.

Benefits of NetSuite integration for business efficiency

Improving the cohesion of your enterprise software and systems is undeniably advantageous. NetSuite integration offers numerous benefits:

1. Improved Automation: IT should not be treated as an abstract corporate experiment. Instead, technology should be acquired and implemented with the overarching goal of serving the business. Business integration ensures that IT activities are in sync with business objectives.
2. More Accuracy: NetSuite integration enables automated data transfer, reducing or eliminating errors associated with manual copying. This enhancement can result in substantial cost savings for your organisation.
3. Improved Communication: Integrating NetSuite fosters seamless communication channels between businesses and their partners, vendors, and customers. For instance, e-commerce businesses can swiftly access information such as catalogue prices, product shipments, and order statuses and establish automatic order restocking protocols with vendors.
4. Streamlined Business Processes: NetSuite integration provides a comprehensive view of business operations, enabling end-to-end tracking of customer orders from placement to delivery.
5. Informed Decision-Making: By consolidating all business information in one central location, NetSuite integration facilitates real-time insights into your business’s performance, empowering agile decision-making. This capability is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the market.

How Jacopo can be your NetSuite Integration partner

In summary, integrating business functions with NetSuite offers enhanced efficiency and strategic business improvement. 

When done well, NetSuite integration has several advantages. However, as with any business integration project, it also comes with challenges. By leveraging the expertise of NetSuite consultants and partners and adopting tailored integration methods, businesses can maximise the benefits of NetSuite ERP.

Don’t hesitate to chat with us and get your free NetSuite consultation. Our approach streamlines operations and positions companies for scalable growth and success in an increasingly digital business landscape. If you need more technical expertise to do it yourself, consider discussing it with us.