Avoiding Pitfalls in NetSuite Administration: A Guide to Boosting Productivity and Cutting Costs

Written by: Todd Kimpton

Success with NetSuite is not only about the actions you take. It is also about knowing what to leave alone. I have seen organizations fall into the same avoidable traps: overcomplicating setups, skipping best practices, and creating workflows that slow everyone down.

Poor administration does more than waste time. It drains budgets, frustrates your team, and erodes confidence in the system. This guide will show you how to spot those pitfalls before they cost you, and how to turn NetSuite into the productivity engine it was meant to be without overspending to get there.

1. Don't Treat NetSuite as “Set and Forget”

What Went Wrong: Companies often launch NetSuite, enjoy a brief celebration, and then neglect ongoing management. This approach assumes the system requires minimal oversight, leading to stagnation.

Lesson Learned: NetSuite needs continuous attention. As your business evolves, so should your system. Regular updates and administration ensure that NetSuite remains an asset, not a hindrance.

2. Avoid Relying on a Single Hero Administrator

What Went Wrong: When one person holds all the knowledge, the system's stability is at risk if they leave or burn out.

Lesson Learned: Build a team with skills redundancy and ensure peer reviews and documentation are in place. This approach keeps knowledge within the business, safeguarding against disruptions.

3. Don't Skip Documentation

What Went Wrong: Without documentation, changes become unclear, leading to confusion and inefficiencies over time.

Lesson Learned: Documentation is crucial for an audit trail and scalability. It prevents chaos and ensures continuity, facilitating smoother operations.

4. Resist Using NetSuite as a Blank Canvas

What Went Wrong: Over-customization without consideration of best practices can lead to instability.

Lesson Learned: NetSuite is designed with a specific architecture. Work within these parameters to maintain a stable and efficient system.

5. Don't Avoid the Ticketing System

What Went Wrong: Handling requests informally leads to mismanagement and lack of prioritization.

Lesson Learned: A ticketing system creates order and efficiency, enabling better management of tasks and resources.

6. Value Functional Work Alongside Technical Work

What Went Wrong: Ignoring the importance of functional roles can lead to poor system usage and support.

Lesson Learned: Functional expertise is vital for driving value, with technical skills playing a supportive role.

7. Implement Governance and Review Processes

What Went Wrong: Lack of review processes leads to uncontrolled changes and system fragility.

Lesson Learned: Establish change control and peer review processes to maintain system integrity and flexibility.

8. Develop a Roadmap for NetSuite

What Went Wrong: Operating without a roadmap leads to stagnation and underutilization.

Lesson Learned: A strategic plan ensures growth and maximizes NetSuite's potential as a business tool.

9. Don't Ignore Reporting and Metrics

What Went Wrong: Inconsistent data leads to mistrust and decision-making paralysis.

Lesson Learned: Ensure data integrity and automated monitoring to maintain trust in your system.

10. Recognize the Need for Leadership

What Went Wrong: Without leadership, administration becomes reactive and lacks direction.

Lesson Learned: Strong leadership is crucial to advocate for improvements and guide the system strategically.

Charting the Right Path

Avoiding these pitfalls requires discipline and foresight. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can ensure your NetSuite system is a robust platform that enhances productivity and reduces costs. Remember, success in NetSuite administration is as much about avoiding wrong turns as it is about choosing the right path and avoiding Pitfalls in NetSuite Administration.

At Etter+Ramli, we’re your partner in that journey. Let’s build what’s next—intelligently, pragmatically, and together. We invite you to consider how AI agents can empower your business to achieve remarkable efficiency and insight, paving the way for future growth.

Etter+Ramli pledges to run your NetSuite better than you can run NetSuite for yourselves.

To explore the benefits of retaining Etter+Ramli as your Managed Service Provider, contact Todd Kimpton, Ria Rodriguez Richardson , or explore more our website for a free consultation today. Subscribe to our Newsletter: SuiteWords of Etter+Ramli to stay up-to-date with the latest trends on NetSuite, tips n’ tricks, productivity solutions, and events.