One of Oracle NetSuite’s key features is its ability to be customized fully to match a user’s need or a specific business requirement.

In a typical instance of NetSuite without the Advanced Revenue Management (ARM) module, revenue is recognized upon an approved invoice.

However, each company will recognize revenue differently based on numerous factors, and recognizing revenue upon invoicing may not be feasible and will have a big impact on financials if this is a system limitation.

How does NetSuite adapt to businesses with different Revenue Recognition triggers? The answer: Advanced Revenue Management.

Request More Info About NetSuite Advanced Revenue Management

What Does NetSuite ARM Do?

Advanced Revenue Management is NetSuite’s solution to helping users manage their complex revenue recognition requirements and processes.

With this module, Revenue Recognition becomes a process closely related to Order Management activity, but functions independently allowing for enhanced control over Revenue Recognition. With the Advanced Revenue Management Module, NetSuite users can:

Create rules to identify how revenue recognition should occur for a particular item
Recognize revenue over a period of time
Configure a trigger for revenue recognition for a particular item, such as:
- Recognizing revenue upon billing
- Recognizing revenue upon Fulfillment
- Recognizing revenue upon project progress for percentage-based completion
Be compliant with IFRS 15/ ACS606 by dynamically calculating the Fair Value for each item and adjusting the allocated revenue on the transaction
Can adjust Midlife Revenue by modifying the amount or place the revenue on hold dynamically on a need basis
Generate Revenue Recognition journal entries
Automatically calculate and record:
- Unbilled Receivable adjustments
- Foreign currency adjustments
- Fair Value Reconciliation
Track Revenue Recognition progress through several out-of-the-box reports.

How does Advanced Revenue Management work?

Revenue Rule

Revenue Rules determine how and when revenue is recognized for a particular item. The rule created will also identify:

The time-period revenue is recognized
The impact of modifying an end date change
Recognition method

NetSuite allows the user to create as many rules as needed for their business. Once the rule has been created, the items will be associated with the revenue rule that applies to it.

Revenue Arrangements

Standalone transactions (i.e. transactions created on their own) created by the Order to Cash process will have an associated Revenue Arrangement. The Revenue Arrangement is a separate transaction record designed to manage the total revenue of the associated transaction.

Revenue Elements

Revenue Elements are part of the Revenue Arrangements and are displayed as line items that were sold to the customer. The revenue elements will contain all the details required for revenue recognition and also identify the revenue rule.

Revenue Plans

Based on the details identified in the Revenue Element and Revenue Rule, a Revenue Plan will create a schedule of revenue to be recognized over the configured time-period. From this record, users will have the ability to:

Modify Revenue recognition start/end dates
Ability to pause an ongoing revenue schedule
Directly modify the revenue recognition to be recognized

NetSuite Advanced Revenue Management FAQs

With such a complex module, such as NetSuite ARM, it’s normal to have a few questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and their answers for you to review.

Is ARM compliant with ASC606/IFRS15?

Yes, ARM contains the tools to allow NetSuite customers to calculate the Fair Value of each item independently and adjust the total allocated revenue on the transaction.

The module also allows customers to have different Fair Value calculations based on other factors such as subsidiary and customers

The customer can also define their own factors that would drive different allocations and Fair Value calculations and set effective dates.

If you’re looking for more information on compliance and security, explore our NetSuite Cybersecurity blog to learn more about GDPR and HIIPA compliance within the cloud.

I am currently using NetSuite, can ARM be implemented for me?

Yes, some configuration will be required to update the instance of NetSuite to be compliant with the module however there have been many customers who implement this module after their implementation.

GURUS Solutions has helped many businesses, like yours, implement solutions throughout the digital transformation journey of a company. If you’re interested in learning more, contact a customization consultant to see how you can get started.

I have different revenue reporting requirements for some of my subsidiaries, how can NetSuite help?

NetSuite has a separate functionality called Multi-Book which allows you to manage up to 5 accounting books in NetSuite. This functionality is compatible with ARM and each accounting book can have different revenue recognition rules and Fair Value calculations.

To learn more about NetSuite Multi-Book click here.

Why Choose GURUS to Implement NetSuite ARM

NetSuite Advanced Revenue Management module is a powerful solution that can help you manage your complex revenue streams and comply with the latest accounting standards. However, implementing this module can be challenging and time-consuming without the right partner.

That’s why you should choose GURUS Solutions, a leading NetSuite partner that has the experience, expertise, and tools to help you succeed with NetSuite's advanced revenue management. Whether you need implementation, customization, integration, or support, GURUS Solutions can provide you with the best NetSuite services and solutions.

Contact a NetSuite specialist today for a FREE 30-minute consultation and see how GURUS can help you transform your revenue management with NetSuite.