Explained in Under 2 Min
In this episode of The Cloud GURU, CEO, and author, Martin McNicoll explains how a cloud ERP like NetSuite works for businesses. If you’ve just started your research into NetSuite and cloud back-office financial systems, this video will help you understand and navigate some of the key concepts behind enterprise resource planning software.
Video Transcript
Hi everybody, my name is Martin McNichol, CEO of GURUS, and today I want to talk about what is an ERP - or, more specifically, what is NetSuite ERP and how does it work?
Firstly, the acronym ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning and it is a system used by a business to encompass all the functions that you might need to run your day to day activities.
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As a company grows from QuickBooks or some other simple accounting software that will eventually become unsustainable, they start to compensate with other tools (those applications can be on Excel, they can be on Microsoft Access, on FoxPro). However, at a certain point, the company cannot grow more than the capability of these systems.
An enterprise resource planning system (or ERP) solves that problem. The core of every business is its financials. That’s why at the core of NetSuite, there is the general ledger that encompasses your accounting. Depending on your industry, there are a lot of functionalities that bolt onto that general ledger to let you do your business.
If you're in the distribution industry, one of the main functionalities you would add on, for example, is warehouse management - but warehouse management in itself needs to then be connected to everything else.
NetSuite is a web platform that allows you to set up your e-commerce so that you have your shopping cart where people can take orders, your customer support system integrated, and you can have access to all the customers with all the specific orders in your system in one place.
If you want to use NetSuite as a CRM, you can even have your sales team drive opportunities and enter quotes, so that all your processes and departments play together in one cohesive cloud application that scales and grows with your increasing needs.
Are you interested in learning more about NetSuite ERP?
Watch our Complete NetSuite ERP Walkthrough
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How NetSuite ERP Optimizes Your Business
NetSuite ERP functions as a centralized platform connecting all core business operations including finance, human resources, inventory, sales, procurement, and customer service, into a single, cloud-based system.
Modern cloud ERP platforms like NetSuite leverage AI, machine learning, and digital assistants to automate routine tasks, reduce errors, and provide actionable insights in real-time.
By centralizing your data, NetSuite ensures all employees, from executives to accounts payable clerks, work from a single source of truth, improving accuracy, transparency, and decision-making efficiency.
NetSuite ERP is a Solution for Greater Profitability
Profits increase when costs are reduced. An ERP software system manages the company's day-to-day activities with greater precision and speed, reducing operational and administrative costs without sacrificing quality.
An ERP system enables companies to improve operations management while providing them with the information they need to make data-driven decisions.
Each department will have access to a centralized database, reducing the costs associated with setting up and maintaining multiple data centers. Employees save time, which reduces overall company costs. An ERP system integrates all aspects of a company's operations into a single system. You'll be able to identify unprofitable areas and reduce waste as your organization's efficiency improves.
An ERP for better coordination
Managing a compartmentalized company, where departments operate independently of each other, is a challenge. Especially as internal tasks often involve several departments, collaboration between units is a crucial and necessary aspect of the business. A well-managed ERP system can improve communication between all departments within a company. Easier, more effective communication leads to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Departments can work together, sharing information and collaborating where necessary, so that data entered into ERP applications is consolidated and consistent. As the software affects almost every aspect of a business, it naturally encourages collaboration between departments.
Why Businesses Choose NetSuite ERP
- Cloud-Based & Scalable: Access your ERP anywhere, anytime, with seamless updates.
- Unified Platform: Combines CRM, financials, inventory, e-commerce, and reporting in one system.
- Customizable & Extensible: SuiteApps, integrations, and APIs allow tailored workflows.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time analytics and dashboards enable actionable insights.
- Improved Compliance & Security: Centralized auditing, role-based access, and regulatory compliance features.
FAQ on NetSuite ERP
Q: What is NetSuite ERP?
A: NetSuite ERP is a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning system that centralizes finance, operations, CRM, and supply chain management.
Q: How does NetSuite ERP work for businesses?
A: It consolidates all data into one platform, providing real-time visibility, automated workflows, and scalable operations management.
Q: Who should use NetSuite ERP?
A: Growing companies, multi-subsidiary organizations, and industries requiring integrated financial, operational, and customer data benefit the most.
Q: Can NetSuite ERP improve collaboration?
A: Yes, by eliminating silos and providing centralized, real-time data, it allows cross-departmental teams to work more efficiently.
Q: How does NetSuite ERP support decision-making?
A: With dashboards, reporting, and analytics, NetSuite provides actionable insights for forecasting, performance management, and strategic planning.