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The Reality of NetSuite Integration

Integrating external systems with NetSuite can come with significant challenges and hidden costs. 

“According to the research, nearly 50% of first-time NetSuite WMS implementations face obstacles—not due to the software itself, but because of integration complexities and a lack of proactive support.”

These expenses typically manifest as: 

  • Extended timelines and budgets for WMS implementations across ERPs
  • Labor hours spent managing integrations
  • Troubleshooting time when issues arise
  • Ongoing maintenance as systems evolve

Some important statistics to know about WMS implementations
according to Supply and Demand Chain Executive: 

 

42%

Only 42% of WMS implementations are completed within budget 

56%

56% have delayed implementations 

30%

About 30% of all WMS implementations fail completely

 
30% of 600,000 warehouses

Only 30% of 600,000 warehouses in the US have a WMS 


less than 30%

Less than 30% of warehouses in the US are deemed ‘efficient’ 


 

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All of these above statistics above are reasons why it is very important to: 

  • Understand how your WMS will work with your ERP
  • Make sure proper scoping is done before signing anything
  • Ensure your WMS provider has sufficient experience with implementations to properly estimate both time and costs
  • Talk to references to learn if things went as expected during implementation for other companies that use their WMS 
 

The rest of this article will go into more detail on showing what some of these integration challenges can look like in the real world, and explains how these can be avoided with a WMS that integrates natively to your ERP like RF-SMART for NetSuite.

Hidden cost

The Hidden Costs of Complex NetSuite Integrations 

Even with quality integration platforms, connecting thousands of fields and custom elements requires extensive testing. When managing two databases (whether contacts or inventory): 

  • Connections break unexpectedly
  • Systems behave differently than anticipated
  • Benefits must outweigh substantial management costs
  • Total cost typically well exceeds the integration platform subscription fees 

Management

 

Active Management Requirements 

Successful NetSuite integrations demand continuous attention: 

  • Personnel dedicated to managing connections on both sides
  • Correct mapping of new fields as systems evolve
  • Troubleshooting when systems disagree
  • Resolution of discrepancies between platforms
  • Approval processes for updates and changes
  • Risk of long-term undetected errors 

Case Study: Inventory Synchronization Challenges

Third Party

One particular case highlights the common issues with third-party integrations: 

  • Inconsistent Inventory Updates: Products showing incorrect quantities despite synchronization
  • Underreported Inventory: Listings displaying fewer items than actual stock
  • False Stock-Out Situations: Listings going inactive despite ample inventory
  • Missing SKU Data: Products disappearing from reports for days at a time
  • Cross-Item Type Issues: Problems affecting standard inventory, serialized items, and kits
  • Support Challenges: Multiple vendors unable to identify root causes 
 

CONCLUSION:
The Value of Native Integration

These real-world examples demonstrate why native NetSuite WMS solutions like RF-SMART provide significant advantages over third-party integrations.

 

Built-for-NetSuite_Badge_Native

Native solutions eliminate: 

  • Cross-platform synchronization issues
  • Data discrepancies between systems
  • The need for extensive integration management
  • Hidden costs of troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Reliance on multiple vendor support teams 


When evaluating WMS options for NetSuite, organizations should carefully consider the substantial hidden costs and operational challenges of non-native solutions against the seamless experience of purpose-built native applications.