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WMS for NetSuite Market & WMS Integration Type

Native NetSuite vs. Hybrid SuiteApps vs. Integrated SuiteApps

Beyond the market leaders of NetSuite WMS and RF-SMART, there are numerous companies that offer WMS SuiteApps for NetSuite.  

Most WMS solutions that compete in the NetSuite space are classified as Hybrid or Integrated SuiteApps. The functional difference that typically has the largest impact isn’t actually the badge type itself, but where inventory is stored. 

Is inventory just stored in NetSuite, or is it also simultaneously stored somewhere else? 

Line 300 tallThe Most Important Difference Between SuiteApps ▼

Considerations for Dual Inventory Systems ▼

Other Differences Between Native, Hybrid, and Integrated SuiteApps ▼

Customer Experience Insights ▼

Further Consideration: Evaluation Questions to Ask ▼

 

The Most Important Difference
Between SuiteApps 

Most Hybrid and Integrated SuiteApps are typically built with a separate database to store inventory data and rely on API connections to ensure both systems are synced.  

A challenge in using two systems this way is that they will always have to sync at some point vs. being synced in real time. 
This can be illustrated in a pretty straightforward way: 

Native Solution

Barcode Scanner Direct Real-Time Update ▶ NetSuite Inventory Records

 

Hybrid/Integrated Solution Solution

Barcode Scanner Update ▶ Third Party Database ◀ Synchronization Required ▶ NetSuite Inventory Records

 

 

Considerations for Dual Inventory Systems 

Multiple inventory systems create a fundamental challenge - two competing "sources of truth" for your inventory data. When these systems inevitably disagree, operations face two difficult choices: 

Manual Physical Count

1. Physical verification: Conducting manual recounts to determine which system is correct

Audit

2. Technical investigation: Performing time-consuming system audits to identify synchronization failures

 

While occasional discrepancies might seem manageable, if/when these issues occur at scale, they can: 

•  Undermine warehouse efficiency
•  Add prohibitive secondary hidden labor costs for reconciliation
•  Destroy data reliability
•  Mislead or confuse business decision making
•   Cause avoidable over-ordering
•  Cause preventable stockouts
•  Skyrocket the cost of goods sold (COGS)
•  Render your secondary system effectively unusable
•  Cause the need for a full physical recount to determine what is correct inventory data.
 
 
Bottom Line: Consider your design, maintenance and update strategy, crucial factors for long-term success.  

What are Other Differences Between Native, Hybrid
and Integrated SuiteApps? 

When looking for a WMS for NetSuite, the charts below give a high-level overview of what you can expect from the three types of integrations. 

System Architecture Comparison

System Architecture Comparison: Native vs. Hybrid vs. Integrated WMS Solutions
Feature Native NetSuite   Hybrid WMS   Integrated WMS
Core Architecture Built entirely inside NetSuite using SuiteScript, SuiteFlow, and native components   Split between NetSuite and external system   Fully external WMS system connected via APIs
Data Location 100% inside NetSuite database    Typically divided between NetSuite and external database
   All warehouse data lives outside NetSuite
Data Updates Automatic with NetSuite releases   If use separate database requires scheduled or triggered synchronization   Requires complex middleware management
Visibility Complete visibility within NetSuite   Partial visibility in NetSuite dashboard  

Separate system requiring additional login

 

 

User Experience Analysis

User Experience Analysis: Native vs. Hybrid vs. Integrated WMS Solutions
Aspect

Native NetSuite

   Hybrid WMS   Integrated WMS
System Consistency Perfectly embedded in NetSuite UI with consistent components   Users aware of using two systems, but can have significant variability in seamlessness of user experience    Very aware of using two different systems
Data Synchronization  Always real-time data with no synchronization needed   Depends on if NetSuite is system of record for inventory. Almost all require data matches across databases.    Requires syncing between systems to match inventory data across databases
Update Frequency Updated through NetSuite bundle updates   Updates required for both NetSuite components and external systems   Updated externally with potential API compatibility checks 
Data Discrepancies  No data discrepancies (only one place for data)    If use separate database can cause significant confusion and delays   Can cause significant confusion and delays. Will likely require audit of both systems and connection to find original issue if it recurs. 
Training Requirements Single system training    Require dual system training. Can have significant variation across solutions.    

Dual system with complex integration concepts

 

 

Operational Considerations

Operational Considerations Comparison: Native vs. Hybrid vs. Integrated WMS Solutions
Factor Native NetSuite   Hybrid WMS   Integrated WMS
Maintenance Low - handled through standard NetSuite release cycles   Typically medium – usually requires sync logic and API maintenance   High - requires ongoing middleware management
Integration Tools No integration required    Typically uses NetSuite APIs + vendor hosted backend    Typically custom-built or third-party integrations 
System Risk  Very low - moves in sync with NetSuite    Medium to high risk during NetSuite updates if not testing NetSuite updates before releases    High - NetSuite upgrades may break integrations 
Support Model Single vendor with direct NetSuite expertise    Split between WMS vendor and NetSuite support    Typically requires coordination between WMS vendor, NetSuite and integration resource 
Implementation Timeline  Implementation itself can be weeks or months. Variable lengths depending on complexity and scheduling. Typically lowest complexity of the three options.     Implementation itself can be weeks or months. Variable lengths depending on complexity of project, scheduling, as well as complexity of integration.   Typically longer implementation with custom integration work 

 

 

Business Impact

Business Impact Comparison: Native vs. Hybrid vs. Integrated WMS Solutions
Consideration Native NetSuite   Hybrid WMS   Integrated WMS
Strategic Alignment  Focused exclusively on NetSuite   Typically, must support multiple ERPs, less NetSuite-specific focus    Designed for multiple systems, not optimized for NetSuite 
Industry Flexibility Highly customizable within NetSuite framework    Can offer industry-specific features, but typically with integration complexity    May offer deeper specialized features at cost of integration complexity 
Total Cost of Ownership Lower TCO due to single system maintenance    Often has higher costs from dual-system maintenance and synchronization.   Highest TCO including integration, maintenance, and potential failures 
ROI Timeline  Typically faster due to lower overall TCO and less ongoing costs when initial estimate is done properly. For RF-SMART use ROI Calculators to find out.    Solutions with higher TCO will take longer. Any maintenance and synchronization issues experienced will continually push out timeline.    Much higher TCO. If experience significant maintenance or synchronization issues may not achieve ROI before end of contract. 

 

 

Technical Reliability Comparison

Technical Reliability Comparison: Native vs. Hybrid vs. Integrated WMS Solutions
Risk Factor Native NetSuite   Hybrid WMS   Integrated WMS
System Failures  Minimal risk - single system    Medium risk - failures can occur in either system or during synchronization with most systems    High risk - failures can occur in either system or during synchronization. In cases of NetSuite failure or downtime could be a temporary advantage.  
Update Complications  Handled through NetSuite release cycle   If not testing NetSuite updates pre-release can break during NetSuite updates
   NetSuite updates may require integration rework
Performance  Consistent performance tied to NetSuite   Variable performance based on both systems   Dependent on integration quality and external system 
Scalability  Scales with NetSuite infrastructure
   May face limitations when synchronizing high volume transactions
   Can face middleware bottlenecks during high-volume periods
Recovery Time  Quick recovery with single system   Typically longer recovery time with multiple systems    Longest recovery time, complex diagnosis needed 
Data Exposure  Minimal - contained within NetSuite's security framework   Moderate - data typically exists in both NetSuite and external systems
   High - extensive data replication across systems 
Audit Trail  Complete audit history within NetSuite
   Typically fragmented audit trails across systems   Separate audit trails requiring reconciliation
Data Breach Risk  Lower risk with single system
to secure 		   Increased risk with multiple attack surfaces
   Increased risk with multiple systems and data transfer points

 

Customer Experience Insights

Organizations using NetSuite solutions with a single database for inventory consistently report:

icon 966
Seamless user experience with familiar NetSuite interface
 
icon 462Elimination of data discrepancies
between systems
 
NS Icons-955
Reduced training and
maintenance costs
 

ResourcesFaster resolution when issues occur 

real time updates

Automatic benefit from NetSuite platform improvements 

Goals and Functionality

Enhanced warehouse efficiency with purpose-built functionality

Further Consideration: Evaluation Questions to Ask

square (2)Database Architecture: Where is inventory data stored in your solution? Is NetSuite the single system of record?

square (2)Training & System Navigation: How many hours of training do users require to learn your system interface? If outside of NetSuite, what is the experience and process when navigating between your system and NetSuite's native interface?

square (2)Synchronization Process: If your solution uses multiple databases, how frequently do they synchronize, and what happens during a sync failure?

square (2)NetSuite Commitment: What percentage of your development resources are dedicated specifically to NetSuite integration maintenance?

square (2)Update History: When was your last significant update to the NetSuite integration, and what improvements were made?

square (2)Client References: Can you provide references from clients who have been using your solution with NetSuite for 3+ years?

square (2)Support Structure: Do you have dedicated NetSuite specialists on your support team, or do you use general technical support?

square (2)NetSuite Version Testing: How do you test compatibility with upcoming NetSuite releases before they go live?

square (2)Reconciliation Tools: What built-in tools do you provide to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies between systems?

square (2)API Governance: How do you manage NetSuite API governance limits in high-transaction environments?