If you are a successful growth business and have invested in both an ERP system and a CRM system, there’s a good chance your business has implemented NetSuite and Salesforce. Integrating these two powerful platforms can yield significant benefits, including real-time synchronisation between key software applications, time savings for your finance teams, and the automation of various processes in NetSuite.
Here are five tips to help you get the most out of integrating Salesforce with NetSuite:
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Avoid Overcomplicating Your Salesforce Instance
Salesforce offers impressive automation capabilities and flexible data flows through junction objects, which can meet the evolving demands of your sales teams. However, it’s important to resist the temptation to overcomplicate your Salesforce instance with unnecessary customisations.
While Salesforce allows for extensive development, NetSuite might not be customised to the same extent. Overly complex Salesforce configurations can cause complications downstream in NetSuite revenue recognition and billing processes.
Aim for a balanced approach that maximises functionality while ensuring compatibility with NetSuite.
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Develop a Data Strategy
A well-thought-out data strategy is crucial for successful integration. Decide where the master records for different data types will reside. For example, since more data flows typically go from Salesforce to NetSuite, Salesforce might be the better master source for customer and sales order information.
Determine whether products will be synced between both systems and consider any other systems that need to be part of your data strategy.
A clear data governance plan will streamline processes and improve data accuracy across both platforms.
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Ensure Data Accuracy in Salesforce
Salesforce data is often generated by salespeople who may not always prioritise detail and accuracy. However, since Salesforce is likely to be the upstream data source for most flows into NetSuite, maintaining high data quality in Salesforce is essential.
Implementing robust data governance practices, such as regular data audits and validation rules, can help ensure that the data flowing into NetSuite is accurate and reliable. This will prevent downstream issues and enhance the overall efficiency of your integrated systems.
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Cleanse Data Before Go-Live
It can be tempting to switch on the connection between Salesforce and NetSuite as soon as the initial integration setup is complete. However, rushing this process can lead to complications.
Thoroughly cleanse and align your data in both systems before going live. This involves identifying and resolving data discrepancies, validating data formats, and ensuring consistency between Salesforce and NetSuite records.
Taking the time to plan for any data migration that needs to happen. Cleansing data upfront will result in smoother post-go-live processes and reduce the risk of integration errors.
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Choose a Reliable iPaaS Solution
Selecting the right Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solution is critical for seamless integration. Two highly recommended iPaaS solutions are Celigo and Dell Boomi.
Celigo offers many prebuilt integrations that require minimal adjustments, making it an excellent choice for medium to large businesses. It provides a user-friendly interface and robust functionality for managing data flows between Salesforce and NetSuite.
On the other hand, Dell Boomi is known for its scalability and ability to handle enterprise-level data flows. Its comprehensive features and flexibility make it suitable for more complex integration scenarios. Evaluate your specific needs and choose an iPaaS solution that aligns with your business requirements.
Conclusion
Integrating Salesforce with NetSuite can transform your business operations, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and automation. By following these five tips—keeping your Salesforce instance simple, developing a data strategy, ensuring data accuracy, cleansing data before go-live, and selecting a reliable iPaaS solution—you can maximize the benefits of this integration and set your business up for success.
If you are considering integrating Salesforce with NetSuite and want to learn more about best practices and implementation strategies, get in touch with our team. We have extensive experience in integrating these systems and can provide valuable insights to help you achieve a seamless integration.
