11 Ways NetSuite Manufacturing Software Can Solve Your Business Woes

There’s a reason companies are investing in NetSuite manufacturing software —nothing limits a manufacturer’s development like a loose web of poorly integrated solutions. 

If your business runs on a patchwork system, its financial operations may not scale to meet growing needs. Or its inventory and CRM systems may not coordinate, resulting in errors and delays. Additionally, its staff may have to manage data manually, which could hamper growth and frustrate its workforce. 

Basically, you might be living in a digital nightmare.

Fortunately, a NetSuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can solve these and other crucial manufacturing issues. It connects the various systems operating a manufacturing business—from procurement to production planning to warehouse management—and runs them from a single online database. Therefore, all your data gets stored in one place and updated in real time for better tracking and analysis. 

SuiteDynamics experts work with NetSuite to customize and implement NetSuite ERP systems. Our team can outfit your operation with software that runs each facet of your company and accommodates your most unique needs.

Our guide below lists 11 ways a NetSuite ERP can revolutionize your manufacturing business. Read through it, and then schedule a consultation with our experts. We’ll ensure you get the right tools to boost efficiency, productivity, and, ultimately, profits.

Key Takeaways

1. Order & Inventory Management Excellence - NetSuite's Order Management system automates crucial processes like order promising and execution while providing real-time inventory visibility across both in-house and outsourced manufacturing operations to meet rising customer shipping expectations.
2. Production Optimization Tools - The platform offers advanced scheduling capabilities with drag-and-drop functionality, shop floor monitoring, and real-time data tracking. It improves planning, efficiency, and quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
3. Supply Chain & Cost Control - NetSuite helps manufacturers manage supply chain dependencies through features like requests for quotes, blanket purchase orders, and purchase contracts. It reduces the impact of supply chain problems that affect 37.8% of manufacturing businesses.
4. Integrated Financial & Customer Management - The system integrates manufacturing with financial management and CRM capabilities, allowing for streamlined accounting processes, enhanced expense management, and strengthened customer relationships through automation.
5. Global Business Enablement - NetSuite's OneWorld solution supports 27 languages and 190 currencies, helping manufacturers expand globally by adjusting to currency, compliance, and taxation differences while maintaining visibility across all business operations worldwide.



3. Manage outsourced manufacturing like it’s in-house. 

Outsourcing is a popular option for cutting labor costs and allowing manufacturers to focus on core business aspects. According to Orient, manufacturing companies outsource 70% to 80% of their finished products on average.

This process may be a simple solution for manufacturing issues, but it can also wreck your inventory management operations. Fortunately, NetSuite offers an inventory view that includes other vendors' products. 

As a NetSuite customer, you’ll enjoy real-time inventory visibility, full distribution requirement planning (DRP) capabilities, and vendor location management so you can keep operations running smoothly.



4. Get the right supplies at the best prices.

Lindsey Lawson, head of product marketing for BigRep, says manufacturers always depend on suppliers to run their businesses—but that reliance comes at a cost.

“Each supply chain dependency introduces a potential risk of delays, lack of availability, or price increases,” Lawson writes. “As your business grows, so do the potential risks of supply chain failures along with the complexity of logistics. And as we saw with the global supply chain gridlock during COVID-19, one issue can have massively far-reaching repercussions.”

In fact, the National Association of Manufacturers reports that supply chain management problems impact 37.8% of manufacturing businesses.

A NetSuite Cloud ERP eases supply chain problems by handling requests for quotes, blanket purchase orders, and purchase contracts. This means you’ll always have the right materials available after getting them at the best possible prices. 

It also provides tools to help your company manage spending. For example, you can monitor your financial habits, simplify goods and service requests, and enjoy real-time visibility.

5. Monitor the shop floor. 

NetSuite allows you to record and monitor every detail of your manufacturing process, including when, where, what, and how your products are made. This constant data stream improves planning and scheduling and increases efficiency on the shop floor. 

A tablet application that tracks all operations can help you keep up with manufacturing developments. The app’s layout is so well-designed that you can use it while wearing work gloves. 

6. Increase product quality while decreasing production costs.

Get the tools necessary to manufacture high-quality products. NetSuite manufacturing software allows you to define inspection plans and monitor all results. And, while you’re increasing product excellence, you can lower production costs. The system has several features that help reduce expenses and increase revenue.



7. Strengthen customer relationships through system automation.

NetSuite’s CRM includes tools that strengthen your relationships with customers, such as sales force automation, customer service and support management, and marketing automation. You can also integrate, partner, and sales performance management with your ERP and e-commerce systems. 

These features will help efficiently manage the customer lifecycle so your business can continue growing. 

8. Go beyond trade shows.

Trade shows create an opportunity to introduce your company’s name and products to potential customers and influencers and make important contacts. They’re excellent marketing events. Still, your company can do much more to reach your target audience—and NetSuite can help. The system features tools you can use to explore and master various marketing pursuits, including the creation and execution of email campaigns. 

9. Make your accountants happy.

NetSuite’s financial component allows accountants to view, organize, and share data easily. This functionality helps accelerate financial close, strengthen expense management, streamline auditable revenue management, and review financial performance in real time. The software also integrates with manufacturing operations, so your accounting department can work with the same system used by your sales and customer reps. 

Essentially, NetSuite frees up the time your accountants typically spend on bookkeeping tasks so they can spend more energy on analysis and strategy.



10. Go global.

Every multi-national business encounters a bevy of challenges, like tracking transactions that occur in multiple currencies. NetSuite’s OneWorld solution supports 27 languages and 190 currencies and helps break down many expansion barriers.

For example, companies can use it to adjust to currency, legal compliance, and taxation differences. The program also offers visibility into each facet of a business worldwide, ensuring efficiency and compliance on both local and global levels. 

11. Seamlessly integrate inventory with e-commerce.

NetSuite’s SuiteCommerce component connects your online shop to your ERP. You can base your product availability on accurate inventory data, creating a more efficient online customer experience. SuiteCommerce also automatically transfers orders to your fulfillment process. It even offers complete control over pricing and promotions. 

We know the manufacturing world is complex, but the best thing about NetSuite manufacturing software is that it streamlines operations and simplifies procedures. SuiteDynamics experts can show you how the system works and how they can customize it to meet your unique needs. Schedule a free consultation with our team and start exceeding your production goals.