Many companies slowly shift to cloud-based platforms like NetSuite to enhance operational efficiency, the need for experienced professionals capable of implementing, tailoring, and maintaining this robust ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system has seen a substantial rise. Whether it’s a full-scale system implementation, ongoing optimization, or integrating NetSuite with other business systems, hiring the right NetSuite contractors is essential for ensuring successful project outcomes.
NetSuite contractors, being highly skilled and specialized professionals, provide companies with the flexibility to hire experts for specific projects without committing to long-term employment. With the ability to hire contractors from anywhere in the world, businesses have access to a broader talent pool that can meet their unique NetSuite requirements. This article explores why companies should consider hiring NetSuite contractors globally, how to find the right talent and the best practices for managing remote contractor teams.
Why Hire NetSuite Contractors?
NetSuite is a versatile and complex ERP system that offers a wide range of functionalities, including financial management, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), inventory management, and e-commerce. As a result, companies often require different levels of expertise for specific tasks within NetSuite. Here are several reasons why hiring NetSuite contractors can be advantageous:
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring full-time NetSuite experts can be expensive, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Contracting professionals on a project basis allows companies to save on costs associated with full-time employment, such as benefits, office space, and long-term salaries. Contractors typically work on short-term or fixed-duration projects, ensuring that businesses only pay for the expertise they need, when they need it.
2. Flexibility
NetSuite contractors offer a high level of flexibility. Companies can hire specialists for short-term projects or specific tasks, such as a one-time system implementation, an upgrade, or a customization. This flexibility is particularly valuable when a company needs to scale up its operations quickly or address temporary increases in workload.
3. Access to Specialized Skills
NetSuite is a complex system that may require specialized expertise in areas like SuiteScript development, custom workflows, financial reporting, or third-party integrations. Hiring contractors allows businesses to access a broader talent pool of NetSuite specialists who possess niche skills. These experts can bring in-depth knowledge to the table and help optimize the system for maximum efficiency.
4. Faster Project Delivery
When deadlines are tight, or when a project needs immediate attention, contractors can provide rapid solutions. They are often available on short notice and can hit the ground running, ensuring that projects are delivered within the required timeframe. Since they are focused on specific project outcomes, contractors can often complete tasks more quickly than in-house teams with broader responsibilities.
5. Reduced Risk
Hiring NetSuite contractors reduces the risk of poor system implementation or customization. These professionals are highly experienced and bring deep knowledge of NetSuite best practices, ensuring that the system is set up correctly from the beginning. Additionally, working with contractors on a project basis allows businesses to evaluate their performance before committing to longer-term engagements.
Global Hiring: Expanding Your Talent Pool
One of the key benefits of cloud-based platforms like NetSuite is that they enable remote work, allowing businesses to hire contractors from anywhere in the world. With the global talent pool at your disposal, you can find the best professionals for your project, regardless of geographical location. Here’s how hiring NetSuite contractors globally can benefit your business:
1. Access to Top Talent
By expanding your hiring efforts globally, you can access the most skilled and experienced NetSuite contractors in the market. In regions where NetSuite usage is high, such as the United States, Europe, and Australia, a wealth of NetSuite professionals is available, allowing you to choose from the best in the industry.
Additionally, countries with growing tech hubs, such as the Philippines, India, and Eastern Europe, offer highly skilled NetSuite developers, consultants, and administrators at more competitive rates, making it easier for companies to find affordable talent without compromising on quality.
2. Diverse Expertise and Perspectives
Global contractors bring a wealth of diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. NetSuite contractors in different regions may have worked on various types of implementations, from small-scale business setups to multinational enterprises. This diversity allows them to offer creative solutions and alternative approaches that may not have been considered by a more localized team.
3. 24/7 Availability
Hiring globally allows you to take advantage of time zone differences to create a “follow-the-sun” workflow. With contractors in different time zones, your business can operate continuously, enabling faster turnaround times and around-the-clock support. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that require urgent NetSuite assistance or have international operations.
4. Cost Savings
Hiring NetSuite contractors from countries with lower labor costs can provide significant savings while still giving you access to highly skilled professionals. Contractors in regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe may offer more competitive rates compared to their counterparts in high-cost regions like North America or Western Europe, without sacrificing the quality of work.
How to Find the Right NetSuite Contractors Worldwide
Finding the right NetSuite contractors can be challenging, especially when hiring from a global talent pool. Here are some tips to help you find the right professionals for your NetSuite projects:
1. Define Your Project Requirements
Before starting the hiring process, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your project’s scope, timelines, and the specific skills you need from a contractor. Are you looking for someone to implement NetSuite from scratch, customize specific workflows, or develop custom integrations? Defining your project requirements will help you narrow down candidates with the right expertise.
2. Use Reputable Freelance Platforms
Several platforms specialize in connecting businesses with freelancers and contractors, including NetSuite professionals. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal allow businesses to post project listings and browse contractor profiles, including past work experience, client reviews, and certifications.
For more specialized hiring, consider using platforms that focus specifically on ERP or NetSuite talent, such as ERP Hub or NetSuite’s official Solution Provider network.
3. Look for NetSuite Certifications
When hiring NetSuite contractors, certifications can serve as a key indicator of their expertise. NetSuite offers several certification programs, including SuiteFoundation, ERP Consultant, and SuiteCloud Developer, which validate a professional’s knowledge and skills in specific areas of NetSuite.
Hiring certified contractors ensures that they have met Oracle’s rigorous standards and have the skills necessary to deliver successful projects. Always inquire about a candidate’s certification status and request evidence if necessary.
4. Conduct Thorough Interviews and Skills Assessments
When hiring contractors remotely, conducting in-depth interviews is crucial to ensure that they possess the right skills and experience. Ask about their past projects, particularly those that are similar to your project’s requirements, and assess how they approach challenges. It’s also helpful to conduct technical assessments or ask for portfolio samples to evaluate their problem-solving abilities.
For technical roles like SuiteScript development, consider providing a small test project to assess their coding and development skills.
5. Check References and Client Feedback
Before hiring a contractor, make sure to check their references or reviews from past clients. Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer typically provide client feedback for each contractor, giving you insight into their reliability, communication skills, and quality of work.
Best Practices for Managing Remote NetSuite Contractors
Once you’ve hired NetSuite contractors, managing them effectively is key to achieving project success. Here are some best practices for managing remote NetSuite contractors:
1. Clear Communication
Establishing clear communication channels is essential when working with contractors across different time zones. Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira to keep track of tasks, deliverables, and timelines. Regular check-ins via video conferencing or messaging platforms like Slack help ensure that everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
2. Set Clear Expectations
From the outset, set clear expectations regarding deadlines, deliverables, and performance metrics. Provide detailed project documentation and ensure that contractors fully understand the scope of the work. This will minimize misunderstandings and help keep the project on track.
3. Use Time-Tracking Tools
To ensure transparency and accountability, consider using time-tracking tools such as Toggl or Harvest. These tools allow contractors to log their hours, giving you insights into how much time is being spent on various tasks.
4. Offer Feedback and Support
Provide regular feedback on the contractor’s work and be available to answer questions or address concerns. Offering constructive feedback helps contractors improve their performance and ensures that the project is moving in the right direction.
Releated: NetSuite Professional Services Automation (PSA)
Last Words
Hiring NetSuite contractors from around the world can provide your business with the flexibility, expertise, and cost savings needed to implement and optimize a successful ERP system. By tapping into the global talent pool, businesses can access specialized NetSuite professionals, work with experts in different time zones, and enjoy the benefits of a diverse workforce. Whether you’re seeking to implement NetSuite for the first time, customize the platform for unique business needs, or integrate it with other systems, hiring the right contractors is key to ensuring project success. By following best practices in hiring and managing remote contractors, your business can fully leverage the power of NetSuite while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.
Also Read: NetSuite Order Management
