NetSuite — NetSuite Small Business

Ease of Use/Basic Functionality — 5 Stars
The interfaces in NetSuite Small Business are geared toward the role of each
individual user, with access rights depending upon that role; but, just as important,
with workflow processes and functions designed for the needs of users of that
type with complete customization capabilities to meet individual preferences.
Roles include top-level executives, sales management, sales staff, marketing
management, support, e-commerce management, warehouse management and controller,
the last of which can be configured to allow use by an external accountant to
provide write-up, reconciliation and other services for the business. Since
the program is completely web-based, the physical location of each of these
individuals is of no importance, as long as they have Internet connectivity
and authorized login information. The system can also be used on portable web
devices, including the iPhone and other smart phones.

Each of the role-based interfaces is centered on real-time dashboards that
provide key information as selected by the user and related to their role. Executives,
for example, can set up tabs that enable them to focus on individual departments
or on bottom-line financials, account balances, forecasts, sales actuals vs.
goals, and period comparisons, with the web-based system providing text or graphical
presentations of the data. Meanwhile, a sales manager can keep an eye on productivity
of his staff, sales goals, leads and open opportunities, commissions, and other
data. In either case, the tabs allow them to quickly move between dashboards
for the various activity centers in their business. The dashboards are customizable
and include drag-and-drop functionality.

Transaction screens are well-designed, offering quick lookup functions for
customers, vendors, items and other options, while comprehensive customer and
vendor contact management lists enable multiple methods of searching, filtering
and sorting. Searches can be saved, and the program keeps a linked list of recent
activity, allowing users quick access to return to previous or ongoing tasks.

Core Accounting/Security Functions — 5 Stars
NetSuite Small Business provides the core accounting modules, including GL,
AP and AR with GAAP-compliant double entry bookkeeping, along with integrated
sales, payroll, billing and inventory components. As a part of its “customer
fulfillment” component, the inventory capabilities in the program are
impressive, supporting FIFO, LIFO and ACOGs, with stock levels automatically
adjusted when making sales or receiving shipments. Multiple pricing can be applied
to individual items, including matrix and kit pricing. The suite is especially
well-suited to entities with e-commerce activities since the centralized nature
of the program automatically keeps all areas updated instantly, from the second
a website visitor looks at an inventory item, through actual sale, shipping
and replenishment. NetSuite Small Business also has options for electronic banking
and allowing electronic payment by customers, as well as EFT of payables to
vendors. A full-time audit trail is built into the system, providing drill-down
access to individual transactions, while role-based access rights and individual
security settings provide for total control over financial, customer and other
business information.

While accounting is a science that involves mostly logical mathematical manipulation,
many of the other notable features of the NetSuite system are more related to
the art of managing human interaction. Through its seamlessly integrated CRM
components, all customer and prospect contacts (e-mail, phone, written, product
shipping) are tracked and are visible to users whose roles are affected by that
contact. For instance, if the customer contacted support or if shipping was
delayed, a salesperson attempting to up-sell or cross-sell that customer can
be better prepared. The system also provides excellent alert features, to-do
lists, calendaring and appointment scheduling options, and other productivity
tools.

Reporting & Management Functions — 5 Stars
Reporting options for current tasks are accessible from all of the dashboards,
while authorized users can also access the more comprehensive Reports section,
with options ranging from full financials, to period comparisons, sales performance
data, cash flow, customer histories and other information, with all reports
easily editable and customizable. Reports and data can be output into Word,
Excel, PDF or text formats. The system can also print wage and 1099 reporting
forms. NetSuite’s role-based dashboards also provide excellent monitoring
of key business data, presented in real-time.

Import/Export/Integration — 5 Stars
Users can import QuickBooks, XML and spreadsheet data into the system, while
the program also integrates with Microsoft Outlook for contact management and
e-mail. It can export financial data to XML or spreadsheets, and offers reporting
into Word, Excel or PDF. The web-based system is accessible from any location
with Internet connectivity, including smart phones like the BlackBerry and iPhone.

Help & Support Options — 4.5 Stars
The role-based nature of NetSuite eases the learning curve, since it removes
most of the features and distracting information not necessary to all users.
Additionally, the system provides a good assortment of user guides, wizards
and tutorials that, along with task-specific Help and search features, provide
excellent assistance. Since the system is web-based, all program updates are
automatically performed by the vendor as needed.

Relative Value — 4.5 Stars
NetSuite Small Business is geared to small and mid-sized entities with strong
customer relationship requirements, particularly sales-centric concerns, e-commerce
businesses and those with multi-national/multi-lingual requirements. The web-based
system offers outstanding flexibility and customization options along with the
convenience of anytime, anywhere access.

2008 Overall Rating: 5 Stars