Background

As a trusted advisor and IT-partner to dozens of SMEs in the Benelux, Novutech recently hosted their first Grow-with-NetSuite Days event, as a unique occasion to meet with their NetSuite customers, partners, digital experts and everyone interested in the future of cloud ERP.  These two half-day events, held on the 9th of November 2023 at the Mix in Brussels and the 14th of November 2023 at The Loft in Rotterdam, proved to be vibrant forums for knowledge exchange, networking, and the exploration of cutting-edge solutions in the NetSuite ecosystem.

The Event

Brussels and Rotterdam served as inspiring settings for this groundbreaking event, arguably the largest gathering of NetSuite enthusiasts in the Benelux since CoVid. The event proved to be a remarkable success, thanks to a collaborative effort of engaged visitors, partners, and esteemed speakers. The attendees, whether already NetSuite users or considering investing in true cloud ERP, actively embraced the opportunity to gather essential insights for their IT strategies from thought-leading experts. The event featured compelling customer testimonials, delving into their personal digitalization journeys on and around NetSuite, and sparked groundbreaking discussions on AI, Digitalization, and the future of ERP. A fine selection of innovative add-on solutions were presented, ready to enhance digital efficiency and cut operating costs through a seamless integration with a company’s NetSuite ERP hub:

• Cobase: Revolutionizing global cash transactions and treasury management.
• Zone & Co: Cloud-native software tools making the CFO’s life easier.
• Slimstock: Transforming inventory and supply chain decision-making.
• RF-SMART: Innovating mobile warehouse management.
• Workiro: Introducing next-gen collaboration and document management.
• Upflow: Unveiling cutting-edge strategies for cash collections.

Unique Opportunities

The event went beyond a traditional conference, offering guests a unique opportunity to extend their networks and find inspiration. Keynote speeches by digital experts, insights from solution architects, and partner presentations enriched the experience. Attendees connected with other NetSuite users, Novutech customers, and industry professionals, exchanging experiences, best practices, and original ideas.

Key Highlights

• • Olivier Mangelschots's inspiring keynote on Digital Transformation in 3D: From Budget to Vision.
  • Maxime Lubbers' insightful keynote: 'Let’s lead responsibly. The rise of FOMO 2.0.'
  • Bas Versteegen sharing the NetSuite vision on Artificial Intelligence.
  • Manon Lispet's illuminating customer testimonial on NetSuite for Demand and Supply Planning at OppoSuits.
  • Laurent Zintz taking the audience along on Projective’s fascinating growth path, fueled by Netsuite
  • Nicolas Hoet sharing best practices and lessons learned from the total adoption of cloud ERP at Solarscreen 
  • The exceptional contributions of our partners: Cobase, Slimstock, Zone & Co, RF-SMART, Workiro, and Upflow.

Conclusion

Novutech expresses immense pride in the success of the first Grow-with-NetSuite edition. The event not only achieved its goals but also paved the way for future milestones in collaboration, innovation, and excellence. A heartfelt thank you to all participants, partners, and speakers for contributing to these phenomenal days of growth and inspiration.  We invite you to relive the energy and excitement of our Grow-with-NetSuite Days by watching our exclusive aftermovie. Get ready to immerse yourself in the highlights, captured moments, and the vibrant atmosphere that made this event truly special.

Save the Date for the Next Edition:

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Grow-with-NetSuite Days on the 17th of October 2024 in Rotterdam and the 22nd of October 2024 in Brussels.

Background

Embarking on an ERP implementation project is not an easy and straightforward task. Several aspects need to be considered to ensure a successful transition from the old system (or no system at all?) to the new one. At Novutech, we aim for excellence. We apply a rigorous methodology that enables us to:

• Gather customer requirements and analyse them during design workshops.
• Validate customer requirements and create prototypes to show the customer.
• Configure and prototype the requirements.
• User acceptance testing and final validation.
• Perform the data migration and going live with on the new platform.
• Do the go-live follow-up and support.

This article briefly explains the stages of a NetSuite project

Customer requirements and design workhhops

After the project kick-off, we submit questionnaires to our customers concerning the main processes to be implemented. The main processes we encounter the most often are: 

• Procure to pay.
• Order to cash.
• Record to report.
• Design to build.

Once the questionnaires have been completed, we organize an initial workshop, during which we explain the components of each process and analyze the responses, asking for further explanations. These workshops are very important, as they give us a comprehensive insight into the customer's processes. Vice versa, this allows the customer to begin to understand how NetSuite works.

Configuration and prototype

During this phase, we materialize the customer's needs in the form of user stories. Then, based on these user stories, we create prototypes on NetSuite which we show to our customers during workshops. The customer validates (or not) what has been done on the test environment (SandBox). The aim at the end of this prototype phase is for Novutech and the customer to agree on what needs to be set up on NetSuite. This agreement is materialized in the form of a CMS (Core Model Specification), which brings together everything that will be implemented on NetSuite. It represents an shared vision between Novutech and the customer on how the end solution should work and deliver added value..

User acceptance testing and final validation

Once the prototypes have been validated, the UAT phase can begin. We prepare for our customers a set of tests to be validated in accordance with the CMS, along with the necessary user guides. We work closely with our customers during this phase, providing immediate, hands-on support to help them use the system for the first time and ensure proper testing. The customer tests the various elements of each process, validating them as the tests progresses.

Data migration and go live

Once the UAT phase has been finalized, the various SandBox elements are put into production. We follow a rigorous method that enables us to faithfully copy the elements to be put into production, as well as the necessary master data (Chart Of Account, Vendors, Customers, Items, etc). The SandBox is then refreshed to contain all the elements put into production, which we retest to make sure there have been no errors. Finally, we import the closing balances and open A/P and A/R transactions.

Go-live follow-up and support

Once the system has been put in production (on go-live) we follow up to ensure that users are being supported when doing their daily job in NetSuite and to fix any issues that may have slipped through the configuration and testing process. Do you feel confident now to enter into your NetSuite adventure with us? Do reach out, we would be delighted to help you realize a successful ERP implementation.  

Introduction

At Novutech, we help businesses set up and improve their NetSuite systems. As we aim to be the top choice in our field, we always look for ways to work smarter and safer. Passwords, especially, were a big challenge for us. We often needed two-step checks (2FA) for extra safety, but that meant always using our phones to get a code. And if we lost our phones? Setting everything up again took a lot of time.

Unlock Simplicity & Security with 1Password

In our rapidly digitizing world, passwords have become a necessary evil. From online banking to social media profiles, every platform demands a unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. But, is there a way to bring order to this chaos? Welcome to the world of 1Password – a haven where security integrates seamlessly with simplicity.

Simplify Life with One Master Password

The charm of 1Password is its premise of one master key. Think of it as a digital vault. Inside this vault, there's a section for every online platform you use. Whether it's your online shopping sites, work accounts, or those intricate NetSuite logins, all your credentials are safely stored. The beauty? You only need to remember one robust password to access this goldmine. Gone are the days of frantic searches through sticky notes or calling IT to reset a forgotten password.

Seamless Switching Between Accounts

For those familiar with NetSuite, the struggle with switching between sandbox and production environments is real. It can be an acrobatic act of memory and speed. Enter 1Password. Now, when you change a password in one place, it updates across all your stored login details. It’s a transformative experience. The efficiency gain is clear, with more time to focus on productive tasks rather than battling with login screens.

Secure 2FA Without The Hassle

Two-factor authentication (2FA) has become the gold standard for online security. However, it often comes with the hassle of fetching codes from text messages or external apps. With 1Password, your 2FA codes sit snugly next to your passwords. For those committed to Google Authenticator, the transition to 1Password might seem a mountainous task. Yet, with resources like the GitHub guide, it's less of a climb and more of a small hill.

Collaboration and Sharing, The Safe Way

In a team environment, sharing passwords can often feel like walking on thin ice. With 1Password, you can grant access without revealing the actual password. Comparable to handing someone a key without telling them the lock's combination. This ensures a secure environment, especially crucial for businesses handling sensitive data.

Unleash Flexibility with Mobile Access:

In today's mobile-focused world, the beauty of 1Password shines even brighter. Not confined to just desktops or laptops, 1Password seamlessly integrates with virtually all phone types, ensuring that your digital keys are always within arm's reach. Whether you're in the office or on the go, accessing your passwords is just a tap away. Transitioning to 1Password is also a breeze. If you've been relying on browsers like Google Chrome to store your passwords, there’s no need to worry. With a straightforward export and import process, you can swiftly move all your stored credentials into 1Password's secure vault. Plus, with the Google Chrome extension, your 1Password experience becomes even smoother. For those with modern computers, the cherry on top is the ability to unlock your 1Password session using your fingerprint. It's the perfect blend of convenience and cutting-edge security.

Integration and Beyond

One of 1Password's strengths is its ability to integrate seamlessly with other platforms. This isn’t just an isolated tool but a cog in your broader digital machinery. For businesses, especially those relying on platforms like NetSuite, this integration can be the keystone of efficient operations.

Why Wait? Dive into Simplicity Today

With 1Password, you are handed the keys to your own digital world without of needless complexities. The idea is to spend less time on administrative tasks and more on growing and enjoying your digital journey.

Conclusion

Since using 1Password, our daily work at Novutech has improved quite a bit. We save time, and our passwords are safer than before. We don't need to worry if we lose our phones, and we don't waste time resetting things. For a company like Novutech, where we're always aiming to improve and grow, tools like 1Password help us stay on track. So, if you're looking for a simpler, safer way to manage passwords, we highly recommend giving 1Password a try. It's made a big difference for us.    

Le secteur de la fintech française a connu une croissance de 25 % en 2022, pour atteindre un montant de 10 milliards d'euros de valorisation totale, selon France Fintech. Ces niveaux de croissance reflètent un intérêt fort, en France et en Europe, pour un nouvel écosystème financier professionnel. Ces indicateurs, comme les levées de fond, démontrent qu’il ne s’agit pas seulement d’une tendance, mais d’une lame de fond.  

Le rôle de plus en plus présent de la Fintech

La fintech a révolutionné le travail des équipes comptables et de tous les usagers, en particulier ceux qui utilisent des outils collaboratifs. Plus besoin de se déplacer ou d'attendre plusieurs jours pour effectuer une transaction financière : ces solutions permettent d'intégrer les paiements et les transferts d'argent directement dans des plateformes collaboratives. Ceci favorise une meilleure coordination entre les équipes, accélère les processus d'affaires et réduit les coûts opérationnels. Des applications comme Slack, par exemple, peuvent être intégrées avec des services de paiement, rendant les remboursements et les transferts d'argent aussi simples qu'un message texte.

L'importance de la fintech dans les entreprises modernes

Les outils déployés par la Fintech offrent un accès simplifié à des services financiers autrefois complexes et coûteux, et permettent également d'automatiser des processus qui prenaient du temps et des ressources. Les solutions de fintech permettent aussi aux entreprises et aux individus de mieux suivre leur santé financière grâce à des tableaux de bord et des outils d'analyse en temps réel. De plus, elles démocratisent l'accès aux services financiers, permettant à plus de gens dans des régions éloignées ou sous-bancarisées de participer à l'économie mondiale.  

Comment la Fintech favorise l'économie collaborative

Les solutions de paiement et de gestion collaboratives

Le paiement peer-to-peer (P2P) a connu une ascension fulgurante ces dernières années, rendue possible en grande partie grâce à des géants comme PayPal, Venmo et plus récemment TravelPerk. Selon des données sur l'utilisation de ces plateformes, près de 65 % des jeunes adultes utilisent régulièrement des solutions de paiement P2P pour régler des dépenses partagées, envoyer des cadeaux en espèces, ou même payer leur loyer. Alors que ces solutions semblent incroyablement pratiques pour le consommateur individuel, il est surprenant de noter que cette facilité et cette commodité ne sont pas aussi répandues dans un contexte BtoC. Cependant, la tendance commence à changer, car les entreprises reconnaissent de plus en plus la valeur ajoutée de ces plateformes pour améliorer l'efficacité des transactions et la collaboration. À ce titre, des plateformes comme Netsuite travaillent à rendre les outils financiers des entreprises plus accessibles et à fluidifier les processus internes des équipes comptables. Pour autant, un suivi est nécessaire. Quand une entreprise fait le choix de s’équiper d’un ERP, les pièces mouvantes sont nombreuses. C’est pourquoi les meilleurs intégrateurs accompagnent et optimisent les usages pour former les équipes et faciliter l’implémentation des ERPs et batteries d’outils professionnels.

Crowdfunding et Crowdlending

Le financement participatif, mieux connu sous le terme de crowdfunding, ainsi que le prêt participatif ou crowdlending, ont bouleversé les modèles traditionnels de financement. Ces plateformes permettent de financer des projets variés, allant de la création d'entreprises à la réalisation de projets personnels. C'est une véritable démonstration de la puissance de la collaboration financière, où la somme des petites contributions peut mener à des réalisations de taille. Selon Statista, le marché du crowdfunding en Europe a connu une croissance de plus de 2.5 % en une année, pour atteindre 320M€ en 2027.

Les chiffres du succès de l'économie collaborative

L'économie collaborative est plus que jamais au cœur des préoccupations, comme en témoignent les chiffres. Selon une étude de la commission européenne, l’économie collaborative représentait en 2016 une évaluation totale de 26M€. Ce même rapport met en évidence une masse salariale en constante croissance, ce qui reflète la vitalité des Fintech européennes de manière générale.  

Défis et opportunités

Les entreprises n’évoluent pas à la même vitesse que les individus

La fintech, en brisant les barrières et en ouvrant de nouvelles voies pour l'économie collaborative, soulève également des questions complexes en matière de réglementation et de conformité. Les autorités, tout en reconnaissant le potentiel transformateur de ces technologies, doivent assurer la protection des consommateurs et l'intégrité des marchés financiers. Il s'agit donc d'un défi, mais aussi d'une opportunité pour les entreprises fintech de travailler en collaboration avec les régulateurs pour créer un environnement sûr et propice à l'innovation. Alors qu’au quotidien, nous utilisons des outils optimisés pour une utilisation par le grand public, force est de constater que les logiciels professionnels ne sont pas encore à un degré d’expérience utilisateur aussi élevé. C’est pourquoi les outils SaaS, avec les intégrateurs, travaillent à la conception et à l'implémentation de nouvelles plateformes, plus performantes, plus simples à utiliser donc à démocratiser dans un écosystème intégré.

Cybersécurité

Avec l'augmentation des transactions en ligne et des échanges de données sensibles, la cybersécurité est devenue une préoccupation majeure. Les entreprises fintech doivent investir de manière significative dans des mesures de sécurité pour protéger à la fois leurs opérations et la confiance de leurs utilisateurs. La cybersécurité est non seulement un défi, mais aussi une opportunité d'innovation pour créer des systèmes plus sécurisés et fiables. À ce titre, les fintechs s’associent avec des agences gouvernementales comme l’ANSSI, afin de tenir les entreprises du secteur aux standards les plus ambitieux possibles.

Intégrations et adoption

L'un des grands avantages de la fintech dans l'économie collaborative est son potentiel pour favoriser l'inclusion financière. En rendant les services financiers plus accessibles et moins coûteux, ces technologies ont le pouvoir de réduire les inégalités économiques. Toutefois, il est essentiel de s'assurer que cette inclusivité ne soit pas compromise par des algorithmes discriminatoires ou des pratiques commerciales non éthiques. Auteur: Gabriel Autran

Background

Eager to learn more about how the business world worked, I decided to embark on the Business Engineering journey in 2014. During my Business Engineering studies I learnt about various topics such as business management, economics, physics, chemistry, mathematics amongst other topics. I followed this curriculum almost entirely at the Louvain-la-Neuve uni in Belgium. Why “almost”? Because during my second Masters year, I took the opportunity to go on an Erasmus study-abroad-period in Maastricht, Netherlands. I lived there for a semester and learnt lots of interesting things. Above all, it offered me the chance to thrive in an international environment. Back in Belgium, I finished my studies with an internship and a master’s thesis, and finally graduatedin September 2019. 

A couple of months after graduation, I found my first job and became an Outsourcing Analyst for a large bank. My daily job was to analyze and report on key performance indicators of the outsourcing contracts that the bank had with its partners. This experience brought me a great first insight in the business world. However, after a year, my collaboration with the bank came to an end. I wanted to broaden my skills in another work domain and work in a smaller firm. My wish was to work in a dynamic field where I could learn new stuff every day. That is why I got interested in Novutech through their Business Analyst job offer.

After gathering more information about the company and NetSuite (the Enterprise Resource Planning system, or ERP, implemented by Novutech), I decided to apply for the job. A couple of job interviews later, I started my journey at Novutech as Business Analyst in February 2021.

Why Novutech?

When I now reflect on why I joined Novutech, the first thing that comes to mind is the company’s mindset. Since the first interview I felt like the Novutech mentality was the right match for me. Being a team of around ten people when I joined, I really saw an opportunity to become an important part of the Novutech structure. From the very beginning, you are given responsibilities.

Those responsibilities help you grow both on a business and a personal level.  Beyond that, being a Business Analyst at Novutech gives you the opportunity to learn every day. The ERP field is broad and dynamic. It adds lots of value to different types of businesses and those are constantly in evolution. It therefore means that you must stay up to date about the upcoming trends. This learning aspect was a huge factor in my decision to join Novutech. 

The final element that made up my mind was the problem-solving part of the job. I like the idea that each problem has its solution, and this is a clear guideline of the company. I understood that from the very first interview, during which a business case was submitted to the applicants, to test their problem solving skills. As a Business Analyst, you must find solutions to answer customer’s needs.

Novutech’s Journey

February 2021 was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting a new job during that time was not an easy thing as it required a bit of adjusting. We were only allowed to meet in small groups at the office, meaning that I had to wait for months before meeting everyone in person. However, strangely enough, I felt welcome from the beginning.

My colleagues (the “Novutechos” as they are called) took me in. Each time a question came up in my daily tasks, I knew I could reach out to them. This team spirit is one of the strengths of the company.  Being in a small team, the knots are tight, and the responsibilities are high as you are quickly involved in important projects. This is very exciting. During my first weeks, I learnt the basics of NetSuite through learning videos and trainings given by certified NetSuite instructors. Alongside that, came my first assignments on client projects.  As Business Analyst, you are involved in implementation, optimization, and support projects.

At first, I was onboarded on support tasks for various clients which helped me grow my NetSuite expertise.  Later, I got involved in implementation projects. I had the opportunity to work on the implementation of a customer called b²sense. This company being in the consulting world, we needed to automate their project management into NetSuite. This led me to learn the module of projects inside of the system.  This project led to another one for the IbanFirst company.

That is when I dived into the NetSuite financial flows.  Gaining responsibilities, I have now been involved in various projects. The excitement is still there and being part of the Novutech team makes me grow every day.

Want to join us? check our open positions here

Background

The Advanced SaaS Metrics SuiteApp lets you analyze recurring revenue for Contract-based and Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses. The SuiteApp creates Contract transaction records from sales orders, invoices or CSV imports (from 3rd party systems) and then processes them for viewing as metrics on the dashboard. The different metrics available on the dashboard are the following:

1. tiles for your company's key performance indicators (KPI’s) such as monthly recurring revenue (MRR), annual recurring revenue (ARR), total customers, new customers, churn rate and renewal rate. From the tiles, you can also view comparisons from the previous month for each of these KPI’s.
2. annual recurring revenue amounts per month.
3. a 12-month roll forward report with detailed ARR and MRR information for each new, downsell, renewal, upsell, or churn amounts.
4. a graph that lets you compare the new and churn customer count per month.
5. a report showing the customer count per month.

Setup

Here’s how to set up your NetSuite account for the Advanced SaaS Metrics:

Setting items as renewable

Only transaction records with renewable items are processed and included in the SaaS Metrics dashboard computations.

Setting Advanced SaaS Metrics preferences

SuiteApp preferences define where and how to source information for processing and inclusion in the SaaS Metrics dashboard.

1. Select the primary record where the SuiteApp sources information for the SaaS Metrics dashboard. You can either select sales order, invoice or CSV import.
2. Select a dataset to use for the primary record. The dataset must contain the fields of the primary record that are used in the Source Record Field Mapping table (see point 9). You can use the default dataset for the primary record or create another one.
3. In instances where there is separate information in fields that are available in custom records, you can use a secondary record where the SuiteApp sources information for the SaaS Metrics dashboard. Only custom records appear in the list of secondary records.
4. If you have selected a secondary record, you must create a dataset for it. The dataset must contain the fields of the secondary record that are used in the Source Record Field Mapping table (see point 9).
5. Check the Use Direct Field Linkage box to directly link related contracts to each other. Direct field linkage lets you manually link related contracts using a custom field. When you check the Use Direct Field Linkage box, the Original Contract Link field name mapping (see point 9) is required. You must map the Original Contract Link field to the custom field in the source record that determines the original contract. The original contract is where other contracts are being renewed from. If you do not use direct field linkage, the SuiteApp automatically predicts which contracts are related to each other based on the start and end dates, customer, item and other relevant information.
6. Select the source record of the status being used in the primary record. For example, if the primary record is a transaction, the source record must be Transaction Status.
7. Select the statuses of the primary record that you want to include when getting transactions for processing by the SuiteApp. If you do not select a value in the Status to Include field, all transaction statuses for the primary record are considered and processed by the SuiteApp.
8. Select a start date for transactions. Transactions that start on or after this date are processed by the SuiteApp.
9. Specify field mappings for the source record. Field mappings determine what fields in the source record are used for processing by the SuiteApp.

After saving the SuiteApp preferences, contract transaction records are automatically created through the SaaS MR Create Contract Transaction script. The values in the SaaS Metrics dashboard may not be up to date until the script has finished processing records.

Advanced SaaS Metrics Transaction Records

SaaS Contract Transaction Record

This record lists the processed transactions and processing details. The following are some of the information that you can find in this record:

1. Contract start and end dates
2. Source transaction
3. ARR amount
4. MRR amount
5. If the contract is considered as new, renewal, upsell, downsell, or churn based on the following criteria:
6. If the contract has an RMA linked to it

SaaS Processed Transaction Record

This record lists the transaction status such as if the transaction has been successfully processed or not, including any error messages.

Known limitations

Here are some known limitations of the Advanced SaaS Metrics SuiteApp:

• The SaaS Metrics dashboard only displays data for up to 12 months from the current month.
• Data and reports in the SaaS Metrics dashboard are not in real time. There may be new transactions or changes to existing transactions that are not included in the SaaS Metrics dashboard computations until the next run of the SaaS MR Create Contract Transaction script.
• Credit memo transactions are not supported by the SuiteApp.
• For automatic contract linking, the SuiteApp can only process one renewal contract per original contract. For example, if there is one original contract and two renewal contracts, the first one will be treated as the renewal of the original contract and the second renewal is treated as a new contract.
• When exporting records through CSV in the ARR Details and MRR Details windows, there is a limit of 35,000 rows and a maximum file size of 10MB. It may take a while to export transactions that reach the transaction number limit or file size limit.
• The Advanced SaaS Metrics Suiteapp is not fully compatible with SuiteBilling, namely regarding subscription change orders “Modify Pricing” (for upsells and downsells), add-on items and returns (negative charges can only be added on credit memos which are not supported by the SuiteApp).

Conclusion

The Advanced SaaS Metrics SuiteApp provides valuable insights with native intelligence on key metrics like MRR, ARR, renewal and churn rates, though more advanced KPI’s (e.g. CAC, LTV)  are not currently covered. Moreover, SuiteBilling is not entirely supported by the SuiteApp, which makes it impossible (unless through extensive customization) to benefit from its full potential. Hopefully this sits on the short-term NetSuite New Releases roadmap.

Context

In a blogpost we published  earlier this year (https://novutech.com/news/knowledge-sharing-at-novutech-a-pillar-of-our-dna/), we already discussed how knowledge is the foundation of our company's success as a business partner to many SMEs focussing on the Cloud ERP system Netsuite. In this blogpost, we want to zoom in on a couple of important pillars we recently added to our Knowledge Management setup, i.e. our Knowledge Tribe, the Knowledge Base and the Novutech Academy. As a consulting firm, Novutech's success depends on its team members’ collective knowledge and expertise. The more knowledge our team has about Netsuite and related technologies, the better equipped we are to provide value to our clients. The firm's approach to knowledge management is designed to ensure all of us have access to the latest information and are able to share our knowledge with each other.  

Introducing the Knowledge Tribe

At the heart of Novutech's knowledge management approach is the “Knowledge Tribe”, a team which is passionate about this issue. It serves as a catalyst for knowledge-sharing initiatives within the firm. We are responsible for creating and leading various initiatives, such as training sessions or our very popular Lunch & Learns. During these 1-hour sessions, we invite internal subject matter experts to showcase the solutions they have built for our customers. Or we talk about tools and procedures to improve our internal way of working and increase efficiency. Sometimes, we also invite external partners to demo their add-on solution on top of the NetSuite platform.  

Our internal Knowledge Base

One of the initiatives that the Tribe has impulsed is the Novutech Knowledge Base. This is a centralized repository of information about Netsuite and related technologies, accessible to all Novutechos. It is continuously updated with the latest information and insights, making it an invaluable resource for Novutech's employees. By having a centralized knowledge base, we can easily access the information we need and share our knowledge with others. Most activities that we do, somehow modify the Knowledge Base, so it is always updated with our latest findings and it is, at the same time, a forum of discussion.  

The Novutech Academy

Another initiative that the Knowledge Tribe has developed is the Novutech Academy. This is an internal training program that is designed to help all of us improve our skills and knowledge about Netsuite and related technologies. The Academy offers a range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, and it is designed to be accessible to members with different levels of expertise. We have started with linking  basic courses/training  to our onboarding plan but a lot more is on the roadmap!  

Conclusion: Knowledge is Gold

Novutech's knowledge management approach is based on the idea that knowledge is not static, but rather dynamic and constantly evolving. As such, the firm is committed to continuously improving its management processes and investing in the development of its members. By doing so, Novutech is able to provide its clients with exceptional service and expertise, while also ensuring the long-term success of the firm. In conclusion, knowledge is critical to success and by having a culture of continuous learning and investing in the development of all the team members, Novutech is able to stay ahead of the curve and provide exceptional service and expertise to its clients.

Background

In most of the NetSuite implementations we perform at Novutech, there’s always the part of the integration with other software applications. These integrations can be done in multiple ways. From a semi-manual process loading data files, to building point-to-point interfaces, to implementing an iPaas. This article will tackle the integration via Workato, a market leading iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service).

Workato is a middleware software that allows you to integrate data from one software solution to another in an efficient and dynamic way. 

Workato is already very well developed, providing out-of-the-box connections to a multitude of third-party software applications.

 

 

[caption id="attachment_4863" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Sample of the softwares Workato can work with[/caption]

 

This article will cover key integration topics such as connecting different softwares and creating a basic integration formula called “Recipe” in Workato, for the use case of dynamically importing a customer from SalesForce into Netsuite.

Setup

A connection between two platforms can be made very quickly in Workato. Following the creation of a suitable integrator role in NetSuite, credentials will be generated to populate the Token Id and Token Secret fields to establish a connection with a NetSuite account.

 

 

For SalesForce, making a connection has never been easier. Simply log in to your SalesForce account by pressing the Connect button after selecting the OAuth2.0 authentication type.

 

 

The connections are validated and confirmed!

 

First recipe

To do the first query called “Recipe” in Workato: select the two applications that will be included in the integration. Here we decide to integrate all the new/updated Accounts in SalesForce. It is also the time to decide what will be the trigger of the recipe which will be a pretty important step. It can be a timeline or a trigger event followed by the modification of a certain field. 

 

 

In this second step we will map the fields of SalesForce, containing the desired information about the customer that will be created in NetSuite. We decide which fields will be assigned to what target NetSuite data field, i.e. the important step of the field mapping. After linking the NetSuite fields to the corresponding SalesForce field, we launch the recipe.

 

 

Success ! The first customer has been created

Customisation

Each recipe can be customized. The possibilities for personalized creations are endless, for example :

• Multiple actions in the target application, simultaneously
• If/elseif/else statements are possible
• Loops are possible
• You can create functions on another page that can be called in all the recipes you create. This tool avoids repetition and makes recipe operation clearer. 
• A Stop Job action to interrupt the recipe
• And an error handling module to counter possible errors during recipe launch and automate the solution directly.

 

Conclusion

This example of the automatic creation of a customer in NetSuite from SalesForce is just a small sample of the power of the Workato integration tool. The ability to automate data exchange in a simple, structured way across a multitude of different, world-renowned software applications makes this tool a real game-changer.

In short

• Workato integration service is a powerful platform to integrate data in NetSuite
• Workato is listed by Forbes in the top 50 of cloud software platforms
• Extremely powerful and easy to use on a daily basis, the Workato platform still needs the right knowledge and expertise to do the initial set-up and to build recipes
• Novutech is an experienced, official partner of Workato and can help you manage the integration of your data into NetSuite in all security.