If your business runs on NetSuite, you already know how powerful it is—when it works exactly how you need it to. But here’s the reality: most businesses using NetSuite eventually run into roadblocks.

• You’re still doing too many manual tasks despite having an ERP system.
• Reports aren’t giving you the insights you need.
• Integrations between NetSuite and other platforms don’t work smoothly.
• Customizations are messy (or nonexistent), making workflows inefficient.

That’s when business owners start asking the right question: Do I need a NetSuite developer?

The short answer? Yes—if you want NetSuite to actually work for your business instead of slowing it down.
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What Is a NetSuite Developer?

A NetSuite developer is a technical expert who customizes, integrates, and optimizes your NetSuite system. They ensure your ERP setup aligns with your business needs, automates workflows, and scales with growth. 

Without the right developer, you risk working with a rigid system that creates inefficiencies rather than solving them.
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What Does a NetSuite Developer Do?

NetSuite developers are responsible for configuring, customizing, and enhancing NetSuite to support your operations. Their role covers everything from workflow automation to system integrations and troubleshooting.

Here’s what they handle:
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1. Customizing NetSuite to fit your business

NetSuite is powerful, but out of the box, it’s not tailored to your specific workflows. A NetSuite developer:

• Builds custom scripts (SuiteScript) to automate repetitive processes
• Creates custom dashboards for real-time visibility
• Modifies forms, records, and fields to match your operational needs
• Develops approval workflows to streamline business processes

Without customization, businesses end up working around NetSuite instead of having NetSuite work for them.
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2. Automating business processes

Manual work is the enemy of efficiency. A NetSuite implementation expert can:

• Automate invoice processing, order fulfillment, and customer notifications
• Eliminate manual data entry errors
• Set up scheduled scripts to keep data updated without human input
• Implement workflow triggers to streamline approvals and reduce bottlenecks

If your team still spends hours manually updating NetSuite, you’re not using it to its full potential.
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3. Integrating NetSuite with other systems

Most businesses rely on multiple platforms—CRM software, eCommerce systems, inventory management tools, and third-party accounting applications. But if these systems don’t talk to each other, data errors and inefficiencies pile up fast.

A NetSuite integration specialist ensures that:

• NetSuite seamlessly connects with Shopify, Salesforce, HubSpot, or any other software you use
• Data flows automatically between systems without duplication or inconsistencies
• REST/SOAP API integrations enable smooth communication between platforms

Without proper integration, NetSuite can feel like a closed-off system instead of the central hub it should be.
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4. Optimizing NetSuite performance

A slow, unresponsive NetSuite system isn’t just frustrating—it costs your business time and money. A skilled ERP developer will:

• Identify and fix script inefficiencies that slow down the system
• Optimize database queries and saved searches for faster reporting
• Ensure NetSuite can scale as your business grows

A poorly optimized system leads to lagging reports, delayed order processing, and a frustrated team.
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5. Troubleshooting and system maintenance

Even a well-built NetSuite setup needs maintenance. A NetSuite support services expert will:

• Debug and resolve system errors before they disrupt operations
• Keep integrations running smoothly when software updates roll out
• Provide ongoing NetSuite technical expertise to prevent performance issues

Think of it like maintaining a car—you wouldn’t drive for years without servicing it. NetSuite is the same.

6. Advanced reporting and analytics

Businesses need real-time insights, not outdated spreadsheets. A NetSuite developer can:

• Build custom financial reports tailored to your KPIs
• Set up saved searches for faster, on-demand data retrieval
• Implement SuiteAnalytics for deeper business intelligence

With the right reports, business owners can make smarter, faster decisions instead of scrambling for data.
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Why Your Business Needs a NetSuite Developer

Some companies hesitate to invest in a developer because they assume NetSuite is already doing enough. But here’s the reality:

Without a skilled NetSuite developer, your business could face:

• Inefficiencies: Too much manual work that should be automated.
• Data inaccuracies: Poor integration leads to reporting errors. 
• Limited growth: NetSuite isn’t set up to scale with your business. 
• Frustrated employees: Users struggle with a system that doesn’t work as expected

A NetSuite professional services expert ensures your ERP works for your business, not against it.
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How to Hire the Right NetSuite Developer

So, you know you need a NetSuite developer. Maybe your system isn’t customized to fit your business, integrations are breaking, or your team is drowning in manual processes. 

Whatever the reason, finding the right developer is critical to making NetSuite work for you—not against you.

But hiring the wrong developer? That’s an expensive mistake.

• An unqualified hire can create more problems than they fix.
• A poor communicator can leave your team struggling with a system they don’t understand.
• A bad cultural fit can disrupt workflows and lead to constant rework.

Here’s how to hire a NetSuite developer, what to look for, and where to find top talent.
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Decide on Your Hiring Approach

Before you start searching for a certified NetSuite developer, ask yourself: Do I need a full-time employee, a contractor, or a NetSuite staffing agency?
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Hiring a Full-Time NetSuite Developer

Best for:

• Businesses that rely heavily on NetSuite and need continuous updates
• Companies planning large-scale NetSuite customization and automation projects
• Organizations that want long-term, in-house technical expertise

Challenges:

• Expensive—salaries, benefits, and training costs add up
• Difficult to find talent—the best developers are in high demand
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Hiring a Contract NetSuite Developer

Best for:

• Businesses that need a NetSuite implementation expert for a short-term project
• Companies with occasional NetSuite support services needs
• Startups or smaller businesses that can’t afford a full-time developer

Challenges:

• Limited availability—contractors may not always be there for long-term support
• Potential onboarding delays—they need time to understand your system before making changes
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Working with a NetSuite Staffing Agency

Best for:

• Companies that want pre-vetted, expert NetSuite developers
• Businesses that need to scale up or down quickly
• Organizations that don’t want to handle recruitment, screening, and onboarding themselves

Challenges:

• Higher upfront cost—agencies charge a premium for top-tier talent
• Reliance on third-party services—you may need ongoing contracts for long-term support
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Define the Skills You Need

Not all NetSuite developers have the same expertise. Here’s what to look for:

NetSuite Customization Expertise

If you need custom scripts and automation, your developer should have:

• SuiteScript 1.0 and 2.0 knowledge for writing custom scripts
• SuiteFlow experience for automating workflows
• SuiteBuilder skills to modify dashboards, forms, and records
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Integration Capabilities

For businesses using multiple systems, a NetSuite integration specialist should:

• Work with SuiteTalk (SOAP/REST APIs) to connect NetSuite with other platforms
• Set up real-time data synchronization between NetSuite and CRMs, eCommerce, or accounting tools
• Troubleshoot integration errors to ensure seamless data flow
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ERP Expertise

A NetSuite developer should understand enterprise resource planning (ERP) concepts, including:

• Financial reporting and accounting automation
• Inventory and supply chain management
• Procurement and order management workflows
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Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking

Technical skills are important, but critical thinking is just as valuable. Your developer should:

• Identify inefficiencies in your current NetSuite setup and propose solutions
• Optimize NetSuite performance to avoid slowdowns and system crashes
• Troubleshoot issues before they affect operations
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Strong Communication and Collaboration

Your developer doesn’t work in a silo—they’ll need to collaborate with finance, operations, and sales teams. Look for someone who:

• Can explain technical concepts in simple terms
• Understands how different departments use NetSuite
• Works well with both technical and non-technical teams
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Where to Find Expert NetSuite Developers

Now that you know what to look for, where do you actually find the right NetSuite developer services?
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Work with a NetSuite Staffing Agency

A NetSuite staffing agency takes care of screening, vetting, and matching you with a developer who fits your needs. Agencies like Stockton10 specialize in NetSuite recruitment and ERP staffing solutions, helping businesses hire faster and with better results.
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Referrals from Other NetSuite Users

If you know other business owners using NetSuite, ask who they’ve worked with. Experienced NetSuite developers for hire often come through word of mouth.
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The Hiring Process: What to Ask Before Hiring

Once you’ve found potential candidates, it’s time to vet them.

Ask About Past NetSuite Projects

• Can you walk me through a NetSuite customization project you’ve done?
• What’s the biggest challenge you’ve solved in NetSuite integration?
• How have you improved NetSuite’s performance and reporting for a business like mine?
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Test Their Technical Knowledge

• How would you optimize a slow NetSuite system?
• What’s the difference between SuiteScript 1.0 and 2.0?
• How would you connect NetSuite with an eCommerce platform?
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Ensure They Understand Your Industry

• Have you worked with businesses in retail, manufacturing, or finance?
• NetSuite workflows differ across industries—can you adapt to our specific needs?
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Check Their Availability and Support

• Are you available for ongoing support after the project is complete?
• Do you work in my time zone or offer emergency support if needed?

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The Right NetSuite Developer Will Pay for Themselves

Hiring a qualified NetSuite developer isn’t just about fixing short-term issues—it’s about making sure your NetSuite system supports your business growth.

The right hire will:

• Automate processes to save time and reduce manual work
• Improve reporting so you can make data-driven decisions
• Ensure integrations work smoothly for accurate, real-time data flow
• Optimize NetSuite performance to keep your business running efficiently

If you’re ready to find expert NetSuite developers, working with a NetSuite staffing agency like Atticus can make the process easier.
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Need Help Hiring a NetSuite Developer?

At Atticus, we specialize in connecting businesses with experienced NetSuite developers for hire. Whether you need a contract NetSuite developer for a short-term project or a full-time hire, we can help.

Book a call with Atticus today and let’s find the right NetSuite developer for your business.

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