The NetSuite Administrator Survival Guide: Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Go Without One

December 25, 2024
A laptop placed on a desk cluttered with papers and assorted items, depicting a busy work environment.

Imagine your business running without a NetSuite admin. Chaos. Things break, problems pile up, and what was once a powerful tool starts feeling like a burden.

It’s easy to think of a NetSuite admin as just another cog in the machine. But, in reality, they’re the ones making sure everything works smoothly, keeping your system running behind the scenes, and solving issues before you even notice them. 

These admins aren’t just “nice-to-haves” - they’re vital to your business.

Why Your Business Will Sink Without a Great NetSuite Administrator

Without a skilled NetSuite admin, your system is underused and underperforming. It’s like driving a car with the parking brake on - it looks fine, but it’s not moving the way it should. 

Let’s break down why this matters and what happens when the right admin is missing from the equation.

Without Them, NetSuite is Just a Fancy Spreadsheet

NetSuite is designed to do so much more than track numbers. Without an admin to customize and optimize the system, it’s like using a Ferrari to drive to the corner store - but without ever putting it in gear.

A skilled NetSuite administrator doesn’t just set up the basics. They take the time to customize your system to fit your business’ unique needs. Whether it's creating automated workflows or tweaking dashboards, the right admin will tailor the system to tackle your specific challenges.

Example: Without an admin, your invoicing process might take hours every month. A good admin can set up automated processes that save time and reduce human error.

System Breakdowns: Why Admins Are the Lifeline

Picture this: you’re working on a tight deadline, and your NetSuite system suddenly crashes. No one knows why. Without a NetSuite administrator, issues like broken integrations, system slowdowns, or inaccurate data can spiral into bigger disasters.

NetSuite admins are experts at spotting the warning signs early. They monitor the system for any hiccups and jump in to fix things before they become problems.

Example: A skilled admin can pinpoint why a particular integration is failing - saving you from hours of troubleshooting and preventing potential data loss.

Navigating the Upgrade Chaos

Upgrades. They're necessary but can feel like a nightmare, right? They can disrupt business processes, cause glitches, and make your life miserable. Not if you have a great NetSuite administrator.

A NetSuite administrator ensures that upgrades go off without a hitch. They test, optimize, and make sure the system keeps running smoothly, even during the transition.

Example: When NetSuite introduces new features, a NetSuite administrator ensures they’re implemented correctly and tested so that your team can continue working without interruptions.

Turning Data Into Business Intelligence

Raw data is just noise unless it’s organized and actionable. NetSuite administrators excel at transforming this raw data into insights that help drive business decisions. Whether it’s analyzing trends, creating financial reports, or tracking KPIs, the admin ensures your data is working for you.

Example: A NetSuite administrator might notice a dip in sales revenue and quickly spot the root cause - whether it’s a data entry issue or a supply chain bottleneck - so you can take action immediately.

What Makes a Top-Notch NetSuite Administrator?

The best NetSuite administrators are more than just tech experts - they’re great communicators, problem-solvers, and strategic thinkers. A truly excellent NetSuite administrator will balance technical skills with the ability to help your team understand the system and use it more effectively. 

What traits make them stand out?

Technical Expertise with a Side of Patience

A great NetSuite administrator balances technical expertise with patience. They know the system inside and out, but they’re also skilled at helping users understand it. It's not just about fixing issues - it’s about educating your team and ensuring they get the most out of the system.

Example: A NetSuite administrator can explain a complex technical issue in simple terms, helping a non-technical team member resolve their issue quickly without feeling overwhelmed.

Attention to Detail (Without Getting Lost in the Weeds)

Details matter, but too much focus on tiny issues can lead to unnecessary stress. The best NetSuite administrators know how to zoom in on the important stuff without getting bogged down by minor distractions. They catch problems before they snowball.

Example: If a NetSuite administrator notices a recurring data discrepancy in reports, they fix the root cause rather than just patching the symptoms, saving you from future reporting nightmares.

Adaptability and Forward-Thinking

Top-notch NetSuite administrators aren’t just reacting to issues - they’re planning ahead. They think about how your business will grow and what changes need to be made to your system to stay ahead.

Example: A great NetSuite administrator will suggest system tweaks today that will save time in the future or optimize reporting as your business scales.

Download the Salary Guide to compare average salaries of top NetSuite ERP professionals.

Warning Signs You Don’t Have a Great NetSuite Admin

It’s not always obvious when something’s wrong with your NetSuite system, but if you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to take a hard look at your admin’s performance. 

Here are a few red flags that might mean you’re not getting the support you need.

System Is Constantly Lagging


If your NetSuite system is slow, crashes frequently, or has trouble keeping up with your team, it’s a red flag. A great NetSuite administrator should be able to spot performance issues early and fix them before they disrupt your business.

Data Errors Are a Regular Occurrence

Data errors or discrepancies shouldn’t be common. If your team’s reports or dashboards aren’t accurate, it might be time to take a closer look at the NetSuite administrator’s performance. A solid NetSuite administrator ensures your data is clean and reliable.

Users Are Frustrated


If your team is struggling to use NetSuite - whether it’s because of confusion, slow processes, or constant errors - it’s time to reassess your admin. A great NetSuite
administrator supports users and provides training to make sure everyone gets the most out of the system.

How to Spot the Best NetSuite Administrator

Finding the right NetSuite administrator isn’t just about certifications or technical jargon - it’s about the ability to solve real-world problems and communicate effectively with your team. 

The best NetSuite administrators don’t just fix issues - they actively contribute to your company’s success by keeping things running smoothly. 

Here’s how to tell if someone has what it takes to be a true NetSuite asset to your business.

Ask for Specific Problem-Solving Examples

Certifications are great, but what really matters is experience. Ask candidates to walk you through real-world problems they’ve solved in the past. Can they describe specific challenges they've faced, how they solved them, and the results?

Example: Ask them to talk about a time they fixed a broken integration. How did they pinpoint the issue? What steps did they take to fix it?

Test Their Communication Skills



Your NetSuite administrator needs to communicate with people across your company, from finance to operations. Ask them to explain a complex technical issue in plain language. If they can do that, it’s a good sign they’ll be able to explain things to your team.

Example: A great NetSuite administrator will break down a complex technical problem and explain it clearly to a team member who might not have a technical background.

Ready to Get the Best NetSuite Administrator?

If you’re starting to feel like your NetSuite system is more of a headache than a help, it might be time to bring in someone who knows how to keep things running smoothly. 

At Atticus Solutions, we match you with NetSuite admins who don’t just fix problems - they make your system work better, faster, and more efficiently.

Let’s chat about how we can take the stress out of managing your NetSuite. Book a call with us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your team.

Aspect
Offshoring
Nearshoring
Outsourcing
Long-Term Costs
Cost-effective for skilled talent
Cost-effective but needs initial investment
High, offers control and flexibility
Investment
Moderate, reduces overhead
Initial training and technology
Highest initial and ongoing costs
Benefits
Access to nearby skilled talent
Large global talent pool
Maximum control over operations
Download the Salary Guide to compare average salaries of top NetSuite ERP professionals.
Key Differences
BPO
EOR
Not over PHP 250,000
Tax-exempt
Not over USD 434.49
Over PHP 250,000 but not over PHP 400,000
15% of the excess over PHP 250,000
Over USD 434.49 but not over USD 695.18
Over PHP 400,000 but not over PHP 800,000
PHP 22,500 + 20% of the excess over PHP 400,000
Over USD 695.18 but not over USD 1,390.36
Over PHP 800,000 but not over PHP 2,000,000
PHP 102,500 + 25% of the excess over PHP 800,000
Over USD 1,390.36 but not over USD 34,759.04

Frequently Asked Questions

SALARY GUIDE EBOOK

Compare NetSuite ERP talent salaries

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