When it comes to implementing NetSuite, the right people make all the difference. A NetSuite Functional Consultant is more than just a role on your project team - they’re often the key to making your ERP strategy a success. 

If you're looking to get the most out of your NetSuite system, here's why having a skilled Functional Consultant is absolutely crucial.
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What is a NetSuite Functional Consultant?

Before we dive into why they’re essential, let’s break down what a NetSuite Functional Consultant actually does.

In simple terms, a NetSuite Functional Consultant is the person who bridges the gap between your business needs and your NetSuite system. They don’t just understand the technical side of the software (that’s the job of your technical consultants); they understand how to make NetSuite work for your specific processes, workflows, and goals.
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They Speak Your Language (and NetSuite’s)

A Functional Consultant speaks both “business” and “NetSuite.” They listen to your pain points, understand your workflows, and then configure NetSuite to fit seamlessly with your operations. Whether you’re in finance, sales, or operations, they ensure that NetSuite is set up to support your unique processes.
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Why a NetSuite Functional Consultant is Critical to Your ERP Strategy

Now that you know what they do, let’s talk about why having a Functional Consultant on your side is crucial for your ERP success. We’ve seen too many businesses struggle to make the most of NetSuite because they didn’t have the right expertise guiding the way.
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They Make Sure You Don’t Waste Time

NetSuite is powerful, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Without someone who understands the ins and outs of both your business and the software, you’ll waste a lot of time configuring things that don’t even matter or, worse, missing key features that could make a real difference.
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Key Tasks They Handle:

• Business Requirements Gathering: They’ll spend time understanding what you need - really need - and how those needs can be met by the system. This ensures your system is actually built to do what you need it to, not just what you think you need.
• Process Mapping: They map out your existing workflows to see how NetSuite can support or improve them, ensuring you’re not just implementing a new system for the sake of it.
• Customization: If there’s a part of your business process that’s unique, they’ll customize NetSuite to make sure it fits. This could mean setting up custom fields, forms, or workflows that align with how you operate.
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They Save You From System Overload

A common mistake businesses make is thinking that the more features they have in their ERP, the better. But too many features, especially ones you don’t need or use, will slow down your system and complicate your operations. A Functional Consultant helps you avoid that by focusing on what matters.
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They’re the Translators Between Your Team and Tech

It’s easy for a technical consultant to get lost in jargon and for business people to get overwhelmed by it. Your Functional Consultant is there to keep things clear. They make sure the tech team is building exactly what you need without all the noise and confusion. They're also the ones who explain how all the fancy features work in a way that your team can actually understand and use.
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How a Functional Consultant Impacts Your Business

Let’s get down to the good stuff. How does this role actually make a difference in your day-to-day operations? Here are a few examples where a Functional Consultant is absolutely critical:
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1. They Align NetSuite with Your Business Goals

Every business has different goals. Some want better financial reporting. Others want to improve their supply chain management. A Functional Consultant will get to know your goals and make sure NetSuite is set up to help you achieve them. They don’t just implement; they align the system with what you want to achieve.
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2. They Cut Through the Noise and Focus on What Matters

NetSuite is packed with features, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s really necessary. Your Functional Consultant filters through the noise, keeping things simple and focused on what will drive the most value for your business.
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3. They Help With Long-Term System Success

Implementing NetSuite is not a one-and-done deal. You’ll need ongoing adjustments as your business grows. A Functional Consultant doesn’t just hand you a system and walk away; they help you keep it optimized, ensuring that as your business evolves, your NetSuite setup evolves with it.

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

download salary guide

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When You Don’t Have a NetSuite Functional Consultant: The Risks

We've seen businesses struggle when they don’t have the right consultant by their side. Here's a glimpse of what can happen:
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1. Misaligned Processes

Without someone who understands both your business needs and NetSuite’s capabilities, you risk implementing processes that don’t work for your team. This can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and even data errors that ripple across your operations.
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2. Missed Opportunities for Automation

NetSuite can automate a lot of manual processes, but only if it’s set up properly. A Functional Consultant can identify areas where automation will save you time and resources - something that’s hard to spot if you don’t know the system inside and out.
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3. Overcomplicated Systems

As we mentioned earlier, it's tempting to load up your ERP system with every possible feature. But if you're not careful, you end up with a bloated system that’s more of a hindrance than a help. A Functional Consultant ensures you’re not overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity.
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How to Find the Right Functional Consultant for Your Needs

So, how do you find the right person to guide your ERP strategy? Here’s a quick checklist:
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• Experience with NetSuite: Look for someone who has a proven track record with NetSuite. They should know the system like the back of their hand.
• Industry Knowledge: It’s also helpful if they have experience in your industry. While NetSuite is versatile, certain industries have specific needs, and a consultant who understands those nuances can add real value.
• Strong Communication Skills: The best consultants know how to explain things in plain language. They should be able to talk tech when necessary but also break things down into something everyone can understand.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Your Functional Consultant should be a problem solver at heart. If issues come up during implementation, they should be able to come up with practical solutions that keep your project on track.
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Why You Need a NetSuite Functional Consultant on Your Team

In the grand scheme of your ERP strategy, the NetSuite Functional Consultant is one of the most important roles. They ensure your system is built to fit your business needs, helping you save time, avoid mistakes, and get the most value from your software.

If you’re optimizing or maintaining your NetSuite system, don’t underestimate the importance of this role. The right Functional Consultant can be the difference between an ERP system that drives growth and one that causes more headaches than it’s worth.

At Atticus Solutions, we get it. We understand how frustrating it can be when your system isn’t working as it should, and we’ve seen firsthand how a small tweak can make all the difference. 

We don’t just offer support - we partner with you, tackling the challenges you face and making sure your NetSuite system is working for you, not against you.

If you're ready to turn your NetSuite struggles into successes, let’s chat. We’re here to roll up our sleeves and help you make sure your system is set up to grow with your business. No fluff, just real support and real solutions.

Book a call with Atticus Solutions today.

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