3 NetSuite trends every CFO should know about 

NetSuite isn’t just an ERP—it’s a platform for growth and transformation. These 3 trends can help you maximize its potential and build smarter, faster, more resilient operations. 

Key takeaways 

• AI adoption in NetSuite is only as effective as your data quality. Strong, consistent data and clear processes turn insights into smarter business decisions. 

• Implementing NetSuite properly is as important as the software itself. Partnering with implementation experts ensures your investment is set up to deliver long-term value. 

• Consistently upgrading NetSuite by adopting new features and optimizing processes is key to maximizing ROI. 

As NetSuite continues to evolve in the enterprise market, Highspring’s team of implementation experts is seeing significant shifts in how organizations are approaching their ERP transformations. After completing dozens of implementations across industries—from emerging growth companies to billion-dollar enterprises—we’ve identified three distinct trends that are reshaping the NetSuite landscape. 

These trends represent more than technological advances. They signal fundamental changes in how CFOs and their teams view ERP systems, moving from operational necessities to strategic enablers. For finance leaders currently evaluating NetSuite or optimizing existing implementations, understanding these trends is critical to maximizing your return on investment and positioning your organization for sustainable growth. 

1. The rise of AI-enabled decision making  

Every NetSuite selection process now includes questions about AI capabilities. CFOs are asking, “Where’s your platform going with AI?” and “How well does it integrate with emerging AI tools?” This year, NetSuite introduced its MCP (Model Context Protocol) framework, which enables connections to AI agents like Claude and ChatGPT. 

We’re seeing that AI adoption within ERPs is still developing. While NetSuite has established the technical framework to support integrations, many clients are still in the early stages of identifying and applying practical use cases to leverage these features effectively. 

AI is only as strong as your data 

NetSuite acknowledges this challenge, and Highspring’s experts emphasize a key point. The effectiveness of AI depends entirely on data quality and the maturity of business processes. Organizations with inconsistent charts of accounts, poor data governance, or unclear business rules will yield minimal AI benefits—no matter the underlying technology. 

The most promising AI applications we’re seeing focus on data analysis rather than transaction processing. For example, CFOs can query their NetSuite data through natural language prompts like “What have sales been in the past six months, and based on this data, provide a forecast for the following six months?” These analytical use cases show genuine promise while maintaining appropriate user controls and permissions. 

Strategic implications for CFOs 

Before investing in AI-enabled NetSuite capabilities, ensure your foundational data architecture is solid. This includes: 

• Creating clean, consistent data structures across all modules 

• Defining business processes that can inform AI decision-making 

• Enforcing strong data governance policies to maintain AI accuracy 

• Setting realistic expectations about AI’s current capabilities versus future potential 

Organizations that focus on these fundamentals will be positioned to leverage AI advances as they mature, while those chasing AI features without proper foundations will likely see disappointing results.  

2. The shift to full-service implementations  

The days of simple NetSuite turnkey implementations are largely over. Modern organizations require comprehensive business transformation that goes far beyond software configuration. This shift reflects the increasing complexity of mid-market and enterprise operations, where NetSuite must integrate with existing systems, support multiple entities, and enable sophisticated reporting requirements. 

Our most successful implementations now combine three critical elements: 

1. Technical ERP expertise for system configuration and customization 

2. Business process redesign to optimize operations around NetSuite’s capabilities 

3. Integration architecture to connect NetSuite with surrounding systems 

Addressing integration challenges 

Unlike smaller implementations that operate in isolation, enterprise NetSuite deployments typically require connections to multiple systems, such as CRM systems, manufacturing software, business intelligence tools, and specialized industry applications. Organizations treating these integrations as an afterthought consistently encounter delays, cost overruns, and suboptimal performance. 

Take our recent experience with a client that required consolidating multiple Great Plains instances into a single NetSuite environment. This project required not only technical NetSuite expertise but also skills in data migration, process standardization, and change management across multiple business units. 

The value of comprehensive partnerships 

Organizations achieve the best results when they work with implementation partners who can address the entire scope of ERP transformation. This includes: 

• Upfront scoping and planning to avoid costly mid-project changes 

• Business process optimization to maximize NetSuite’s native capabilities 

• Data migration and cleanup to ensure accurate historical information 

• Integration development for seamless system connectivity 

• Change management support to drive user adoption 

• Post-implementation upgrades to capture additional value over time 

CFOs should evaluate implementation partners based on their ability to own the complete solution, not just individual components. 

3. Closing the optimization gap 

We’re surprised by how many organizations fail to leverage NetSuite’s full potential, even years after implementation. Companies that invested significantly in NetSuite still rely on manual processes, spreadsheet-based reporting, and inefficient workflows that NetSuite could easily automate. Common examples of underutilization include: 

• Manual invoice processing when OCR and automated approval workflows are available 

• Spreadsheet-based financial reporting instead of NetSuite’s native analytics workbooks 

• Disconnected banking processes rather than automated bank integrations 

• Basic intercompany procedures when advanced frameworks could streamline operations 

Optimization opportunities 

NetSuite releases feature updates twice a year, consistently adding capabilities that benefit existing users. Yet many organizations operate in a “set it and forget it” mode, never exploring new functionality that could drive efficiency. 

For example, NetSuite’s SuiteAnalytics Workbooks provide powerful self-service reporting capabilities that can eliminate dependence on IT teams for custom reports. But we rarely see clients use these tools, despite the potential for significant time savings and faster decision-making. 

Strategic recommendations for CFOs 

Viewing NetSuite as a static system is a missed opportunity for continuous improvement. Consider implementing: 

1. Regular system audits to identify optimization opportunities 

2. Feature adoption programs to leverage new NetSuite capabilities 

3. User training refreshers to improve system utilization 

4. Process automation initiatives to eliminate manual workflows 

5. Integration expansions to connect additional business systems 

Organizations that treat NetSuite optimization as an ongoing initiative—and not a one-time implementation—consistently achieve better ROI and operational efficiency. 

Positioning NetSuite for long-term success 

These three trends highlight a fundamental shift in how CFOs are approaching their NetSuite strategy. Instead of viewing ERP as a necessary operational expense, forward-thinking finance leaders are positioning NetSuite as a strategic platform for business transformation. 

Organizations that will reap the benefits of NetSuite are those that: 

• Take a realistic but proactive approach to AI integration 

• Invest in comprehensive implementation partnerships 

• Commit to ongoing optimization and feature adoption 

For CFOs evaluating NetSuite or looking to maximize their existing investments, the message is clear. Success requires more than just software licensing. It demands a thoughtful approach to business transformation, supported by partners who understand both the technology and finance operations behind it. 

Maximize your NetSuite investment with Highspring 

Ready to explore how these NetSuite trends apply to your organization? Highspring’s implementation experts can help you assess your current state, identify optimization opportunities, and develop a strategic roadmap for success. 

Contact our NetSuite specialists today to discuss how these trends impact your specific industry and business objectives.

Highspring will be attending SuiteWorld in Las Vegas from October 6-9. Visit our experts on the expo floor during the event at Booth #454. To learn more about SuiteWorld 2025, click here.