Older legacy, monolithic enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms are notoriously bad at connecting and collaborating with third-party applications. Many organizations still rely on these legacy platforms, which lack most of the modern bells and whistles that a modern ERP can provide.
And when those ERPs don’t offer industry-specific functionalities—or, when companies want to keep some of the applications they’re already using—there are application programming interfaces (APIs) and other integration tools available. Using connectors like Boomi and Celigo, for example, ScaleNorth can readily “connect” NetSuite with a wide range of outside applications.
These integrations are vital because they provide a unified data repository that all applications can add to, pull from and work with. Instead of using spreadsheets to grab information from a third-party logistics (3PL) platform and feed it into your warehouse management system (WMS), for example, you can use NetSuite as the data hub and let the ERP and its integrations do all of the heavy lifting.
Deploying Complete Solutions Quickly
Whoever said you can’t get everything you need from a single ERP obviously never used NetSuite to run their growing company. Between the ERP’s native capabilities, the SuiteTalk third-party application integration tool and many different ways of extending the platform’s functionalities, NetSuite has you completely covered.
Because NetSuite was built for the cloud, the ERP is often considered more flexible and adaptable than its counterparts. “Prebuilt integration workflows along with a plethora of APIs are an advantage in the cloud,” Oracle explains. “Cloud systems have evolved with native integration capabilities that let companies deploy complete solutions quickly.”
Here are some of the tools that ScaleNorth uses to integrate outside applications—including those already in place plus any new ones that the company wants to add to its tech stack—with NetSuite:
SuiteTalk
NetSuite’s native web services integration platform, SuiteTalk helps companies integrate their ERP with various third-party applications, custom mobile apps and websites. Using SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer) web service standards, SuiteTalk automates data exchange, saves time and eliminates manual processing. “The SOAP web services platform provides programmatic access to your NetSuite data and business processes through an XML-based API,” Oracle points out. Companies get real-time data visibility across otherwise-disparate solutions which, in turn, helps improve decision-making, eliminates data silos and reduces errors.
3PL Integrations for Logistics & Shipping
E-commerce, retail and manufacturing businesses all rely on 3PLs to manage their warehousing, shipping and distribution operations. Unfortunately, the core systems that run these offsite operations are often siloed and inaccessible to other platforms. Wouldn’t it be great if you could connect these vital software solutions to your ERP? Using Celigo’s integration platform as-a-service (iPaaS), ScaleNorth gives you the power to manage inventory, sales orders fulfillment and procurement in NetSuite, and then connect those functions directly with your 3PL provider. That way, you’ll always have a finger on the pulse of your shipping operation. You’ll know immediately when sales orders are exported to the 3PL, order acknowledgements are received by the 3PL and shipment confirmations have been sent to customers. You’ll not only be able to automate 3PL workflows, but you’ll also avoid costly errors, maintain accurate inventory counts, save time and deliver more on-time and in-full (OTIF) orders to your customers.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Born in the 1960s, EDI remains a popular choice for companies that want to facilitate communication and data exchange between different organizations’ computer systems. Whether they’re exchanging purchase orders and invoices, automating order processing, tracking inventory levels, or communicating with trading partners, companies use EDI as a cornerstone for their business-to-business communications. Knowing this, NetSuite offers a straightforward EDI integration that facilitates the computer-to-computer exchange of business data in standard formats. You’ll never have to worry about EDI compliance again because the information is organized according to a specified format set by both parties, allowing an automated computer transaction that requires no human intervention or rekeying on either end.
E-Commerce Marketplaces
Today’s e-tailers need a streamlined way to manage online sales on the front end and then funnel those orders into a robust ERP that can manage an omni-channel business from order-to-cash. ScaleNorth helps companies connect NetSuite to Magento, Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, eBay and most other leading online marketplaces. These integrations let companies automatically synchronize their physical inventory and then route all orders back into NetSuite for processing, payment and other functions.
Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS)
Cloud-based solutions that help businesses connect different applications, data sources and services in a seamless and automated way, iPaaS facilitates communication and data exchange between an organization’s various technology silos. It also helps companies integrate with their external partners and customers. ScaleNorth partners with both Celigo and Boomi to offer iPaaS integrations across a wide range of applications. For example, you can integrate your customer relationship management (CRM) and ERP to gain a unified customer view; connect marketing automation platforms and social media tools; and integrate payroll platforms with human resources systems.
NetSuite SuiteApps
Purpose-built applications that extend NetSuite’s functionalities, SuiteApps help companies improve processes and integrate third-party applications with their new ERP platform. The SuiteApp marketplace gives NetSuite users access to the latest apps and enhancements available. SuiteApps range from industry specific solutions like field service operations, to back office optimizations such as AP automation. Native SuiteApps are developed using the ERP’s own development platform and are installed as bundles directly into the NetSuite environment.
It’s Not Rocket Science: Integrations are Easier Than You Think with NetSuite
ScaleNorth’s team of certified NetSuite technical consultants are experts at integrating NetSuite with your business essential software to automate routine processes, improve visibility, and boost efficiency. We can assist your team with iPaaS integrations using Celigo or Boomi; API buildout and management; and EDI and 3PL integrations and more.
Ready to talk? So are we.