Businesses in the supply chain use Oracle NetSuite and warehouse management systems (WMS). These tools help manage crucial business resources and work best together. You can integrate NetSuite with the WMS of your choice to sync data and automate processes, saving time and labor.
This guide will explain how to integrate NetSuite with your preferred WMS. You’ll also learn the benefits, challenges, and best practices for this integration.
How to Integrate NetSuite with Your WMS in Six Steps
Follow these steps to integrate NetSuite with your WMS:
1. Choose What Data to Sync
Before you can dive into the specifics of your integration, you need to know what information you want to connect in the first place. In other words, what processes between your software do you want to automate? And is there data from one tool that you would like to see in the other?
Since WMS tools vary and NetSuite includes a variety of software, you have plenty of options. Some of the data and tools you might connect could relate to:
- Vendors and suppliers
- Orders
- Invoices
- Inventory
- Equipment
- Documents like quotes and invoices
- Day-to-day warehouse operations
We know this is a lot of information to consider. If you need help deciding what data integrations will help you achieve your goals, ask an integration consultant like those at DCKAP.
2. Determine What NetSuite Modules to Integrate
The NetSuite platform includes many business modules like:
- (Enterprise resource planning) ERP
- Accounting
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Business analytics
- eCommerce
- Global business management
- Human resources
- Field management
- Warehouse management
Once you know what data and tasks you want to connect, consider what NetSuite modules contain that information. This data can overlap between modules and with WMS, so a clear plan will help you map it out later.
3. Select a WMS to Integrate With NetSuite
You may have a WMS that you already use and plan to integrate with NetSuite. But if you’re considering switching apps for your new integration or need to start from scratch, you have options that cover all sorts of niches. Some popular WMS include SphereWMS, Ordoro, and Manhattan Associates.
As you look for the right app, think about factors like:
- Pricing: Don’t just look at the price of the plan you think you’ll need – consider the pricing of higher tier plans in case you need to scale.
- Ease of data transfer: If you’re switching WMS, look into the data transfer process and customer reviews to see how easy it is to move your data.
- Ease of use: Try the WMS yourself or request a customer demo to see what the interface is like.
- Mobile device functionality: Make sure your potential WMS works on any mobile devices you use at the warehouse or in the office.
4. Decide on an Integration Method
Although NetSuite has native connectors to link it to certain apps, it does not have any that work with WMS. So, that leaves you with three options for integrating NetSuite with your WMS:
In-house integration
If you have an in-house development team, they can connect your software using NetSuite’s APIs and web services. NetSuite works with RESTlets, SOAP web services, and REST web services.
- Pros: Fast communication, high degree of customization
- Cons: Potential learning curve for developers
Outsourced developers
You can also hire developers to integrate NetSuite with your WMS using similar methods as above.
- Pros: High degree of customization, specialized expertise
- Cons: Potential for less predictable ongoing costs as you maintain your integration
Integration platform as a service (iPaaS)
iPaaS are platforms that integrate software through a common app. Some iPaaS, like DCKAP Integrator, offer human support for setup to give you a custom solution.
- Pros: Variety of price points to choose from, ease of use for non-developers
- Cons: Can have fewer customization options depending on what platform you choose
5. Set Up Your Integration
After you have your integration process planned out, you can set up the integration using your chosen method. If developers set up your integration, they can handle most of the process. But, if you choose a self-serve option like iPaaS, you might need to:
- Install your integration tool: If you choose an iPaaS for integration, you’ll need to install it like any other software.
- Log into NetSuite and your WMS: Your integration tool will require you to authenticate your accounts in NetSuite and your WMS.
- Map data fields: The tool will need you to make connections between the data in NetSuite and your WMS. This process is called data mapping. For example, you might have to match the data for inventory numbers between your tools.
- Configure workflows: Here, you’ll determine how your mapped data will interact, such as matching information or triggering actions.
6. Test Your New Integration
Test your integration before it goes live to make sure your data syncs correctly. At DCKAP, we encourage all of our customers to use a sandbox – a test environment – of your technology to give it a test run.
Also see: Seamless Integration of NetSuite ERP Benefits, Features
Why Integrate NetSuite With a Separate WMS?
NetSuite has its own WMS module that includes features like inventory management. Since NetSuite’s modules share data, some businesses might not need to integrate with a separate WMS at all.
Those that do might choose to integrate due to pricing or feature availability. NetSuite Warehouse Management has an additional cost, meaning you won’t necessarily save money by using it. And a different WMS might have features that fit your company’s needs better.
Needs vary by business, so we don’t recommend one approach over the other. Instead, we suggest researching all the options available to you to build the tools that enable you to do your best work.
Benefits of Integrating Oracle NetSuite With a WMS
Businesses that integrate NetSuite with a WMS, do so for many good reasons, including:
Real-Time Visibility Into Your Data
One of the top benefits businesses brought up was the ability to see the same data between tools in real time. When information stays consistent between your platforms, you can save time switching tools.
Bright Force Electrical, a business that provides electrical services to homes and businesses, integrates NetSuite with SOLOCHAIN WMS. Thanks to this integration, team members can see inventory updates in real time across their technology. “ This means any changes in stock levels, such as low quantities or incoming orders, are instantly visible, helping us avoid surprises like supply shortages or budget misalignments,” says director and owner Daniel Vasilevski.
Vasilevski explains how the integration helped during a recent commercial installation project. When Bright Force Electrical needed many specialized parts for this project, SOLOCHAIN flagged low inventory levels, triggering a purchase order in NetSuite. “Because the systems worked together so efficiently, we received the materials before they could delay the project timeline,” Vasilevski says.
Ninja Patches, a patch supplier for businesses, notices similar benefits with its NetSuite and SphereWMS integration. Head of marketing Brooke Webber reports that the NetSuite ERP’s connection with SphereWMS syncs critical data. “Processes like receiving materials or shipping finished products sync effortlessly with what’s happening on the business side,” Webber says.
The integration also leads to fewer manual processes and switching between platforms for the Ninja Patches team. This increased automation leads to less human error and better accuracy during busy times.
Better Scalability for Both Systems
Integrating NetSuite with a WMS also makes business growth easier. With the integration handling data transfer, you don’t have to worry about investing more work into increased data loads.
Webber named this potential for growth another benefit Ninja Patches gets from its integration. “As our order volumes rise, we don’t worry about outgrowing our systems. The integration handles more complexity and supports workflows that match our needs perfectly,” Webber says.
More Operational Efficiency
Companies that integrate NetSuite with a WMS also have more efficient operations. You can trigger more scheduled tasks and data updates in your transaction to keep everything flowing smoothly.
Keyzoo, a residential and business locksmith service, integrates NetSuite and ShipHero. CEO Eli Itzhaki says, “This integration ensures every step of our process, from receiving products to final delivery, runs smoothly and without delays.”
At Keyzoo, any time a team member scans one of its security products, it automatically moves forward in the stocking or purchasing process. This automation improves operations speed and reduces the chance of selling out-of-stock items, which improves customer satisfaction.
Challenges of NetSuite and WMS Integration (and Solutions)
Integrating software is an incredibly technical process, especially with an ERP WMS integration like this one. The below problems came up for the businesses we consulted, but they found solutions you can use if you face the same issues.
Syncing WMS-Specific Data
Some WMS have data fields that don’t have a direct match in NetSuite, leading to issues with syncing data. If you come across this problem, you can look for creative workarounds and get more involved in data mapping.
Bright Force Electrical dealt with this problem when trying to manage location-specific data from SOLOCHAIN in NetSuite. SOLOCHAIN could provide real-time stock numbers from multiple locations, but NetSuite couldn’t translate it into a company-wide view.
The Bright Force Electrical team used a few workarounds for this problem. They set up triggers to happen in NetSuite when items move between locations in SOLOCHAIN. Also, they had SOLOCHAIN flag low stock levels at specific locations to generate purchase orders in NetSuite.
HEAVY Equipment Appraisal, an equipment appraiser for businesses, also faced some problems with WMS data syncing in NetSuite. Its WMS, WithoutWire, couldn’t process detailed equipment information in real time at first. So, HEAVY Equipment Appraisal created custom data-mapping rules and adjusted its sync times for better integration with NetSuite.
Managing Higher Order Volumes
While Ninja Patches demonstrated that integrations can scale well, it can take some trial and error to perform this scaling. If you notice your integration having trouble with high order processing loads, you might need to load test it to find a solution.
JDM Sliding Doors, a company for sliding door repairs and replacements, had this issue during busy seasons. People tend to need sliding door repairs in spring and summer surges. But JDM Sliding Door’s existing integration couldn’t handle those times.
The JDM Sliding Doors team addressed this issue as they switched to their NetSuite and SPS Commerce Fulfillment integration. While setting up the integration, they performed load tests to see what parts of the integration had bottlenecks. “This process revealed areas that required optimization, such as automating order batching for high-demand products like rollers and tracks,” business development leader and field manager Gal Cohen says.
Achieving Accurate Data Mapping
Data mapping can be difficult in any integration, and NetSuite WMS integrations are no different. The default mappings on certain connectors don’t always lead to perfect syncing, requiring you to go deeper with your mapping.
For example, Keyzoo saw differences in critical data between ShipHero and NetSuite. Itzhaki says, “To address this, we worked closely with both support teams to set up custom API mappings. This allowed the two systems to communicate seamlessly, ensuring that every scan, update, and order was reflected in real time.”
NetSuite and WMS Integration Best Practices
Follow these best practices from the businesses we consulted and DCKAP for a seamless integration:
Don’t Skip Testing
Many of the businesses we consulted recommended some form of testing when we asked for their integration advice. Even if it looks like your integration has clean data mapping, some problems come up when you actually run it. So, don’t consider the test step a suggestion and test every part of your integration.
Ninja Patches’ Brooke Webber has this advice to share for the testing phase:
“Start with a clear plan that spells out who does what, when, and how testing will happen. A solid plan keeps everyone on the same page and avoids confusion. Assign specific tasks to team members so there’s no overlap or missed steps.
Break down timelines into small milestones to track progress and make adjustments if needed. This level of detail sets a strong foundation for a smooth integration.”
Run Regular Audits
Testing and monitoring don’t stop after you install your integration. Data and performance audits should become a habit before and after installation.
“Anyone starting with integrating NetSuite and a WMS should not skip on data audits before and after the integration,” says Tracie Crites, chief marketing officer at HEAVY Equipment Appraisal. “Even the best systems are only as good as the information they handle. This is why we ran multiple test scenarios to clean up our inventory records and ensure that the integration reflected real-world accuracy.“
And auditing isn’t just limited to data. Set a regular schedule for checking your workflows and call logs to make sure they still work properly. As you do this, you can also consider which workflows you no longer need and which you can add.
Ask for Help When You Need It
If you’re trying to integrate NetSuite with a WMS on your own, remember that you have resources. There are integration specialists who can help you manage technical issues. While these services cost money, it also costs money to spend time and labor on integration errors.
DCKAP Integrator: NetSuite Integration for B2B Manufacturers and Distributors
As you now know, many factors go into a successful NetSuite WMS integration, and specialists can make the process easier. If you need extra support as you integrate your tools, DCKAP Integrator is an iPaaS for B2B manufacturers and distributors. Our customers choose the integrator and DCKAP team for:
- Knowledge of B2B integration needs: The B2B industry often requires more extensive integrations than B2C, especially in manufacturing and distributing. Our consultants know how to adapt the integrator to a variety of B2B needs.
- Experience with NetSuite: NetSuite is one of the main platforms our customers use the integrator with. Take AcmePaper, for example, which integrated the NetSuite ERP with EvolutionX.
- Best of both worlds: As a new customer, you’ll have a team of consultants who will set up the integrator according to your needs. After handoff, you’ll have intuitive, self-serve software with support from our team available.
Ready to see DCKAP Integrator for yourself? Schedule a demo with us today to see our powerful solution in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Oracle NetSuite?
As its name suggests, Oracle NetSuite is a suite of software to support organizations. It includes an ERP, a CRM, and accounting software, among many other tools. The tools under NetSuite automatically connect, but many NetSuite users still integrate it with outside tools.
Also see: ERP Integration With Other Systems: All You Should Know
What Is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?
A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that organizes and streamlines warehouse processes like inventory tracking, order fulfillment, outbound processing tasks, and shipping processes.
What’s the Difference Among NetSuite WMS, ERP, and CRM?
NetSuite’s tools bring up quite a few acronyms that can be hard to understand for people unfamiliar with business software. Let’s break down each module and its applications:
- NetSuite Warehouse Management System (WMS): Helps businesses manage warehouse processes and operations
- NetSuite enterprise resource planning (ERP): Provides tools for organizing business resources like finances and inventory
- NetSuite customer relationship management (CRM): Tracks the interactions between a business and its customers to build better relationships
Can I Integrate Other Software With My Integration?
Yes, you can integrate more than just NetSuite and your WMS in your integration. Companies interested in this integration might also want to integrate ecommerce software. Or, they might want to include others that manage the shipping process like RF-SMART.
You can find even more tools to integrate with NetSuite in our blog post on NetSuite integrations.
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