Migrating from an on-premises ERP like JD Edwards to a cloud-based solution like NetSuite offers businesses scalability, cost-efficiency, and modern functionality. However, the transition is complex and requires careful planning to avoid costly missteps. Below are the top 10 mistakes organizations often make during this process and how to avoid them.

1. Insufficient Planning and Strategy

Mistake: Rushing into the migration without a clear strategy or understanding of business objectives.
Why It’s a Problem: Without a roadmap, you risk misaligned processes, scope creep, and delayed timelines.
How to Avoid It:

• Conduct a thorough requirements analysis to map current JD Edwards processes to NetSuite capabilities.
• Define clear objectives (e.g., reducing IT costs, improving real-time reporting).
• Create a detailed project plan with milestones, roles, and timelines.
  Example: A manufacturing firm avoided delays by spending three months mapping JD Edwards workflows to NetSuite’s manufacturing module before migration.

2. Choosing the Wrong Implementation Partner

Mistake: Selecting a NetSuite partner without industry-specific experience or a proven track record.
Why It’s a Problem: An inexperienced partner may overlook critical JD Edwards customizations or fail to optimize NetSuite for your business.
How to Avoid It:

• Vet partners by checking references and case studies, especially those involving JD Edwards-to-NetSuite transitions.
• Ensure the partner understands your industry (e.g., manufacturing, distribution).
• Look for long-term support commitments beyond implementation.
  Example: The Indianapolis Zoo successfully switched to NetSuite with a partner experienced in JD Edwards migrations, ensuring seamless data transfer.

3. Neglecting Data Cleansing Before Migration

Mistake: Migrating outdated, duplicate, or inaccurate data from JD Edwards to NetSuite.
Why It’s a Problem: Bad data leads to operational inefficiencies, reporting errors, and post-migration cleanup costs.
How to Avoid It:

• Perform a data audit to identify obsolete or incomplete records.
• Cleanse and standardize data before migration (e.g., remove duplicate customer records).
• Map JD Edwards data fields to NetSuite’s structure to ensure compatibility.
  Tip: Use NetSuite’s data import tools to validate data integrity during migration.

4. Over-Customizing NetSuite

Mistake: Replicating JD Edwards customizations in NetSuite without leveraging built-in features.
Why It’s a Problem: Excessive customization increases costs, complicates upgrades, and slows performance.
How to Avoid It:

• Prioritize configuration over customization by using NetSuite’s native tools like SuiteFlow and SuiteScript.
• Evaluate whether JD Edwards customizations are still necessary in NetSuite’s cloud environment.
• Work with your implementation partner to balance essential customizations with out-of-the-box functionality.
  Example: A retail company reduced implementation costs by using NetSuite’s SuiteCommerce instead of custom eCommerce integrations.

5. Underestimating Change Management

Mistake: Failing to prepare employees for the transition to NetSuite’s interface and processes.
Why It’s a Problem: JD Edwards users may resist NetSuite’s modern, cloud-based interface, leading to low adoption and productivity dips.
How to Avoid It:

• Develop a change management plan to address resistance and communicate benefits (e.g., mobile access, real-time data).
• Involve business process owners early to align NetSuite workflows with operational needs.
• Secure buy-in from senior leadership to champion the transition.
  Tip: Host workshops to demonstrate how NetSuite simplifies tasks compared to JD Edwards.

6. Inadequate Employee Training

Mistake: Providing minimal or no training on NetSuite’s features and workflows.
Why It’s a Problem: JD Edwards has a steeper learning curve, and users may struggle with NetSuite’s intuitive but different interface without proper guidance.
How to Avoid It:

• Create a comprehensive training program tailored to different roles (e.g., finance, supply chain).
• Use NetSuite’s sandbox environment to let employees practice before going live.
• Offer ongoing training to keep up with NetSuite’s biannual updates.
  Example: A distribution company reduced errors by training staff on NetSuite’s dashboard analytics before launch.

7. Ignoring Integration Needs

Mistake: Overlooking the need to integrate NetSuite with existing third-party applications used with JD Edwards.
Why It’s a Problem: Poor integrations lead to data silos and manual workarounds, negating NetSuite’s unified platform benefits.
How to Avoid It:

• Identify all systems (e.g., CRM, eCommerce) that need to integrate with NetSuite.
• Use NetSuite’s SuiteCloud Platform and pre-built connectors for seamless integrations.
• Test integrations thoroughly before going live to ensure data flows correctly.
  Tip: NetSuite’s APIs simplify integrations compared to JD Edwards’ complex setup.

8. Delaying the Migration

Mistake: Postponing the move to NetSuite due to perceived complexity or temporary fixes in JD Edwards.
Why It’s a Problem: Delaying increases costs (e.g., JD Edwards maintenance, hardware upgrades) and delays NetSuite’s benefits like lower TCO.
How to Avoid It:

• Start migration early, even with limited functionality, to reduce data volume and complexity.
• Highlight NetSuite’s cost savings (e.g., no server maintenance) to justify the switch.
• Plan for a phased implementation to ease the transition.
  Example: A company saved on JD Edwards support costs by migrating to NetSuite six months earlier than planned.

9. Failing to Test Thoroughly

Mistake: Skipping rigorous testing of NetSuite configurations, workflows, and data.
Why It’s a Problem: Unidentified issues can disrupt operations post-go-live, leading to costly fixes.
How to Avoid It:

• Conduct end-to-end testing of critical processes (e.g., order-to-cash, procure-to-pay).
• Simulate real-world scenarios in a NetSuite sandbox to catch errors.
• Involve end-users in user acceptance testing (UAT) to validate functionality.
  Tip: Test NetSuite’s automatic updates to ensure compatibility with customizations.

10. Neglecting Post-Implementation Support

Mistake: Assuming the project ends at go-live and not planning for ongoing support.
Why It’s a Problem: Without continuous support, issues like performance slowdowns or user errors can escalate.
How to Avoid It:

• Establish a post-implementation review to gather user feedback and optimize configurations.
• Assign dedicated resources to monitor system performance and apply NetSuite updates.
• Partner with a managed services provider (MSP) for long-term support and optimization.
  Example: A company avoided performance issues by using NetSuite’s APM tool to monitor system health post-migration.

Conclusion

Moving from JD Edwards to NetSuite is a transformative step toward a more agile, cloud-based ERP system. By avoiding these common mistakes—through strategic planning, careful data management, employee engagement, and robust support—you can maximize NetSuite’s benefits and ensure a successful transition. Partner with experienced professionals, such as Circular Edge, a trusted NetSuite consulting partner with expertise in JD Edwards migrations, to guide you through the process. Leverage NetSuite’s native tools and prioritize user adoption to unlock the full potential of your new ERP system.

Ready to make the switch? Contact Circular Edge for more resources.