NetSuite is now at the center of a global manufacturing transformation.
Operations-heavy industries are accelerating their rollout of NetSuite’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Manufacturing modules to handle growing supply chain complexity, rising costs, and increased demand for visibility. For executives, this acceleration represents more than software implementation. It represents a shift toward smarter, integrated operations supported by skilled people who can design, manage and optimize these systems.
Here are five key lessons from the wave of NetSuite manufacturing projects that are reshaping how operations teams work and what business leaders should prioritize when building or expanding their teams.
1. Manufacturing automation works best when finance and operations collaborate
Modern manufacturing relies on data. NetSuite’s WMS and Manufacturing modules connect production, inventory and financial information within one environment. When these systems are aligned, they remove silos between the shop floor and the finance office.
That alignment requires collaboration. Organizations need professionals who can connect manufacturing performance metrics, such as throughput and downtime, with financial indicators such as margin and cost variance.
The technology provides the foundation, but the value comes from people. Anderson Frank can connect you with NetSuite professionals who bring operational knowledge and financial understanding, helping ensure your systems deliver measurable business outcomes.
2. Experienced functional consultants accelerate rollout timelines
Successful WMS and Manufacturing implementations share a common factor: leadership from senior functional consultants who guide configuration, workflows, and integrations. These professionals understand both NetSuite’s capabilities and the operational realities of manufacturing environments, helping teams move faster and avoid costly mistakes.
Without experienced guidance, rollout projects often encounter delays or process inefficiencies that limit return on investment. Senior consultants and solution architects apply their cross-functional expertise to tailor NetSuite to each business’s specific production and reporting needs.
3. Visibility drives manufacturing performance
Manufacturers increasingly rely on visibility to improve operations. With NetSuite’s WMS, leaders can track materials from inbound logistics through final assembly, monitoring performance and identifying inefficiencies in real time.
This transparency enables faster, data-informed decision-making. When combined with NetSuite’s analytics and financial tools, visibility supports better planning, accurate forecasting and stronger cash flow management.
According to the Anderson Frank Careers and Hiring Guide (2026), more than 40% of NetSuite professionals in manufacturing-related roles report growing demand for analytics and automation skills. That increase shows how central data fluency has become in operations-focused industries.
Manufacturers are adopting advanced technology, but lasting success still depends on capable teams. Anderson Frank can connect you with NetSuite professionals who specialize in WMS and Manufacturing, helping your business develop data-driven operations that scale effectively.
4. Scalability depends on architecture, not just configuration
Many organizations begin their NetSuite journey by automating basic processes, but scalability requires deeper architectural planning. As businesses expand, systems must handle multi-site operations, new product lines and international compliance requirements.
Solution architects play an essential role in building that scalable foundation. They design integrations, reporting frameworks and workflows that can grow with the business. Without this architectural foresight, companies risk facing expensive rebuilds when scaling their operations.
5. Workforce capability determines long-term success
Technology adoption is only the first step. The ongoing success of NetSuite WMS and Manufacturing depends on whether internal teams know how to maintain and improve these systems.
Training, change management, and skills development all contribute to sustainable performance. Upskilling helps employees become confident system owners who can troubleshoot, analyze and innovate within the platform. For leadership teams, this means balancing short-term project delivery with long-term capability building.
When operations staff can manage automation, reporting, and compliance internally, NetSuite becomes a continuous driver of efficiency and growth.
Building a team ready for manufacturing transformation
The acceleration of NetSuite Manufacturing and WMS adoption highlights a major shift in how manufacturing organizations approach digital transformation. Operations-heavy industries now view ERP modernization as a competitive necessity that demands both technology and talent.
Senior consultants, solution architects, and experienced functional specialists bring the insight needed to align manufacturing systems with strategic goals. Their expertise turns software investment into operational value, improving efficiency, compliance and scalability.
