Debating between which NetSuite PSA is best? We wrote this article to help you decide.
We're comparing NetSuite's two professional services automation (PSA) solutions: SuiteProjects and OpenAir.
Here's how they compare, how they differ, and how to choose the right one for your business.
Professional Services Automation solutions, or PSA, help companies optimize resources for project-based tasks. This includes everything from planning out time and budget constraints for new projects to managing resources while working on a project.
PSA is most useful for service-based businesses that work based on billable hours. This includes companies such as marketing agencies, advertising agencies, law firms, IT consultants, or any other type of business with project-based work.
Both PSA solutions discussed in this guide will help your business:
However, there are a few major differences between SuiteProjects and OpenAir that could be the deciding factor for your company – here's how they compare.
NetSuite OpenAir is a cloud-based PSA software. It offers real-time visibility, 24/7 access from any device, as well as support and advanced automation for every aspect of a service delivery organization. Plus, it lets users easily manage resources on an international level
With over 1,500 customers around the world, NetSuite touts OpenAir as "the most complete solution in the market."
OpenAir has virtually infinite customization options, so it can be tailored to your business specifications. The best part about this, though, is that it doesn't require expensive custom coding – all of the customization options are natively available right in the software.
OpenAir provides real-time data for companies with:
This is one of the aspects of NetSuite OpenAir that differentiates it from SuiteProjects. OpenAir is a truly global solution with the ability to support complicated international requirements right out of the box. This allows users to easily bill invoices for the time they spent working on a project with the proper currency, time zone, and tax requirements.
Integrating NetSuite OpenAir with any existing back-office or front-office systems is a smooth process.
NetSuite OpenAir isn’t meant to be its own PSA software. This means your business will have other programs that need to talk to OpenAir to realize the full capabilities of this PSA software.
Integrating OpenAir with all of your existing systems helps automate tedious manual processes, improves revenue, and contributes to accurate reporting and decision making.
OpenAir is great with::
OpenAir has a few unique features that aren't easy to find with other PSA solutions, including:
OpenAir is best for large organizations or companies with complex projects.
Previous users have mentioned that it's not the best solution for small companies for two reasons: the first reason is the higher cost of the software. Smaller companies, or businesses that are just getting started, probably don't have a large budget for software. While the whole goal of a PSA system is to help your company make more money, there is an initial investment cost.
The second reason is that, in a small company, it's common for different employees' duties to overlap. For example, someone might jump in to help another team even if it isn't their primary duty. This can cause issues with resource allocation and billing, as it's all tied to specific roles and capabilities.
As with any new software, NetSuite OpenAir has a bit of a learning curve to it. If you have some technically-savvy staff, they might be able to figure out how to navigate it. Otherwise, you'll likely need to seek out training services either from NetSuite or a licensed NetSuite Solutions Provider.
While it will take some getting used to, users say that once you understand how to navigate the software, it's easy and functional!
NetSuite SuiteProjects is the PSA solution natively built within NetSuite. This means it's the default PSA software you'll have if you choose to add it to your NetSuite solution.
When combined with NetSuite's CRM, HR, and ERP systems, you'll have everything you need to run your business in one place.
Just like NetSuite OpenAir, SuiteProjects helps companies streamline operations, enhance profitability, optimize resource management, and make better business decisions.
All of the features in SuiteProjects help businesses finish projects faster, freeing up time for even more billable hours.
A few ways SuiteProjects helps companies finish projects faster than usual include:
All of these features are also available with NetSuite OpenAir.
If you're a service-based business, the features of a PSA software are all but required for daily operations. NetSuite SuiteProjects contains real-time, on-demand data that help you monitor and optimize project performance.
For example, you can quickly spot projects at risk of budget overages, assign new resources, and resolve any other issues that you might not have noticed before.
NetSuite SuiteProjects works on all mobile devices, so you can always check in on ongoing projects whether you're in the office or on the go. As long as you have internet access, you'll be able to use SuiteProjects.
This makes it easy to keep track of any billable work being done remotely or at client sites.
While SuiteProjects has a ton of great PSA features for service-based businesses, it requires quite a few add ons to be on par with OpenAir.
For example:
SuiteProjects is native to NetSuite. It's not capable of integrating with other external systems a business might be using. It assumes you'll be using NetSuite for all business processes, including SuitePeople, NetSuite FInancials, CRM, and ERP.
Don't get us wrong – SuiteProjects and OpenAir have their similarities when it comes to basic functionalities.
They both:
While they share many commonalities, there are some major differences between SuiteProjects and OpenAir.
NetSuite promises virtually endless customization options with NetSuite OpenAir, which doesn't even involve a complicated codebase.
On the other hand, SuiteProjects is natively built within NetSuite, so there isn't as much room for customization there. That doesn't mean it's impossible to customize SuiteProjects, but it wasn't necessarily built to be a hyper-custom solution like OpenAir was.
OpenAir is built with the abilities to manage international, multi-language, multi-currency, and multi-subsidiary companies. If you used SuiteProjects, you would have to purchase NetSuite OneWorld to obtain those functionalities.
Also, OpenAir is capable of complex accounting automation, while SuiteProjects requires NetSuite Advanced Revenue Management for these same features.
Even though OpenAir might have a higher price tag than SuiteProjects, if you need those additional capabilities and have to keep purchasing additional NetSuite bundles, the costs are going to start adding up.
OpenAir was built to be a cloud PSA solution for businesses whether they use NetSuite for other business functions or not. In comparison, SuiteProjects is native to NetSuite and is seen as one part of NetSuite's larger business software that also encompasses ERP, CRM, and HR services.
OpenAir doesn't have to integrate solely with NetSuite – it can connect to both front and back-office systems with ease.
If your business doesn't need all of the bells and whistles of fancy PSA software, NetSuite SuiteProjects should work well for you. However, if you have complex business needs, are looking for advanced automation and financials, or don't want to use NetSuite for every aspect of your business, OpenAir might be the better choice.
Of course, there's no way we can generalize which NetSuite PSA is best for your business without actually knowing your business and what it needs.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our cloud software experts. We can walk you through all of the options and discuss how they could best benefit your exact business needs.