From NetSuite to Oracle: How Accountants Can Maximize Modern ERP Systems

ERP systems have come a long way from their humble beginnings as digital bookkeeping tools. These days, modern ERP systems are the Swiss Army knives of financial operations — able to automate processes, provide real-time insights, and help businesses thrive in ways the humble spreadsheet could only dream of. Modern giants like NetSuite and Oracle have taken this evolution to the next level, offering robust platforms that cater to businesses of all sizes. But just owning a powerful ERP system doesn’t guarantee success—it’s what you do with it that counts.

Whether you’re working with NetSuite, Microsoft, Sage Intacct, Oracle, or another ERP platform, getting the most out of your system requires strategy, optimization, and practical know-how. Once you have your ERP system, accounting platforms like FloQast can integrate seamlessly to offer financial close solutions, connected compliance, and greater team collaboration.

Here’s how to make any ERP your business’s best friend (and not just a very expensive filing cabinet). 

The Evolution of ERP Systems 

Let’s back up. What are ERP systems? ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. When people refer to an ERP system, they are referencing a software system that streamlines an organization's core business processes. We’ll talk about some of the best modern ERP systems in a bit.

From Record Keeper to Strategic Partner

First, know that ERP systems started as glorified spreadsheets. They were helpful for organizing basic numbers, but roughly as interactive as a trip to the post office. They existed to track transactions and file reports, feeding you data, but offering little help or insight. If you wanted to do something useful, like pinpoint a revenue bottleneck or forecast upcoming trends, you were on your own (and probably pulling a late night with your calculator). 

Modern ERP systems, thankfully, are an entirely different breed. They don’t just collect information; they interpret it, automate workflows, and help you plan for the future. Think of them like financial planners, personal assistants, and crystal-ball gazers all packed into one seamless platform. Leveraging these newer capabilities is how you turn a system that “works” into one that drives measurable results. 

Beginner’s Guide to Modern ERP Systems

Choosing the right ERP system for your business is a long-term investment. Platforms like NetSuite and Sage Intacct can streamline processes, boost efficiency, and provide insights to keep your business ahead.

But here’s the key: You need to understand what makes each system unique. Some are designed for growing businesses needing scalability, while others cater to enterprises managing global operations and complex data. Choosing the right one can mean the difference between a functional tool and a transformative solution.

Let’s break down a few of the most popular modern ERP systems.

NetSuite: Scalable Simplicity 

If ERP systems were cars, NetSuite would be your reliable, understated hybrid. It’s efficient, gets the job done, and doesn’t make you rebuild your processes from the ground up. Designed with scalability in mind, NetSuite works particularly well for mid-sized organizations and growing businesses looking for an agile, cloud-based solution. 

NetSuite’s user-friendly design and flexibility make it ideal for companies that need an ERP system to grow alongside them. But the magic happens when you explore beyond the basics. Automating tasks like financial close processes, leveraging integrations like FloQast, or digging into analytics tools can take your NetSuite experience from good to game-changing. 

Case Study: The Boston Globe improved their month-end close efficiency, accuracy, and capacity by integrating Netsuite with FloQast.

Oracle ERP Systems: The Enterprise Powerhouse 

For large corporations with complex operational needs, Oracle ERP is the gold standard (and it knows it). Think of Oracle as a high-performance machine — beautiful when running on all cylinders but designed for those who know how to handle power. Companies with multiple entities, robust data requirements, or intricate global operations turn to Oracle for its nearly limitless customization and advanced analytics. 

However, Oracle’s extensive capabilities can also present challenges, especially when it comes to managing financial processes within such a sophisticated system. This is where integrations like FloQast come into play, simplifying and automating the financial close process. Spending time on proper implementation, training, and integrations is critical to realizing the system’s full capabilities. 

Case Study: Zoom utilized FloQast’s Oracle integration to cut their close by 3 days following their explosive growth. 

Workday: Modern Cloud-Based Agility

Workday has carved out a reputation as a leading cloud-based ERP, especially for organizations that value agility, scalability, and unified operations. Workday is known for its intuitive user experience and strong focus on human resources and financial management. Its cloud-native architecture means updates roll out seamlessly, security stays top-notch, and teams can collaborate in real-time, whether they’re at HQ or logging in from their kitchen tables.

What really makes Workday shine is its powerful analytics and reporting capabilities. Finance teams can make faster, smarter decisions by tapping into real-time data and predictive insights, rather than relying on after-the-fact reports. It’s a strong fit for organizations undergoing rapid change, planning for growth, or needing flexible tools that move at the pace of their business.

And here’s the exciting part: FloQast is actively developing an integration for Workday, which promises to bring best-in-class financial close automation to the Workday ecosystem. 

Sage Intacct: Financial Expertise for Mid-Market Companies 

Sage Intacct is a cloud-based ERP solution that excels in financial management, making it a top choice for mid-market companies and nonprofits. Sage Intacct’s strength lies in its deep accounting capabilities, offering advanced features like multi-entity consolidation, revenue recognition, and robust reporting. It’s particularly valuable for organizations looking for precision in financial operations without needing a full suite of ERP features. Plus, its cloud-based design allows for easy access and scalability as businesses grow. 

When paired with FloQast, Sage Intacct becomes even more powerful. FloQast automates financial close workflows, ensuring that reports are accurate and deadlines are met with ease. By reducing errors and streamlining repetitive tasks, finance teams can redirect their efforts toward strategic decision-making and analysis. For mid-market businesses and nonprofits looking to enhance their financial expertise, the combination of Sage Intacct and FloQast creates a reliable and efficient solution for tackling today’s financial challenges. 

Case Study: The Joint Chiropractic overhauled (and simplified) their compliance program thanks to their Sage Intacct integration with FloQast.

So Which ERP System is Best?

In summary, our suggestions for the best ERP systems:

NetSuite – Best for scaling mid-sized businesses

Oracle ERP – Best for large enterprises with complex operations

Sage Intacct – Best for finance-driven mid-market companies

Workday – Best for robust workforce analytics and complex talent management 

Microsoft Dynamics – Best for Microsoft-centric businesses

That said, it’s critical to understand that finding “the best” ERP is like choosing “the best” pair of shoes. The right fit depends entirely on your unique needs. Tools like SAP, Xero, and others offer further options tailored to specific industries and challenges. The trick is to focus on how the system aligns with your goals and team, not just its popularity or flashy list of features.

How to Maximize Your Modern ERP System (with FloQast)

Let’s break down how using an AI-powered integration like FloQast maximizes your workflow in the simplest terms.

ERP Layer

Your ERP system pulls data from all over your company.

Integration Layer 

FloQast takes all the data and transforms it into accounting workflows.

Artificial Intelligence Layer

AI is put on top of FloQast and the data to maximize the value and efficiency of your integration.

Remember, even state-of-the-art ERP systems have blind spots, especially when it comes to financial close solutions, compliance, and collaboration across departments. That’s where integrations like FloQast take it to another level.

FloQast combines seamlessly with your ERP (whether that’s NetSuite, Oracle, or another player) to bridge the gaps between your system’s setup and your team’s needs. Here are 3 ways FloQast really makes a difference:

1. Automating the Financial Close 

Reconciliation doesn’t have to be synonymous with frustration. FloQast offers financial close solutions that save time and sanity. By automating repetitive tasks like reconciliations, journal entries, and variance analysis processes, FloQast shaves hours (or even days) off month-end close cycles. It also gives you real-time updates, so you’re not stuck hunting down errors the night before the deadline. 

2. Simplifying Compliance 

No one likes audits. Luckily, FloQast makes compliance painless by documenting every step of your workflows and housing them in one easy-to-navigate location. No more switching back and forth between five program windows; all the information and documentation live in FloQast. When an auditor asks for the “why” or “how” of a transaction, you’ll have the answer on hand in seconds, without the usual treasure hunt. 

3. Improving Team Collaboration 

ERP systems collect massive amounts of data. FloQast grabs that data and centralizes it into clear, visible dashboards for everyone to see. This automatically enhances collaboration by bringing transparency to workflows, real-time team updates, and user interfaces that give everyone a clear view of priorities and progress. It’s amazing how easy achieving alignment across teams becomes when everyone has clear visibility of the entire process.

5 Tips for a Better FloQast ERP Integration  

Want to squeeze every ounce of value out of your FloQast ERP integration? Here are some practical steps you can take to be the reigning ERP champion in your organization:

1. Set Clear Objectives 

Before customizing your ERP to the moon and back, ask yourself what success looks like. Whether it’s faster close times, better forecasting, or scaling operations, knowing your goals will help you focus on features that matter and skip the distractions.

2. Invest in the Right Integrations 

ERP systems are powerful, but they’re not miracle workers — and that’s okay. Invest in integrations, like FloQast, that enhance your ERP’s core functionality and streamline financial operations.

3. Train Your Team 

A robust ERP system is only as good as the team using it. Training doesn’t have to stop after onboarding; regular refreshers ensure everyone is using the system efficiently and taking advantage of new updates and features. 

4. Leverage Real-Time Analytics 

Modern ERPs often include analytics tools that allow you to make decisions based on real-time data. Use these tools to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities so you can pivot quickly when needed.

5. Schedule Regular System Reviews 

Technology moves fast, and your business’s needs evolve. Make a habit of reviewing your ERP setup every six to twelve months to identify areas for improvement, integrate new tools, and adapt to changing goals. 

Ready to Maximize Your ERP Workflow? Schedule a FloQast Integration Demo Today

ERP systems like NetSuite and Oracle aren’t just for tracking data anymore; they’re essential tools that can drive strategy, improve team performance, and fuel growth. Choosing the right platform, enhancing it with integrations like FloQast, and continually optimizing your setup can completely transform how your organization operates.

Whether your goal is scaling gracefully or managing complex global operations, the right ERP strategy takes you from running smoothly to thriving.

Why settle for a system that works when you can have one that wins? 

Schedule a personalized demo to see how FloQast integrates with your ERP system today.

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