Choosing the right NetSuite support model is critical for maximizing your ERP investment. This guide compares three primary options: building an in-house NetSuite team, using NetSuite Premium Support, and outsourcing to a managed services provider like Appficiency’s Premier Support. We’ll cover costs, capabilities, scalability, and help you determine which option best fits your business size, complexity, and growth plans. Whether you need basic NetSuite help or comprehensive support services, this comparison provides the framework to make an informed decision.

NetSuite support services are professional services that help businesses manage, optimize, and troubleshoot their NetSuite ERP system. These services include system administration, customization, integration, user training, release management, and ongoing technical support. Support can come from three primary sources: an in-house NetSuite team, NetSuite’s Premium Support program, or a third-party managed services provider like Appficiency’s Premier Support.

NetSuite is one of the most powerful ERP systems on the market, but managing it successfully requires more than installation and setup. It demands ongoing expertise, technical depth, and an understanding of how to adapt the platform as your business evolves.

Many companies begin with a single administrator and soon discover how complex NetSuite becomes once they start adding modules, custom scripts, and integrations. Keeping up with twice-yearly updates, sandbox testing, and user training requires specialized knowledge that most internal teams don’t have.

At this point, leaders often face an important decision: should they invest in building a full in-house NetSuite team or outsource their support to an experienced partner?

As companies grow, their NetSuite environments expand too. They introduce custom scripting, third-party integrations, and advanced financial tools that demand ongoing maintenance. Without the right expertise, businesses often experience slow performance, broken workflows, and underused features.

When updates are not tested or scripts are not optimized, operations can slow down and data integrity may be compromised. That is why having a dedicated and knowledgeable support structure is essential for any organization that depends on NetSuite for daily operations.

Full Control and Alignment

An internal team operates within your company culture and priorities. They can focus on what matters most to your business and ensure NetSuite supports your specific processes.

Deep Organizational Knowledge

Your team understands your customers, workflows, and challenges. Over time, this knowledge helps improve efficiency and internal collaboration.

Long-Term Stability

For large companies that need constant system changes or complex customizations, investing in a full-time NetSuite team can provide long-term stability and control.

High Hiring Costs

Experienced NetSuite professionals are in high demand, and hiring developers, administrators, and consultants can be expensive. In the U.S., average annual salary for a NetSuite Administrator is around US $100,000/yr.

Limited Skill Coverage

NetSuite spans many areas including SuiteScript, integrations, reporting, and WMS. Finding one or two people who cover everything is nearly impossible.

Difficult to Stay Current

NetSuite introduces two major releases every year. Preparing, testing, and training for these updates often requires time that internal teams cannot spare.

Innovation Fatigue

Internal teams focused on daily maintenance often lack the time to explore new features or strategic optimizations.

Immediate Expertise

A trusted partner like Appficiency provides access to consultants certified in SuiteScript, integrations, financial modules, and data migration. Their experience allows faster resolutions and better long-term system performance.

Scalable and Flexible Support

Outsourcing allows you to scale services up or down as your business evolves. Whether you need short-term help during an upgrade or full ongoing management, a partner can adjust support to fit your needs.

Proactive Optimization

Appficiency’s NetSuite Premier Support Services are designed to go beyond troubleshooting. The team conducts regular system reviews, ensures release readiness, and identifies automation opportunities before issues arise.

Reduced Risk During Updates

Each NetSuite update is tested and validated in advance to prevent downtime. Your configurations, scripts, and integrations stay secure and compatible.

Focus on Business Growth

With the technical details handled by experts, your internal team can dedicate time to strategy, innovation, and business performance.

Less Direct Control

Working with an external team requires clear communication and coordination to keep goals aligned.

Vendor Dependence

A healthy partnership relies on transparency and collaboration. Choosing a partner who documents their work and involves your team in key decisions ensures continuity.

Many organizations find the ideal balance in a hybrid model. This approach combines the internal knowledge of your team with the technical expertise of a NetSuite partner.

Your internal staff handles day-to-day administration, user support, and business process improvements. Your partner takes care of scripting, integrations, data migration, and release management.

This model ensures continuous progress without overwhelming internal resources. Appficiency’s Premier Support is built around this philosophy, offering flexible service tiers, dedicated account management, and proactive system enhancements that align with your goals.

Before choosing your strategy, consider the following questions:

• How complex is your NetSuite environment?
• Do you have internal expertise in SuiteScript or integrations?
• Can you afford to hire and retain multiple specialists long term?
• Do you need scalable support that grows with your business?
• Are your updates and testing handled proactively or reactively?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, outsourcing or a hybrid approach may deliver better results, faster ROI, and greater flexibility.

Building an internal team gives you full control and long-term alignment, but it requires ongoing investment and extensive training. Outsourcing to a trusted NetSuite partner provides specialized skills, faster implementation, and access to best practices from across industries.

The right choice depends on your goals, resources, and growth stage. For many companies, a hybrid approach with internal ownership and external expertise provides the best balance of cost, control, and scalability. Appficiency’s NetSuite Premier Support Services give you that flexibility. Our certified experts help organizations stay ahead of updates, auto

Ready to take the next step in your NetSuite journey?

Connect with Appficiency today to explore our Premier Support model and discover how we can help you optimize, automate, and scale smarter.