Top 10 Challenges in NetSuite Data Migrations and How to Overcome Them

ERP data migrations can feel like crossing a minefield—especially when the goal is a seamless shift into a powerful platform like NetSuite. From incomplete data to system mismatches, every misstep has consequences. With more than 10 years of experience delivering tailored solutions across industries, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t.

Let’s walk through the top 10 challenges that companies face during NetSuite data migrations, and more importantly, how to solve them with proven strategies that we at SuiteWorks Tech follow every day as a trusted NetSuite Solution Provider.

1. Unstructured Legacy Data

One of the biggest issues with NetSuite data migrations is working with unstructured data from legacy systems like QuickBooks or custom-built ERPs. Often, the data is inconsistent, duplicated, or missing key attributes.

✅ How to Overcome:

A comprehensive data assessment at the beginning helps identify gaps and inconsistencies. Cleansing and standardizing data ensures only accurate, relevant information is moved into NetSuite.

2. Misalignment Between Source and Target Fields

Mapping legacy fields to NetSuite fields can be tricky. Mismatched field types and formats often lead to failed imports or data corruption.

✅ How to Overcome:

Our team at SuiteWorks Tech invests time upfront in structured data mapping and field alignment to ensure a clean transfer and reduce post-go-live errors. This ensures your customer, vendor, and transaction records flow seamlessly.

3. Poor Data Quality

NetSuite’s reporting and dashboards are only as good as the data that powers them. Poor-quality data leads to inaccurate business decisions post-implementation.

✅ How to Overcome:

Our data cleansing & validation steps eliminate duplicates, fix formatting, and standardize values. This directly improves performance, reporting, and user confidence in the new system.

4. Incomplete Historical Data Migration

Some businesses opt to skip historical data due to complexity, but this can limit forecasting and audits later.

✅ How to Overcome:

We recommend and support historical data migration, including journal entries, inventory balances, and transaction histories, to provide full continuity and compliance post-migration.

5. Technical Limitations in Legacy Systems

Legacy systems often lack tools to extract data efficiently or securely, which can stall migration timelines.

✅ How to Overcome:

We use a combination of SuiteScript automation and CSV import strategies to create secure, repeatable migrations. This flexibility allows us to work around old system limitations.

6. Lack of Internal Resources

Many companies underestimate the time and personnel needed to complete a NetSuite migration.

✅ How to Overcome:

With SuiteWorks Tech managing end-to-end project ownership, businesses can offload the heavy lifting. From planning to go-live, our certified consultants handle every detail while collaborating with your internal teams.

7. Complex Multi-Subsidiary or Multi-Currency Structures

Businesses operating across geographies face additional challenges with data conversions, tax rules, and currency translations.

✅ How to Overcome:

We specialize in customized migration strategies for complex business models. Whether it’s multi-subsidiary, multi-currency, or highly customized environments, our tailored approach simplifies the process.

8. Limited Cutover Timeframes

Tight go-live schedules and business dependencies can create significant pressure during the final stages of migration.

✅ How to Overcome:

We build detailed cutover and contingency plans, aligning with your business calendar to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition into NetSuite.

9. Reconciliation Errors Post-Migration

Post-migration mismatches between the source system and NetSuite can affect reporting accuracy.

✅ How to Overcome:

Validation and reconciliation testing before and after migration ensures everything aligns perfectly. We check every record to confirm accuracy and compliance with business rules.

10. Lack of Post-Go-Live Support

Many service providers step away after go-live, leaving clients to struggle with performance issues or incomplete configurations.

✅ How to Overcome:

Our post-migration support & optimization ensures you’re never left on your own. From fine-tuning dashboards to training your teams, we stay with you to extract full value from your NetSuite investment. Learn more about our approach here.

Why Understanding NetSuite Data Migrations Matters

Businesses underestimate the complexity of data migration at their peril. But when done right, it’s not just a move—it’s a transformation. At SuiteWorks Tech, our team of certified NetSuite consultants has executed over 10 migrations from systems like QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Oracle with one goal: reliable, accurate results.

Our methodology doesn’t just minimize risk—it sets the stage for long-term success. With every project, we help clients shift their legacy data into a clean, scalable foundation inside NetSuite.