QuickBooks to NetSuite Migration: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about migrating from QuickBooks to NetSuite—timeline, costs, process, and pitfalls to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- •Plan for 4-6 months total timeline for a typical implementation
- •Budget $100K-$250K+ total first-year cost including software, implementation, and internal time
- •Implementation partner selection is critical—don't try to self-implement NetSuite
- •Data cleanup BEFORE migration prevents most post-go-live problems
NetSuite is the most common destination for companies outgrowing QuickBooks. It's powerful, widely adopted, and can scale with you through significant growth. But it's also complex, expensive, and easy to implement poorly.
This guide walks through the complete migration process, helping you plan and execute a successful transition.
Typical Migration Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery & Planning | 4-6 weeks | Requirements, partner selection, project planning |
| Configuration | 6-10 weeks | System setup, chart of accounts, workflows |
| Data Migration | 4-6 weeks | Data cleanup, mapping, test migrations |
| Testing & Training | 4-6 weeks | UAT, end-user training, process validation |
| Go-Live | 2-4 weeks | Cutover, stabilization, hypercare |
| Total | 4-6 months |
Don't Rush
Companies that try to compress the timeline to 2-3 months almost always regret it. A rushed implementation means inadequate testing, insufficient training, and problems that take months to fix post-go-live.
Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NetSuite License (Year 1) | $30,000 - $80,000 | Depends on modules, users, edition |
| Implementation Partner | $40,000 - $120,000 | Configuration, customization, integrations |
| Data Migration | $10,000 - $30,000 | Often included in implementation, but verify |
| Training | $5,000 - $15,000 | End user, admin, ongoing |
| Internal Time | $15,000 - $40,000 | Value of staff time dedicated to project |
| Total Year 1 | $100,000 - $285,000 |
Ongoing annual costs after Year 1 typically run $35,000-$90,000 for license renewal, support, and periodic optimization.
Data Migration from QuickBooks
What to Migrate
Always Migrate
- Chart of accounts
- Customer master records
- Vendor master records
- Open AR (unpaid invoices)
- Open AP (unpaid bills)
- Opening balance sheet
Evaluate Case-by-Case
- Historical transactions (how many years?)
- Item/product records
- Historical inventory
- Detailed customer history
- Project/job data
Data Cleanup Requirements
QuickBooks data often needs significant cleanup before migration:
Clean Before, Not After
Cleaning data before migration is 10x easier than fixing it in NetSuite afterward. Budget 2-4 weeks of focused data cleanup effort before you start moving data.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Trying to Self-Implement
NetSuite is too complex for self-implementation. Even technically capable teams underestimate the learning curve. Budget for a qualified implementation partner.
Choosing the Cheapest Partner
Implementation partners vary widely in quality. The cheapest option often leads to scope creep, project delays, and a system that doesn't work as expected. Check references thoroughly.
Underestimating Internal Commitment
Your team will spend 20-30% of their time on the project during implementation. If leadership doesn't allocate this time, the project suffers.
Skipping User Training
NetSuite is very different from QuickBooks. Without proper training, users struggle and adoption fails. Budget time and money for comprehensive training.
Going Live at the Wrong Time
Don't go live during year-end, audit season, or peak business periods. The best time is right after a month-end close.
Related Resources
ERP Migration Guide
Complete guide to financial system upgrades
ERP Implementation Budget
Detailed cost breakdown
Planning a NetSuite Migration?
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