NetSuite SuiteCloud Analytics vs Phocas

SuiteCloud Analytics is the BI layer within NetSuite offering saved searches and workbooks. It supports ODBC/JDBC connectivity and external BI tools. Many users find its visuals lacking, the documentation technical and collaboration features limited so require more support. NetSuite Analytics Warehouse is usually a paid add-on to consolidate multiple data sources and extend functionality.

Phocas offers an intuitive interface that consolidates ERP, CRM, spreadsheets, and other systems into one analytics platform. It provides interactive dashboards, ad‑hoc analysis, drill‑downs, AI‑powered queries all with live data. Users especially appreciate how quickly they can access and share insights, even without a technical background.

SuiteCloud Analytics is built into NetSuite so setup is supposed to be seamless if you're already on the platform. Adding NetSuite Analytics Warehouse can slow down the process but the tradeoff is more functionality.

Many users advise implementation can get costly at enterprise scale and smaller teams find the documentation overwhelming especially if customization is required.

Phocas’ pre-built NetSuite integration offers a secure, straightforward and cost effective implementation. As a certified Built for NetSuite Partner, Phocas offers seamless integration with NetSuite. This provides significant upfront and ongoing benefits, ensuring reliable integration and continued trust in the data.

A unique aspect of Phocas’ integration with NetSuite is the use of saved searches, enabling users to leverage pre-defined queries within NetSuite. Phocas can efficiently and accurately retrieve the specific information needed for analysis, while respecting the data structures and business rules already established within NetSuite.

SuiteCloud Analytics offers workbooks, saved searches, pivot tables, charts and dashboards to create reports. Many users note the visuals are limited and collaboration features also lacking. To create more advanced or custom reports requires specialized technical expertise. Users need to navigate complex data structures, customize reports extensively and in many cases depend on IT teams or consultants to build and maintain queries.

Phocas prioritizes ease of use and self-service reporting. Business users appreciate that they can build reports once and have them updated automatically. Features like dynamic drill-down and use of saved searches ensure data remains accurate while users explore it independently. This simplicity drives faster adoption across teams without comprising the ability to link financial and operational data for more complex reporting.

NetSuite customers rely on support, and when basic support runs out, you need to pay for the advanced option. Basic support typically covers troubleshooting when something is not working, but if customers need help building reports this falls under managed support.

From a services perspective, maintaining NetSuite is a complex overhead that demands technical expertise. Unfortunately, training is usually limited to initial onboarding, leaving customers without ongoing guidance. 

Phocas takes a multi-faceted approach to provide customer support. Free services include a dedicated account manager for every customer, a local support desk and online customer resources with user documentation and video tutorials.

Accessible customer training is offered live and on-demand every month. The platform also delivers quick insights through Phocas AI, conducts on-site onboarding training and shares regular additional resources to support users.