When companies first go live on NetSuite, one of the most common questions they ask is: “Do we need a NetSuite Administrator?” To answer that, it helps to first understand what exactly a NetSuite Administrator does — and how the role fits into your overall ERP strategy.
A NetSuite Administrator is the person responsible for keeping your system running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. While developers focus on coding and customizations, administrators focus on functionality, usability, and supporting end users.
In short: the administrator is the bridge between your people and your platform.
While every business is unique, most NetSuite Administrator roles cover some combination of:
User Management – Creating roles, permissions, and access levels.
Training & Support – Helping team members learn NetSuite and answering daily questions.
Configuration – Setting up dashboards, forms, fields, and saved searches.
Data Management – Importing, cleaning, and maintaining accurate records.
Documentation – Writing SOPs and internal guides for consistent processes.
Troubleshooting – Identifying whether issues are caused by processes, settings, or data errors.
Process Improvement – Spotting opportunities to reduce manual work and use more of NetSuite’s built-in features.
Learn more about our NetSuite Managed Services where we provide many of these functions as an on-demand team.
Without an administrator, your system often falls into “Excel creep” — where users revert to spreadsheets because NetSuite feels too slow, confusing, or out of sync. Over time, this erodes adoption and undermines the value of your investment.
A skilled NetSuite Administrator helps prevent that by:
Keeping the system aligned with your processes.
Ensuring users feel supported and confident.
Acting as the first line of defense for issues before they escalate to costly consulting projects.
It’s worth clarifying the difference between an Administrator and a Developer:
The Administrator handles functional support — training, configuration, and end-user needs.
The Developer handles technical customization — scripts, integrations, and complex automation.
Some people wear both hats, but most lean stronger to one side. Many companies benefit from both skill sets at different times, which is why NetSuite consulting partners often provide access to both.
Related: NetSuite Developer vs. Administrator — What’s the Difference?
The answer depends on your speed, complexity, volume, and budget:
If you have a large user base with frequent support needs, an in-house administrator may make sense.
If your system is highly customized or integrates with multiple platforms, you may need a mix of admin and developer support.
If you don’t have enough daily needs for a full-time role, a NetSuite support partner can provide admin-level support on demand.
Explore our About Us page to learn how we guide companies through these decisions.
A NetSuite Administrator is not just a “nice to have.” For many companies, they’re the key to maximizing adoption, reducing inefficiencies, and protecting your ERP investment.
Whether you hire internally or partner externally, the important part is making sure someone owns this role — so your team can focus on growing the business instead of wrestling with the system.