NetSuite's financial reporting features

Bridging the Gap: How AI and ESG Are Shaping the Future of Finance Teams

NetSuite's financial reporting features
  • AI, ESG, NetSuite Financial Management

Gone are the days when the finance function was simply about closing the books. As expectations shift, finance leaders are stepping into more strategic roles, helping to shape long-term success across the business. 

Two key forces are driving this transformation: the rise of AI and the growing importance of ESG. Once considered future-focused, both areas are quickly becoming relevant as businesses aim to improve efficiency, manage risk, and meet the demands of stakeholders. 

In response, many finance teams are re-evaluating their processes, technology, and skillsets — searching for smarter ways to manage data, support automation, and contribute to ESG goals. These themes were central to a recent NetSuite webinar titled Top Trends Supporting Businesses to Maximise Success, which explored how organisations can prepare for the future by aligning people, processes, and technology. Here’s a look at the key takeaways. 

Aligning Technology, Processes, and People

The webinar highlighted a clear starting point: before AI can deliver real value, businesses need strong foundational processes and systems. As NetSuite experts highlighted, AI is only as effective as the data and workflows it’s built upon. When implemented correctly, AI can: 

• Automate manual tasks and reduce human error 

• Improve forecasting through predictive modelling 

• Enhance scenario planning and supply chain risk analysis 

• Accelerate access to business-critical insights  

But it’s not about replacing people, it’s about freeing them up. AI enables finance teams to move from data gathering to data interpretation, allowing for better decision-making. 

This is where modern financial accounting software like NetSuite makes a difference. With built-in automation, real-time reporting, and intelligent workflows, NetSuite helps finance teams shift gears from reactive to proactive, and from operational to strategic.

ESG Reporting Is Rising Up the Agenda 

With regulatory pressures mounting, particularly the EU requirements for ESG reporting starting with financial year-ends in 2025, the finance function is being called on to play a pivotal role in gathering, validating, and reporting ESG data. 

The key message from the webinar? Start now. 

Integrating ESG into your financial systems today helps avoid a scramble later. NetSuite’s unified data model, for instance, supports ESG tracking by combining financial and operational data giving teams a single source of truth. AI can also help simplify ESG efforts by: 

• Collecting and analysing environmental and social impact data 

• Automating ESG reporting 

• Monitoring progress against sustainability targets in real time 

By embedding ESG into core systems and processes now, finance teams can move beyond compliance to create genuine competitive advantage — building trust with stakeholders and increasing long-term resilience. 

OSSM is actively supporting businesses on this journey, helping teams align ESG tracking and reporting within their existing NetSuite systems. 

Why Many Finance Teams Are Still Struggling 

Despite these opportunities, many businesses are still facing barriers that limit agility and insight. The webinar highlighted common roadblocks, including: 

• Legacy systems that aren’t truly cloud-based 

• Fragmented data and siloed teams 

• Manual processes that are time-consuming and error-prone 

• Limited collaboration across functions 

These issues not only slow down reporting, but they also make it harder to respond to market changes or meet evolving compliance requirements. 

The takeaway? Now is the time to modernise. Teams need flexible, scalable systems that support automation, real-time insight, and continuous improvement. 

Laying the Groundwork for Smarter Finance

Every organisation is at a different stage of transformation, but the best starting point is to evaluate where your finance team stands today. Here are some practical steps inspired by the webinar: 

• Map out your current processes: Identify bottlenecks and duplication 

• Review your tech stack: Are your systems supporting or hindering progress? 

• Engage your team: Upskill staff to work with new tools and interpret new data 

• Connect with leadership: Show how finance transformation supports broader goals 

Whether you’re preparing for ESG compliance or exploring AI capabilities, a strong foundation in people, processes, and technology is key. 

Looking Ahead

Whether your organisation is preparing for ESG compliance, seeking better reporting, or exploring how AI can support automation and analysis, finance teams have a unique opportunity to lead meaningful business transformation. 

From engaging with organisations across Ireland and the UK, it’s clear that future-ready finance teams are taking proactive steps today. Rather than waiting, they’re embracing innovation to stay ahead and add strategic value across the business. 

Let our team here at OSSM guide you on the right ERP journey to meet your current and future challenges. Are you ready to modernise your finance and ERP systems for long-term success? Book a NetSuite demo and discover how a unified platform can simplify your processes and drive true business transformation. 

About the Author

Picture of Ray Ryan

Ray Ryan

Ray Ryan is the CEO of the Noledge Group.

With over 30 years of experience in the software industry, Ray's expertise spans from Unix systems to modern cloud ERP solutions. As CEO, he leads the Noledge Group in delivering cutting-edge technology that simplifies business operations for our clients.

Technician using field service management software to meet customer expectations

Customer Expectations Are Rising — Is Your Field Service Management System Keeping Up?

Technician using field service management software to meet customer expectations
  • Field Service Management, Field Service Management - Solutions

Customer expectations have shifted; they now demand speed, visibility, and a level of service that leaves no room for delays or disorganisation. In industries like field service management (FSM), where every visit is time-sensitive and customer-facing, delivering that standard consistently is becoming increasingly difficult. 

Rising operational costs, talent shortages, and compliance demands are putting businesses under real pressure. According to the Dublin Chamber’s Q1 2025 Business Outlook Survey, 76% of businesses are facing margin pressure, and 61% are struggling to attract and retain skilled staff — both of which are felt acutely in field-based industries. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how today’s challenges are reshaping the field service landscape, from rising customer expectations to operational and staffing pressures. Drawing on key insights from the Dublin Chamber’s Q1 2025 report, we’ll also highlight how OSSM, in partnership with NetSuite, is helping field service teams across Ireland and the UK.  

Why Customer Service Matters More Than Ever 

Let’s face it, field service is complex. From coordinating teams and managing schedules to tracking equipment and responding to real-time requests, every moving part must align to deliver a smooth customer experience. When just one piece falters, it can disrupt the entire process and impact how your service is perceived. 

That’s why customer service has become a cornerstone of business performance in this space. The Dublin Chamber’s Q1 2025 Business Outlook Survey revealed that more than 76% of Dublin-based businesses are under pressure to protect margins due to rising costs. In this climate, improving efficiency and strengthening customer relationships isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a business imperative. 

A robust field service management system can help you meet these demands by empowering teams, keeping customers informed, and delivering a level of service that builds trust, loyalty, and a lasting competitive advantage. 

The Customer Service Challenges Businesses Are Facing

The Dublin Chamber survey highlights several key challenges that are affecting how businesses deliver service: 

• Attracting and retaining talent – 61% of businesses reported this as a major issue 

• Rising labour and energy costs – 89% and 62% respectively 

• Technological advancement and digitalisation – 41% are prioritising AI 

• Compliance and regulation – 28% see this as a critical concern 

Each of these issues affects how field service teams operate — and how customers experience your brand. From delayed appointments caused by technician shortages to compliance hurdles that slow down service, the knock-on effects are real. 

Using Technology for Improved Customer Service

To overcome these challenges, businesses are embracing technology and it’s making a difference. The Dublin Chamber report found that 41% of businesses are prioritising digital transformation, including the use of AI to boost efficiency. 

Here’s how NetSuite’s Field Service Management solution can transform your customer experience: 

• Smart Scheduling & Dispatch 
Assign the right technician to the right job with intelligent scheduling tools that cut travel time and reduce delays. 

• Real-Time Customer Communication 
Automated notifications keep customers informed with live updates, estimated arrival times, and job status — reducing frustration and increasing transparency. 

• Higher First-Time Fix Rates 
With mobile access to service history, AI-powered diagnostics, and remote troubleshooting, technicians arrive prepared, increasing resolution speed and satisfaction. 

• Compliance Confidence 
From health and safety to environmental standards, the software ensures you stay on top of evolving regulations through automated reporting and certification tracking. 

Why OSSM and NetSuite Are Built for Field Service Success 

As a trusted NetSuite partner, OSSM delivers field service management software that’s designed to solve real-world challenges. 

With our integrated field service management system, you get: 

• A fully mobile solution that keeps your teams connected on-site and, in the office 

• All-in-one visibility, integrating field service with finance, inventory, and CRM 

• Drag-and-drop scheduling tools that make dispatch a breeze 

• Automated compliance tracking for peace of mind 

• Real-time data and analytics to support smart decision-making 

But beyond the tools, what truly sets OSSM apart is our deep understanding of the unique pressures facing FSM businesses today. We don’t just offer software; we partner with you to tailor a solution that aligns with your operations and goals. Whether you’re in utilities, engineering services, construction, or facilities management, our field service management solutions are scalable, future-ready, and designed to help you thrive under pressure. From initial implementation to ongoing support, OSSM ensures your teams have what they need to deliver service that exceeds expectations every time. 

Looking Ahead: Customer Service as a Competitive Advantage  

Customer expectations are evolving, and the pressure on margins isn’t going away anytime soon. But with the right tools in place, field service businesses can do more than just keep up — they can lead. 

By embracing digital innovation and choosing the best field service management software, you can future-proof your operations, boost team performance, and deliver the kind of service that keeps customers coming back. 

Ready to see how it works? Book a NetSuite demo with OSSM today and discover what’s possible. 

About the Author

Picture of Naren Sompalli

Naren Sompalli

Naren holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from BNM Institute of Technology. As a NetSuite specialist, he is involved in implementation at OSSM, collaborating with a team of experienced consultants. Naren conducts workshops for solution implementation and delivery, providing technical support and expertise.