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 team’s primary focus was simply closing the books each month. As business expectations evolve, finance leaders are now stepping into broader strategic roles—playing a crucial part in shaping long-term success across their organisations.

Two major drivers are accelerating this shift: the growing adoption of AI and the increasing focus on ESG. While once seen as emerging trends, both are quickly becoming business priorities as organisations seek to boost efficiency, manage risk, and meet the expectations of customers, investors, and regulators.

In response, many finance teams are reviewing their existing systems, processes, and skills—looking for smarter ways to manage data, embrace automation, and contribute meaningfully to ESG goals. These themes were at the heart of a recent NetSuite webinar, Top Trends Supporting Businesses to Maximise Success, which explored how aligning people, processes, and technology can prepare organisations for the future. Here are some of the key takeaways.

Aligning Technology, Processes, and People

One of the main messages from the session was clear: to see real value from AI, businesses need a strong foundation. As highlighted by NetSuite ERP partners during the webinar, AI’s impact depends entirely on the quality of the data and workflows it is built upon. When applied effectively, AI can:

• Automate repetitive tasks and reduce human error

• Improve forecasting with predictive analytics

• Strengthen scenario planning and supply chain risk assessments

• Speed up access to critical business insights

However, the goal isn’t to replace finance professionals—it’s to elevate them. With AI, teams can shift from time-consuming data entry to more impactful interpretation and strategic decision-making.

This is where modern financial accounting software like NetSuite delivers real value. Its built-in automation, real-time reporting, and intelligent workflows enable finance departments to move from reactive operations to proactive planning—unlocking long-term NetSuite ERP benefits.

ESG Reporting Is Rising Up the Agenda

With new regulatory requirements on the horizon—particularly EU-driven ESG disclosures starting from financial year-ends in 2025—finance leaders are finding themselves at the centre of ESG reporting efforts.

The webinar’s advice? Don’t delay. Start integrating ESG into your systems now.

Implementing an ESG solution today helps avoid last-minute pressures later. NetSuite’s unified data model supports ESG services by bringing together financial and operational data—creating a reliable single source of truth for sustainability reporting. AI also supports ESG initiatives by:

• Capturing and analysing environmental and social performance data

• Automating key elements of ESG reporting

• Tracking progress against sustainability targets in real time

Embedding ESG into your core systems today allows finance teams to move beyond basic compliance and deliver real strategic value—building trust and demonstrating long-term resilience.

At OSSM, we’re already supporting businesses across the UK and Ireland on this journey—helping them integrate ESG services directly into their NetSuite ERP systems for a more efficient and effective approach to sustainability.

Why Many Finance Teams Are Still Struggling

Despite the opportunities AI and ESG present, many organisations are still facing challenges that limit their agility and insight. Common blockers highlighted in the webinar include:

• Outdated systems that lack true cloud capabilities

• Disconnected data and siloed departments

• Manual processes that increase errors and waste valuable time

• Poor collaboration between finance and other business functions

These limitations not only slow down reporting—they make it harder to adapt, stay compliant, or respond quickly to market changes.

The takeaway? Now is the time to modernise. Finance teams need flexible, scalable ERP systems that support automation, enable real-time insights, and empower continuous improvement.

Laying the Groundwork for Smarter Finance

Every business is at a different stage of digital transformation, but a great starting point is understanding where your finance team stands today. Here are a few practical steps inspired by the discussion:

• Map your current processes: Identify where delays, duplication, or inefficiencies exist

• Review your systems: Are your tools helping or hindering progress?

• Upskill your team: Equip staff with the knowledge to work confidently with modern tools and interpret data

• Engage business leaders: Show how finance can support wider strategic goals

Whether your organisation is focused on ESG compliance or looking to harness the potential of AI, it all begins with a solid foundation—underpinned by the right people, processes, and technology.

Looking Ahead

Whether your organisation is preparing for ESG compliance, improving reporting accuracy, or exploring how AI can streamline operations and uncover insights, finance teams are uniquely positioned to drive change.

From engaging with businesses across the UK and Ireland, we see that forward-thinking finance teams are already taking action. Rather than waiting, they’re embracing innovation and turning finance into a more strategic asset for the wider 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 future-proof your finance and ERP systems? Book a NetSuite demo and discover how a unified platform can simplify your processes and deliver lasting transformation.

About the Author

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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.

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

  • Field Service Management, Field Service Management - Solutions

Customer expectations have evolved—they now prioritise speed, transparency, and flawless service, leaving no space for inefficiencies or disorganisation. In sectors like field service management (FSM), where appointments are often time-critical and directly impact the customer experience, consistently meeting these expectations is becoming a growing challenge.

Businesses are feeling the strain of rising costs, talent shortages, and increasing regulatory demands. The Dublin Chamber’s Q1 2025 Business Outlook Survey reveals that 76% of companies are experiencing pressure on profit margins, while 61% are finding it difficult to recruit and retain skilled workers—issues that are particularly pronounced in field-based industries.

In this blog, we’ll look at how these pressures are reshaping the field service sector, from changing customer demands to operational and workforce challenges. We’ll also explore how OSSM, in collaboration with NetSuite, is supporting field service teams throughout Ireland and the UK, backed by insights from the Dublin Chamber’s latest findings.

Why Customer Service Matters More Than Ever

Let’s be honest—field service operations are anything but simple. From team coordination and scheduling to equipment tracking and responding to on-the-spot requests, every element needs to work in harmony to ensure a seamless customer experience. When even one part slips, it can disrupt the workflow and negatively affect how your service is viewed.

That’s why exceptional customer service has become a critical driver of success in this sector. According to the Dublin Chamber’s Q1 2025 Business Outlook Survey, over 76% of Dublin-based businesses are feeling the pinch of rising costs and pressure on profit margins. In this environment, boosting operational efficiency and nurturing strong customer relationships is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival and growth.

With the right field service management solution, businesses can tackle these challenges head-on—empowering their teams, keeping customers in the loop, and delivering consistent service that fosters trust, loyalty, and a long-term competitive edge.

The Customer Service Challenges Businesses Are Facing

The Dublin Chamber survey outlines several pressing challenges that are shaping how businesses deliver their services:

• Difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled staff – flagged by 61% of respondents

• Escalating labour and energy expenses – reported by 89% and 62% respectively

• Growing focus on technology and digital transformation – with 41% prioritising AI

• Increasing regulatory and compliance demands – seen as a key issue by 28%

These challenges directly impact the performance of field service teams and influence the overall customer experience. Whether it’s delays due to a shortage of technicians or compliance issues slowing down operations, the ripple effects on service delivery are significant.

Using Technology for Improved Customer Service

To address these mounting pressures, many businesses are turning to technology—and it’s having a real impact. According to the Dublin Chamber report, 41% of organisations are actively prioritising digital transformation, with AI playing a key role in driving greater efficiency.

NetSuite’s Field Service Management solution is designed to help businesses elevate the customer experience by:

• Intelligent Scheduling & Dispatch
Match the right technician to the right task using smart scheduling tools that minimise travel time and cut down on delays.

• Live Customer Updates
Automated messaging keeps customers informed in real time, offering updates on technician arrival and job progress to improve transparency and reduce uncertainty.

• Improved First-Time Fix Rates
With mobile access to service histories, AI-driven diagnostics, and the ability to troubleshoot remotely, technicians show up fully equipped—leading to faster resolutions and happier customers.

• Streamlined Compliance Management
Whether it’s health, safety, or environmental regulations, the system helps you stay compliant with automated reporting features and certification tracking.

Why OSSM and NetSuite Are Built for Field Service Success

As a trusted NetSuite partner in the UK, OSSM provides field service management solutions built to tackle the real challenges businesses face today.

Our integrated system offers:

• A mobile-first platform that keeps field and office teams seamlessly connected

• Unified visibility across field operations, finance, inventory, and CRM

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop scheduling for efficient dispatching

• Built-in compliance tracking for greater peace of mind

• Real-time insights and analytics to drive informed decisions

What really sets OSSM apart, though, is our in-depth knowledge of the demands field service businesses face. We go beyond just delivering software—we work closely with you to tailor a solution that fits your specific needs and long-term goals. Whether you’re operating in utilities, engineering, construction, or facilities management, our solutions are scalable, forward-looking, and designed to help you succeed even under pressure. From setup through to ongoing support, OSSM equips your teams to consistently deliver standout service.

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.