How The Quartz Corp Transformed its Global Supply Chain with NetSuite

At the recent Nordic NetSuite Summit (Oct 2024), Jeffrey Curtis, CFO of The Quartz Corp (TQC), shared a compelling account of how TQC transformed its complex, global supply chain using NetSuite. From navigating a challenging initial implementation to aligning teams worldwide, Curtis detailed the strategies and solutions that supported TQC’s impressive growth—significantly increasing business activity in the past two years. In this article, we’ll explore how NetSuite has enabled TQC’s rapid scaling and what other businesses can learn from their journey.

TQC’s operations and supply chain complexity

The Quartz Corp (TQC) operates as a global provider of high-purity quartz, a critical raw material in semiconductor and solar manufacturing. Their operations start with mining in North Carolina, where raw quartz is extracted and purified before being further processed in Norway. Once refined, the quartz is distributed to customers worldwide, from Europe to Asia. This complex, end-to-end process requires precision and strict quality standards, as even minor disruptions in material quality could impact downstream production in industries where consistency is paramount.

“Our supply chain might look simple on paper, but we’re managing a global operation where each step impacts the next,” Curtis noted. He emphasised that their ability to support global demand hinges on maintaining a real-time view of this intricate supply chain.

The NetSuite implementation journey

TQC initially embarked on its NetSuite journey with high hopes but quickly encountered challenges. As Curtis recounted, the first phase of their NetSuite project faced delays and setbacks, resulting in a relaunch with new NetSuite implementation partners. Recognising the need for localised support, TQC formed partnerships with Staria and an American NetSuite provider to better address the unique demands of TQC’s regions.

The implementation process was highly collaborative. Early in the relaunch, Curtis and Staria held an international kick-off meeting with nearly 60 team members from TQC’s U.S., Norwegian, and Chinese operations to align on project goals. “Our team was committed to making this work because we needed a single, scalable system to manage our global operations,” Curtis said.

Key strategies for ERP success

• Defining Minimum Viable Product (MVP): With NetSuite in place, TQC focused on deploying a minimum viable product (MVP), prioritizing only essential functions at first. Curtis emphasized the importance of this strategy for maintaining budget and timeline, while ensuring immediate value. “Having buy-in on our MVP was crucial,” he said. “It allowed us to meet our initial goals without trying to solve every problem at once.”

• Building Super Users: Curtis spoke about the value of identifying and empowering “super users” within TQC, training them to master specific processes in NetSuite. Although some areas required additional IT support, these super users became the first line of support within each department. “We’re still growing this expertise,” Curtis added, “but having these champions has been essential for user adoption and ongoing improvements.”

• On-Site Collaboration: TQC also facilitated team building by bringing project members on-site to their U.S. and Norwegian facilities, an approach that helped partners understand the day-to-day challenges of their supply chain. This on-site time was invaluable for fostering teamwork, Curtis noted. “There’s a big difference when partners see the operation in person—it’s crucial for a project this complex.”

Impact on TQC’s financial and supply chain operations

After successfully implementing NetSuite, TQC saw several substantial improvements in both their financial and supply chain operations:

• Standardized Financial Processes: TQC now has a unified financial reporting system, giving executives a consistent and accurate view of the company’s finances across regions.

• Supply Chain Visibility: With NetSuite’s integrated tools, TQC has improved visibility into their supply chain, supporting better demand forecasting and planning.

• Automated Intercompany Transactions: Curtis highlighted the efficiency gains from NetSuite’s automated intercompany transaction flows, which previously required manual intervention and were prone to error. “It just works,” he said. “This has been a game-changer for us.”

Lessons learned

Reflecting on the project, Curtis offered several takeaways for other businesses considering or undertaking ERP implementations:

• Choosing the Right Partner: Curtis stressed the importance of selecting an implementation partner with the right expertise and cultural fit. TQC’s initial partner was not equipped to meet the unique demands of their global supply chain, and a change was essential for the project’s success. Curtis emphasized the need for a partner who could understand TQC’s unique demands across different regions. Staria, a NetSuite solutions provider, stepped in with a local presence and deep expertise, enabling TQC to restart the implementation with confidence.

• Ensuring Open Communication: Transparent communication between partners was crucial for TQC. Curtis recommended that companies prioritize open discussions with their implementation partners, as honest dialogue helped TQC and Staria navigate challenges together. From early on this transparent approach allowed both sides to make swift adjustments to the project scope, prioritize essential functions, and work toward a “minimum viable product” that would enable TQC to move forward quickly.

• Continuous Improvement Post-Go-Live: Rather than considering an ERP implementation “finished” at go-live, Curtis encouraged companies to see it as an ongoing process. At TQC, they continue to refine NetSuite’s functionality to adapt to new business needs. Today, Staria remains a trusted partner for TQC, providing ongoing NetSuite support and expertise as TQC continues to expand and adapt its ERP solution. Curtis stressed that Staria’s involvement didn’t end at go-live; instead, they became a key part of TQC’s strategy for continuous improvement.

Conclusion

TQC’s NetSuite implementation was a testament to the power of teamwork, clear communication, and strategic focus on essentials. Through its collaboration with Staria, TQC was able to overcome initial setbacks, develop their globally integrated supply chain, and implement a scalable ERP solution.

Curtis’s final message at the Summit was one of commitment to continuous improvement, positioning NetSuite as a long-term solution that will grow alongside TQC. “This is the system we want to be on,” he said, “and it’s the system we’ll continue to build on as we evolve.”