Hello, everyone! I’m Osar Iyamu, Co-founder and CEO of OdeCloud. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down for an episode of Coffee and Consultants, where I shared the story behind the founding of OdeCloud, our unique marketplace for business technology consultants. Today, I’d like to take you through my journey and the insights I’ve gained along the way.

The Beginning: From Physics to Tech Consulting

My journey into consulting began over 15 years ago in France, where I had the opportunity to work with SAP and Airbus on large-scale projects. With a background in physics and electronics, I soon realized that my true passion lay at the intersection of technology and business. This led me to pursue further studies in business, ultimately paving the way for my career in tech consulting.

Moving to Canada: A New Chapter

In 2010, I moved to Montreal and joined Deloitte, where I worked for five years. During my time there, I gained invaluable experience but also realized that the traditional consulting model had its limitations. I craved more flexibility and independence, which inspired me to transition into freelancing. This move was a crucial step that eventually led to the creation of OdeCloud.

The Birth of OdeCloud

The idea for OdeCloud emerged from a simple Slack group of three independent consultants who were supporting each other. This collaborative spirit resonated with many, and today, our community has grown to over 500 consultants. What sets OdeCloud apart is our focus on seasoned, independent consultants who bring a wealth of expertise to the table. We believe in forming long-term partnerships with our clients, ensuring consistent and tailored solutions to meet their evolving needs.

Overcoming Challenges

Starting OdeCloud wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was shifting my mindset from being a consultant to becoming a tech entrepreneur. For the first two years, I worked alone, which was an isolating experience. However, finding like-minded co-founders, such as Vanielle and Ahad, who shared the same vision, was a turning point. Together, we built a platform that addresses the needs of enterprises while fostering a supportive community for consultants.

Key Differentiators

Our key differentiators lie in the quality of our consultants and our commitment to long-term client relationships. We provide businesses with access to top-tier independent consultants who bring deep expertise and a personal touch. Unlike traditional consulting firms, we offer continuity and consistency, ensuring that our clients have reliable support over extended periods.

Achievements and Milestones

One of my proudest achievements is the growth of our team. We’ve expanded across four continents, and every new addition brings fresh energy and commitment to our vision. Another significant milestone is the positive impact we’ve had on the lives of our consultants. Many have found greater work-life balance, professional fulfillment, and personal growth through their association with OdeCloud.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering a similar path, my advice is to view entrepreneurship as a marathon, not a sprint. Surround yourself with co-founders and team members who share your vision and are committed to the journey. Building a successful business takes time, patience, and resilience.

The Future of OdeCloud

Looking ahead, our focus remains on connecting businesses with the best consultants and supporting these consultants in sustaining their independent careers. We aim to foster long-term relationships that benefit both our clients and our consultants, ensuring mutual growth and success.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. For those interested in learning more about OdeCloud, you can reach me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn. If you’re part of the OdeCloud community, feel free to reach out to me on our platform’s chat.

Thank you for your support, and stay tuned for more exciting developments from OdeCloud.

Best regards,  

Osar Iyamu  

Founder and CEO, OdeCloud

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Tax season can be overwhelming for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to corporate giants. It’s hard enough to keep up with the ever-changing tax code and filing requirements and track exemptions and credits. Fortunately, NetSuite Tax Management provides an effective solution for businesses by streamlining the entire tax process, from setting up worksheets to filing returns quickly and accurately. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how NetSuite Tax Management simplifies your business’s taxes so you can focus on more important tasks like expanding your operations or pursuing new markets. Read on as we explore why this innovative software is essential for every business’s bottom line.

What Is NetSuite Tax Management?

NetSuite Tax Management is an advanced tax solution designed to help businesses automate their entire tax process. It provides a comprehensive system that simplifies the complexities of filing taxes, making it easier and more efficient to manage your business’s taxes. With NetSuite Tax Management, you can keep track of all your federal, state, and local taxes in one place. The software also provides an intuitive tax calendar, allowing you to easily plan for filing deadlines and other important dates throughout the year.

How Does NetSuite Tax Management Work?

NetSuite Tax Management makes it easy to calculate taxes, file returns, and track payments in one unified system. It helps businesses save time by automating the entire process, from setting up worksheets to filing returns quickly and accurately. The software also simplifies complex tax rules, allowing you to track exemptions and credits easily. Plus, NetSuite Tax Management integrates seamlessly with other applications so you can manage your taxes without leaving your existing business processes.

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NetSuite Tax Management: The Benefits of Automated Tax Processing

For businesses, the ability to manage taxes quickly and accurately is essential. With NetSuite’s comprehensive tax management system, you can automate your tax processes while ensuring accuracy in all of your returns. Let’s examine the benefits of using NetSuite’s automated tax management system.

Tax Compliance Across Multiple Jurisdictions

With NetSuite’s automated tax management system, businesses can easily remain compliant across multiple jurisdictions. The system simplifies the process of meeting different jurisdictional regulations by automatically calculating taxes for any jurisdiction your business operates in. This eliminates the need for manual calculations or keeping up with changes in regulations for each jurisdiction. Additionally, you can use NetSuite’s predefined tax rules to simplify compliance procedures even further.

Customize Your Tax Strategy

NetSuite allows you to customize your tax strategy based on your business needs and goals. You can choose from various options, such as reducing taxable income through deductions or credits or taking advantage of special incentives offered by certain jurisdictions. Additionally, you can set up custom rules that apply only to specific transactions or customers so that you always remain compliant while taking full advantage of available opportunities offered by different jurisdictions.

Handle All Types of Taxes

NetSuite can handle all types of taxes, such as sales and use tax, value-added tax (VAT), personal property tax, payroll taxes, and other special taxes. The software allows you to easily manage all these taxes in one place without needing multiple systems for each type of tax. Plus, the system automatically updates your records in real-time as taxes change, so you’ll always have accurate and up-to-date information for filing returns.

Features of NetSuite Tax Management

Streamlining tax management processes can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Many businesses are finding that NetSuite Tax Management is the perfect solution to their tax management needs. With this software, businesses can take advantage of automated VAT/GST calculations, US sales tax, audit capabilities, flexible reporting, and access to tax service partners. Let’s explore how these features will help your business.

Automated VAT/GST Calculation

NetSuite Tax Management provides users with one-click VAT/GST calculation for more than 80 countries. This feature allows businesses to quickly and accurately calculate taxes for international transactions with ease. It also automatically updates rates and regulations regularly, so you can rest assured that you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.

US Sales Tax

NetSuite Tax Management simplifies US sales tax requirements by automatically calculating sales taxes based on the customer’s address. This feature also includes built-in rules for product exemptions in selected states as well as support for nexus definitions and filing thresholds throughout the US.

Audit Capabilities

NetSuite Tax Management offers a comprehensive range of features that make it easier to stay current with tax regulations and comply with them in your business operations. Among these features are audit capabilities, allowing you to more securely manage how users access certain tax data and limit the ability for any one user to make changes. There is also an intuitive way to calculate correct taxes line-by-line and show the rationale for each, which can be set up and implemented in any language.

Dynamic Reporting

It offers a range of flexible reporting options designed to make life easier for businesses dealing with multiple currencies and jurisdictions. The software provides users with reports on all aspects of their business, including sales taxes, VAT/GST calculations, customer payments, and more, so you can track everything in one place without having to jump from report to report or worry about tracking multiple currencies across multiple jurisdictions.

Tax Service Partners

Finally, NetSuite Tax Management offers integration with trusted third-party service partners who specialize in global tax services, such as Avalara and Vertex Cloud Indirect Tax Solutions (formerly known as Vertex O Series). These partners provide access to additional services, such as filing returns electronically in real-time while helping businesses comply with local laws worldwide.

Conclusion

NetSuite Tax Management is the perfect tool for businesses looking to streamline their tax processes and remain compliant with local regulations. The software provides a range of features, including automated VAT/GST calculation, US sales tax, audit capabilities, dynamic reporting, and access to global tax service partners that can help make managing taxes easier and more efficient. With these features and more, NetSuite Tax Management is the perfect solution for businesses looking to simplify their tax processes.

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Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become the backbone of modern businesses, streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and facilitating informed decision-making. However, ensuring the reliability, functionality, and security of ERP systems is paramount for organizational success. ERP Testing serves as a critical process to validate system configurations, data integrity, and performance. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into ten essential types of ERP testing conducted within Oracle NetSuite, shedding light on their significance and impact on organizational operations.

Functionality Testing:

Functionality testing focuses on evaluating the performance of individual modules or components within the ERP system. By testing functionalities such as Order to Cash in NetSuite against specified requirements, organizations can ensure that each component operates seamlessly, meeting user expectations and business objectives.

Some tools to help with automated process testing: Xcelero – Automated Testing for NetSuite, Chassi – Process Improvement Platform

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Performance Testing:

Performance testing assesses the system’s ability to handle various workloads and user interactions efficiently. By simulating real-world scenarios with multiple users performing concurrent tasks, organizations gain insights into the system’s performance capabilities, identifying bottlenecks and areas for optimization

Integration Testing:

Integration testing validates the smooth flow of data between interconnected systems, ensuring data integrity and security during transfer processes. In Oracle NetSuite, integration testing verifies the seamless exchange of data between different modules and external applications, guaranteeing interoperability and reliability.

IT Tool Control Testing:

IT Tool Control Testing focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of security measures and controls implemented within the ERP system. Measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA), login audit trails, and security questions in NetSuite are rigorously tested to identify and mitigate potential security threats and vulnerabilities.

Regression Testing:

Regression testing is essential for ensuring the stability and reliability of the ERP system, particularly after software updates or modifications. By retesting existing functionalities and verifying the impact of changes on previously resolved issues, organizations can maintain system integrity and minimize the risk of regression errors.

Smoke Testing/Patch Testing:

Smoke testing, also known as patch testing, involves targeted testing of critical functionalities or priority areas within the ERP system. This focused approach ensures that essential features are thoroughly tested before broader implementation, minimizing the risk of system failures or disruptions. This test is mostly done after a major deployment of new changes in a production environment.

Installation Testing:

Installation testing encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of the deployment process, ensuring that all mandatory requirements are met and configurations are correctly implemented. By following a predefined checklist, organizations can verify the integrity of the installation process and mitigate potential deployment issues.

Adaptability Testing:

Adaptability testing evaluates the ERP system’s ability to adapt to evolving market trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. By testing features such as automatic capture of forex rates in NetSuite, organizations can ensure that the system remains aligned with current industry standards and practices.

Data Handling Testing:

Data handling testing assesses the ERP system’s capability to process and manage various forms of data inputs, including characters, images, and barcodes. By validating data integrity, accuracy, and consistency, organizations can ensure reliable data management and reporting capabilities.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT):

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is conducted by end-users to evaluate the system’s usability, functionality, and overall user experience. By involving stakeholders in the testing process, organizations can gather valuable feedback, identify usability issues, and ensure that the ERP system meets user expectations and business requirements

In conclusion, ERP testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, functionality, and security of Oracle NetSuite and other ERP systems. By adopting a comprehensive testing approach encompassing functionality, performance, integration, security, and user acceptance testing, organizations can mitigate risks, optimize system performance, and drive operational excellence. As businesses continue to evolve and embrace digital transformation, robust ERP testing methodologies will remain essential for maintaining competitive advantage and delivering value to stakeholders.

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In the dynamic landscape of B2B operations, managing customer records efficiently is paramount for seamless transactions and robust business relationships. Within the realm of NetSuite, a leading cloud-based ERP solution, consultants often encounter a critical decision point: whether to utilize a combination of customer and address records or to opt for a more sophisticated approach involving customer and sub-customer records. This choice significantly influences how businesses map out their Sold-to & Ship-to relations and impacts various operational facets. In this comprehensive exploration – NetSuite Customer Data Management – we’ll delve into these two schools of thought, accompanied by key questions, considerations, and the consultant’s role in guiding clients towards an informed decision.

Key Questions to Ask

1. Distribution Centers (DCs): Do you refer to customer shipping addresses as Distribution Centers?
2. Ordering from Addresses: Do personnel at these addresses typically place orders themselves?
3. Sales Rep Interactions: Are your sales representatives interacting with employees at these addresses for terms and pricing negotiations, or is that solely conducted with individuals at headquarters?
4. Autonomous AP Teams: Can the Accounts Payable team at these addresses decide independently to pay for orders shipped to them?
5. Credit Limits per Address: Do you intend to enforce a specific credit limit per shipping address for your customers?

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Decision Making

A “YES” answer to any of the questions above strongly suggests the necessity of implementing a Customer & Sub-customer structure within NetSuite. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of this approach:

Pros of Sub-customer Records

Flexibility: Sub-customer records provide enhanced flexibility, allowing businesses to leverage out-of-the-box NetSuite features to meet specific requirements. Whether it’s custom pricing, credit limits, or transaction rules, sub-customers offer a granular level of control.

Learn more about NetSuite workflows

Customization: Businesses can tailor settings and configurations at the sub-customer level, ensuring finer control over operations. This level of customization enables businesses to accommodate diverse customer needs and streamline processes accordingly.

Detailed Reporting: Sub-customer structures facilitate detailed reporting, enabling businesses to gain deeper insights into customer-specific activities and transactions. By segregating data at the sub-customer level, organizations can generate comprehensive reports that drive informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Cons of Sub-customer Records

Data Management Overhead: Working with sub-customers requires additional effort in terms of data management and maintenance. Businesses must invest time and resources into accurately categorizing and updating sub-customer records to ensure data integrity and consistency. Proper NetSuite Customer Data Management is crucial in this regard.

Invoicing Complexity: There might be increased complexity during the invoicing process, potentially necessitating more effort from the finance team. Managing multiple sub-customer accounts and associated billing details can introduce challenges in generating accurate invoices and reconciling accounts receivable.

Payment Collection Challenges: Sub-customer structures could introduce complexities in payment collection processes, requiring careful management to ensure smooth transactions. Businesses must implement robust payment collection strategies and closely monitor receivables to mitigate risks associated with sub-customer transactions.

Consultant’s Role

As consultants, it’s imperative to guide clients through the decision-making process by thoroughly evaluating their specific needs, operational workflows, and long-term objectives. By asking the right questions and considering the pros and cons of each approach, consultants can empower clients to make informed decisions that align with their business goals.

In conclusion, the choice between utilizing customer and address records versus customer and sub-customer records in NetSuite warrants careful consideration. While sub-customer structures offer greater flexibility and functionality, they also entail additional complexities that must be weighed against the specific requirements and capabilities of the business. By providing insightful guidance and support, consultants can help clients navigate this decision effectively, ensuring optimal utilization of NetSuite’s capabilities to drive operational excellence and business growth through efficient NetSuite Customer Data Management.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions with regards to managing B2B customer records in NetSuite.

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So, you’ve got the skills, the experience, and the itch to break free from the corporate shackles and dive headfirst into the world of independent consulting. But, let’s be real – it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Finding gigs, keeping the work flowing, and avoiding the dreaded employment gaps can be downright nerve-wracking. And let’s not even get started on the nightmares of getting stuck in unvetted projects or attempting to tackle massive undertakings solo. Fear not, fellow consultants; we’ve got the scoop on OdeCloud, your go-to On Demand Experts Cloud, and how it stacks up against the Anderson Frank and the likes of the world.

Finding Independent Consulting Jobs and Clients

Picture this: You’ve got the skills, the hustle, but where are the gigs hiding? Enter OdeCloud, your beacon of hope in the freelance / independent consulting wilderness. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a bustling marketplace, a tight-knit community, and a tech-savvy haven all rolled into one. No more endless scrolling through generic job boards or sending out your CV into the void. OdeCloud matches you with curated hiring managers, projects tailor-made for your expertise, and a crew of co-workers who are not just colleagues but potential partners in crime.

Staying Employed and Avoiding Gaps

Ever had those sleepless nights wondering if the work faucet will suddenly run dry, leaving you with unused billable hours and a sinking feeling in your gut? We get it. OdeCloud, with its magical matchmaking prowess, ensures that the work keeps flowing. No more twiddling your thumbs during unexpected downtime. It’s like having a career GPS – always guiding you to the next exciting project, steering clear of those nerve-wracking gaps.

Vetted Projects and Strategic Alignments

Let’s be honest – nobody wants to be stuck in a project that’s not enabling you to grow professionally. OdeCloud understands the importance of having vetted clients and teammates who are on the same wavelength. It’s not just about finding a gig; it’s about finding the right gig. Picture this: strategic alignments, outcomes that actually matter, and a team that’s got your back. OdeCloud brings the matchmaker vibes to your consulting game, ensuring you’re always on projects that align with your goals.

Handling Large and Complex Projects Alone

The prospect of tackling mammoth projects solo is, frankly, terrifying. But fear not, because OdeCloud doesn’t leave you to fend for yourself in the consulting wilderness. It understands that sometimes you need a team of experts to consult and team up with when the going gets tough. OdeCloud gives you the support you need, ensuring that you’re not just surviving but thriving in the world of freelancing.

“I’ve found the OdeCloud community to be so much more than just the one person that recruited me. As it turns out, one great human attracts a lot of other great humans, and I just feel really lucky to be a part of this community.” Sara Dickinson – OdeCloud Community Fosters Meaningful Connections Among NetSuite Consultants

OdeCloud vs. Anderson Frank: A Tale of Two Worlds

Now, let’s talk about the Anderson Franks of the world – dealing with hundreds of job seekers, lacking the technical finesse you crave, and offering one-off projects that lead to constant clarifications and follow-ups. It’s like comparing a flip phone to a smartphone. Anderson Frank may throw an occasional project your way, but when it comes to deep technical expertise, enabling your career growth and personalized support, they fall short. That’s where OdeCloud steps in, offering a more comprehensive and personalized experience. It’s not just about the work; it’s about your success. OdeCloud cares about making your freelance business not just manageable but downright joyful.

“That’s a big thing for me with this idea going into freelancing, that — not to make it about money, but hopefully my bill rate can be a little higher so I can work fewer hours and (not have to) to grind out and make as much money as possible. I want to be able to enjoy my life and be able to punch out in the middle of the day and be able to play with my kid if I want to — and not feel guilty about it” Patrick Olson – Make More Time for You and Your Family By Becoming a Freelance

So, dear Business Tech Consultants, as you embark on your freelance journey, your quest for independence and a career on your terms, let OdeCloud be your guiding star. It’s more than a platform; it’s your partner in the wild world of independent consulting – making your journey not just successful but downright enjoyable. Here’s to independence and a freelance life that’s anything but ordinary! .

The post Thinking about Independent Consulting? OdeCloud vs. Anderson Frank & the likes appeared first on OdeBlog.

Fellow NetSuite Consultants and members of the OdeCloud NetSuite community,

It’s only Tuesday, but feels like Thursday already . First of all, it’s really exciting to be part of a thriving global NetSuite community and to be connected with so many NetSuite consultants here on the OdeCloud platform. It’s truly incredible the journey this has been, from a our little community Slack account in 2020 to fully featured and proprietary technology platform. I can definitely tell you we took the longer route. However, we weren’t alone.

We have had NetSuite professionals and business clients since day-one of this platform. We continue to grow in numbers each day, however we remain an exclusive community open to the most experienced NetSuite consultants, and now invite more business technology professionals to join us (Salesforce, SAP, Infor, MS Dyamics and more).

Our Purpose

Business Technology Consultants transitioning to independent consulting seek the freedom and flexibility that freelance work provides, leveraging their expertise and experience for autonomy. However, these professionals often harbor concerns about securing consistent job opportunities, avoiding employment gaps, engaging in vetted projects, and handling large-scale assignments without support. These anxieties underscore the importance of a platform that not only understands their needs but also exceeds expectations in addressing these key fears.

Enter OdeCloud, an acronym for On Demand Experts Cloud, positioned as a reliable marketplace, community, and technology platform. OdeCloud effectively alleviates the apprehensions of independent consultants by matching them with curated hiring managers, projects, and co-workers, exceeding expectations in the crucial aspects of job acquisition

In contrast, traditional alternatives like Anderson Frank, dealing with a large volume of job seekers, fall short in providing the deep technical expertise and personalized support that consultants crave. While Anderson Frank may handle occasional projects, OdeCloud shines by offering a more comprehensive and personalized experience, caring about the success of independent consultants and providing assisted placement services that significantly ease the process of running a freelance business, making it not only more manageable but also more enjoyable.

We are also pleased to have with us many software partners highly recommended in the Business Technology ecosystem by NetSuite consultants.

Lastly, the party would not be complete without the clients we absolutely love! What is more powerful than seeing your consultant call upon his community of over 500 top experts to crowdsource the best solution for your NetSuite projects or help resolve pressing issues, quickly? We are happy to have you here.

Where are. Where are headed

For those who just joined us  and have not meet with Ahad Arain, Vanielle Lee and myself (Co-Founders) yet to chat about OdeCloud, below is the vision we have for this platform

We want to upgrade the experience of technology consultants, better connect them to their peers, promote camaraderie, community and collaborative learning for a greater personal and professional growth, and help them achieve their entrepreneurial goals as freelancers.

Our vision is to be the world’s most human-centric, community-driven and knowledgable talent marketplace where the highest value jobs find their talent match.

Our mission is to improve people’s lives by helping them achieve a more fulfilling and joyful independent career and a greater work life balance.

We have achieved part of this vision with the launch of our social feed “OdeSocial” and our freelance marketplace for NetSuite Consultants. But it’s just the beginning. There is more to come .

Thank you all for your support to OdeCloud and to each other! 

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