The Unique ERP Needs of Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors
By Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting When most people think about ERP and digital transformation, they picture large enterprises with big budgets and full-time project teams. But the reality is, small and mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies face just as much complexity — if not more — when it comes to upgrading their […]
Top 7 ERP Software Selection Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them
By Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting When it comes to ERP software, companies often think the biggest risk is choosing the wrong system. But in reality? The bigger danger is picking the right software — and then failing in how you select, implement, and integrate it. After working with hundreds of organizations across […]
Choosing the Right ERP for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers: Don’t Overlook the Underdogs
A Strategic Guide to Evaluating Vendors, Aligning Tech with Growth, and Avoiding Common ERP Mistakes Why ERP Selection Matters More Than Ever for SMB Manufacturers If you’re running a small or mid-sized manufacturing or distribution company, you’re likely feeling the pressure to modernize. Disconnected systems, manual processes, and legacy software may have worked in the […]
Technology Strategies for Small and Midsize Manufacturers and Distributors
Why Smaller Manufacturers Are Rethinking Their Core Systems Small and midsize manufacturing and distribution companies are at a unique inflection point. Many are still relying on aging systems like QuickBooks, Excel spreadsheets, or legacy ERPs that weren’t designed for today’s dynamic supply chains or customer expectations. The top two reasons these companies look to upgrade […]
Is Your ERP System Ready for AI? Here’s How to Tell
ERP System Readiness for AI Starts with Data When organizations ask if their ERP system is “ready for AI,” they’re usually asking the wrong question. AI is system agnostic. It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a modern cloud-based ERP or a 20-year-old on-prem solution. What matters most? Your data. Before exploring AI capabilities, your first […]
Defining Your Digital Strategy: Top Technology Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Why Digital Strategy Starts with the Right Technology Trends As digital transformation accelerates, leaders are asking the right question: Which technology trends should guide our digital strategy? The answer isn’t just about adopting the flashiest tools—it’s about building a strong, flexible foundation that enables sustainable change. Whether you’re migrating to the cloud or evaluating AI-driven […]
How ERP Software Almost Killed Gummy Bears: Lessons from Haribo’s SAP Failure
By Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting Yes, you read that right—ERP software nearly ruined gummy bears. Several years ago, Haribo, the beloved German candy company behind those colorful, chewy bears, ran into a digital disaster during their SAP ERP implementation. The failure wasn’t just an inconvenience—it led to major supply chain issues during […]
Why Your Employees Aren’t Ready for Digital Transformation (Even If You Think They Are)
Digital transformation promises growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage — but for most organizations, the biggest challenge isn’t technology. It’s people. If you think your team is fully ready for a transformation initiative, you’re probably wrong. In this article, we’ll explore four silent warning signs that your employees may be resisting change — not out of […]
5 Powerful Reasons Small Businesses Upgrade from QuickBooks to ERP Systems
Small businesses are the engine of innovation, but many eventually hit a point where their foundational tools—like QuickBooks, spreadsheets, or homegrown systems—no longer support their growth. If you’re at that inflection point, you’re not alone. At Third Stage Consulting, we frequently help small businesses navigate the decision to implement ERP software. But what sparks this […]
5 Critical Reasons Executive Sponsorship Is Essential for Small Business ERP Success
ERP implementations are never easy—but for small businesses, they can be uniquely challenging. With fewer resources, tighter margins, and more hands-on leadership, small organizations must rely heavily on strong executive sponsorship to ensure digital transformation success. Whether you’re replacing outdated systems or rolling out new technology, the role of leadership—and more specifically, the executive sponsor—is […]
Top 10 AI-Enabled ERP and Enterprise Technology Platforms in 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming the cornerstone of modern enterprise software. ERP vendors and enterprise tech providers are racing to embed AI into their platforms—not just for automation, but to drive intelligent decision-making, predictive insights, and adaptive business processes. But the AI maturity curve varies wildly. Some vendors are ahead of the curve, using […]
How the U.S.–China Trade War Is Reshaping Global Supply Chains in 2025
Tariffs Are Back—And They’re Redefining the Global Economy The U.S.–China trade war is intensifying again in 2025, bringing with it sweeping implications for global supply chains. As tariffs return and economic nationalism ramps up, American companies are facing tough decisions about where and how to manufacture their goods. Industries that have long relied on low-cost […]