How Small Businesses Can Replace QuickBooks and Use Technology to Scale
Small businesses often hit a wall with outdated technology—especially when systems like QuickBooks can’t keep up with operational complexity or growth ambitions. The good news? Scaling with smarter technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide walks you through the essential technologies that can help you automate, optimize, and expand your business, along with how […]
D365 Integration Challenges and Why Industry Experience Matters
Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) can unlock major benefits for businesses—but it often comes with significant integration challenges, especially when connecting non-Microsoft tools or outdated legacy systems. These issues can slow down deployments, introduce errors, or create long-term technical debt. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common D365 integration challenges companies face and […]
Why ERP Software Alone Won’t Save Your Digital Transformation Strategy
Why ERP Software Alone Won’t Save Your Digital Transformation Strategy Digital transformation is more than implementing ERP software. Companies often believe that investing in platforms like SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion, or Microsoft Dynamics will automatically modernize operations and solve strategic challenges. But here’s the truth: ERP software alone won’t save you. To succeed in today’s […]
How to Deploy a Digital Transformation and ERP Project at (Almost) No Cost
Digital transformation and ERP projects are notorious for costing too much — but they don’t have to.If you’re looking to modernize your business without breaking the bank, it’s time to rethink the traditional approach. At Third Stage Consulting, we help clients worldwide achieve successful digital transformations without overspending. In this blog, we’ll share practical strategies […]
How to Prepare for AI: The 4 Critical Steps Most Organizations Are Missing
The excitement around artificial intelligence (AI) is palpable. Businesses everywhere are eager to learn how to prepare for AI and leverage it for competitive advantage. But there’s a hard truth many organizations aren’t ready to face: most are not prepared for AI. At Third Stage Consulting, we work with companies worldwide on their digital transformation […]
Why This $25 Billion Steel Company Succeeded in ERP Implementation When So Many Fail
When most headlines shout about failed ERP implementations and digital transformations, the success stories often go untold. But understanding what makes a transformation succeed is just as critical—if not more—than dissecting what went wrong. In this blog, we highlight a case study of a $25 billion multinational steel company that defied the odds and executed […]
Only 30% of SAP Customers Are Happy – Here’s Why
A recent AI analysis of thousands of social media comments revealed something shocking—but not surprising for those deep in the ERP world: only 30% of people have anything positive to say about SAP, specifically its flagship S/4HANA platform. Another 30% spoke negatively, while the remaining 40% remained neutral. This net approval score of zero might […]
Why Governments Waste Trillions on Technology – And How to Fix It
Governments across the globe are spending trillions of dollars annually on technology. Yet despite the vast investment, most of these projects are falling short—overshooting budgets, missing deadlines, and ultimately failing to deliver the promised results. At the center of this challenge is one key issue: broken digital transformation strategies. According to Third Stage Consulting, government […]
Why I Quit the Big Four: A Look Inside My Consulting Career
When I first started my career in consulting, I joined one of the most prestigious firms in the world: PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). It was the late 1990s, and as a newly minted MBA grad, I couldn’t wait to dive into the world of consulting. Like many others, I believed that working at one of the Big […]
Lidl’s $600 Million SAP Disaster: What Went Wrong and What Every Business Can Learn
In the rapidly evolving digital economy, enterprise software implementations are no longer optional—they’re essential. But when done poorly, they can lead to catastrophic outcomes. One of the most glaring examples in recent years is Lidl’s failed SAP implementation. The German-based global grocery chain invested a staggering $600 million into modernizing its enterprise systems—only to abandon […]
AI Strategy Starts with You: Stop Letting Software Vendors Define It
Why your AI roadmap should start with your business—not a demo Introduction: The AI Gold Rush—And Why You Should Slow Down We’re in the middle of an AI gold rush. Every software provider, from the biggest Tier 1 ERP vendors to niche SaaS players, is touting artificial intelligence as the game-changer your business can’t afford […]
Defining Your AI Strategy Within a Digital or ERP Framework
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in the enterprise technology space, organizations are increasingly looking to incorporate AI into their digital transformation journeys. But integrating AI into an existing ERP or digital strategy isn’t always straightforward. Many organizations are left wondering: should AI be an extension of their ERP system or a standalone capability? And […]