SAP S/4HANA implementations are big and complex. With its in-memory architecture and other functionality, the technology can provide potential quantum leap improvements to businesses. But, many companies have trouble stomaching the transformation from their legacy systems to something so robust and complex. Employees resist the massive changes. Customizations break the system to create problems. Business […]
Let’s face it: most people don’t associate many ERP systems with “flexible” or “agile.” Structure and standardization is one of the strengths of ERP systems like SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, and others. But there are ways to create organizational agility as part of your digital transformation. First, it is important to decide whether or […]
When conducting an ERP software selection or ERP validation process, many companies look at one or more of the top three software vendors. SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are three of the most commonly considered technologies for digital transformations. How to Compare SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 […]
Like any digital transformation initiative, a Microsoft Dynamics implementation project has potential benefits and risks. The software has a good deal of potential to transform your business, but the road to business value can be a tricky one. During my years as a Microsoft Dynamics 365 expert witness and consultant, I have identified a number […]
Earlier today, I read a great interview with the CIO of Foot Locker. In it, he provides a perspective that should make us all want to expect more from our digital transformation and ERP projects. Like discussions I’ve had with other CIOs of multi-billion-dollar organizations, he provided some interesting perspectives regarding enterprise technology trends and […]
Too often, organizations and their consultants get caught up in analysis paralysis during their ERP vendor evaluation processes. I have seen too many teams engage in drawn-out and confusing processes that aren’t worth the time, cost, and effort invested. Lack of vendor knowledge, deficient industry knowledge, and inability to drive efficient decisions can be a […]
I have been involved with Microsoft Dynamics implementations for nearly 20 years now. I have also spent the last decade providing Microsoft Dynamics expert witness testimony in implementation failures and lawsuits. There are some basic lessons from these experiences, which also apply to any ERP implementation. For example: A clear digital strategy and project vision […]
For many of our mid-market and larger enterprises, conducting an evaluation of SAP S/4HANA vs. Oracle Cloud is an important order of business for a CIO or IT Director. There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation, so it is important to understand the tradeoffs of each solution. Certain organizations will find SAP to be a better fit, […]
Over the last 20 years, I have had the good fortune of being involved with over 1,000 different ERP implementations. My role varied from being a project manager, program manager, expert witness, executive steering committee member, organizational change lead, business process lead, project recovery consultant, third party oversight consultant, and a host of other roles. […]
I was at a crossroads when I left the company I founded in 2005 to start Third Stage Consulting. I had a vision for what I wanted that company to be and to stand for, but those good intentions became watered down by a new ownership structure with a different set of values. It was […]
It’s no secret that most digital transformation and ERP software projects fail. Based on the dismal success rates, it is important to kickstart your project to ensure you gain momentum from the start. Whether your digital transformation or ERP implementation initiative is a success or failure is largely determined before your project ever starts. The […]
Since my decision to part ways with my previous company to start a new independent ERP consulting firm, I’ve received questions about what exactly “third stage” means in the context of ERP software and digital transformation. One thing that’s bothered me over the last 20 years in this industry is the failure of so many […]
Eric is known globally as a thought leader in the ERP consulting space. He has helped hundreds of high-profile enterprises worldwide with their technology initiatives, including Nucor Steel, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, Kodak, Coors, Boeing, and Duke Energy. He has helped manage ERP implementations and reengineer global supply chains across the world.
Third Stage Consulting Group is a global thought leader in business transformation, ERP software systems, operational change management, and business advisory. Let us take your organization’s digital transformation to the Third Stage.
