Is Your Digital Strategy Actually a Digital Tragedy?
But when companies rush into digital transformation without clear planning, the result isn’t a strategy—it’s a digital tragedy. Many organizations jump into ERP implementations headfirst, believing that technology alone will fix their problems. But without a well-defined digital strategy, they end up with: So, how do you avoid a digital tragedy and craft a winning […]
The $150 Million ERP Disaster Waiting to Happen: Why the UK Government’s Matrix Project is Doomed
When an organization commits $150 million to an ERP implementation, the assumption is that the project will be a resounding success. After all, that’s a significant investment meant to streamline operations, improve efficiencies, and drive digital transformation. However, history has shown that big budgets don’t always translate to success—especially when the risks are this high. […]
How to Choose the Best Digital Strategy for Your Business (2025 Guide)
When defining a digital strategy for your organization, the number of available options can be overwhelming. The wrong decision can lead to costly inefficiencies, while the right strategy can set your business up for long-term success. To help you navigate this complex decision, we’ll break down four key digital strategy options: ✅ Single ERP System […]
Faculty AI is Shaping the Future of AI in Government Policy and Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a futuristic concept to an integral force shaping industries worldwide. One of the leading AI firms driving this transformation is Faculty AI, a company originally recognized for its role in influencing voter behavior during Brexit. Today, Faculty AI is positioned as a key player in AI-driven government policy, […]
The Love-Hate Relationship with ERP Software: Why It Drives Me Crazy
ERP software is often seen as a game-changer for organizations looking to streamline operations and improve efficiency. But here’s the reality—ERP implementations are notorious for cost overruns, business disruptions, and failed expectations. After 25 years in ERP consulting, I have worked with every major ERP system—SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, NetSuite, and more. And while […]
5 Reasons Big Consulting Firms Are Failing in ERP & Digital Transformation (And What to Do Instead)
For decades, big consulting firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Deloitte, Accenture, KPMG, and Capgemini have dominated the ERP consulting and digital transformation space. Their extensive networks, vendor partnerships, and reputation made them the default choice for organizations embarking on ERP implementations. But that era is coming to an end. As businesses demand unbiased ERP consulting, cost-effective […]
Is Odoo the Right ERP for Your Business? 6 Pros, 4 Cons, and Considerations
Odoo is one of the fastest-growing ERP systems in the market today, but many businesses still haven’t heard of it. As a flexible and modular ERP platform, Odoo has gained traction among small and mid-sized businesses looking for an affordable and customizable solution. However, like any ERP system, it comes with both strengths and weaknesses. […]
The Evolution of Custom Development: Is It Really Overrated?
In the ever-evolving world of enterprise technology, the debate around custom development (custom Dev) remains a hot topic. Some argue that it is overrated and only necessary in a small number of cases due to its high costs, ongoing maintenance, and the challenge of future-proofing. Others, however, believe that custom Dev is essential for organizations […]
The Path to Third Stage: A Culture of Persistence, Growth, and Innovation
At Third Stage Consulting, we believe in meeting our clients’ needs in the most effective way possible. That philosophy isn’t just a tagline—it’s a guiding principle that influences everything we do, from how we approach digital transformation projects to how we hire and develop our team. The journey of one of our consultants perfectly reflects […]
Top ERP Solutions in the USA: Navigating Options for Manufacturing and Energy Companies
When evaluating ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems in the USA, one of the most common questions is: What is the top ERP solution for manufacturing companies and energy companies? The answer, however, isn’t one-size-fits-all—it largely depends on the specific needs and challenges of each industry. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences, highlight […]
How SPAR Group’s $100 Million SAP Implementation Turned into a Costly Failure
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations are high-stakes endeavors. Organizations invest hundreds of millions of dollars to modernize their systems, optimize operations, and drive digital transformation. However, not every implementation is a success. Some, unfortunately, turn into costly disasters. One such case is the SAP S/4HANA implementation at SPAR Group, a multinational food retailer based in […]
Third Stage Consulting Partners with Onboard to Elevate ERP End-User Training and Adoption
Third Stage Consulting, the ERP industry’s leading digital transformation consultancy, has partnered with Chicago-based ERP training consultancy Onboard to offer its clients a full range of tailored end-user training services. The importance of the end user adoption of an ERP implementation is often underestimated, but Third Stage Consulting fully recognizes its value within change management. […]