When Legacy Knowledge Dies: Why Obsolete Systems Put Your Business at Risk
There’s a hard truth many organizations don’t want to face: some of the legacy systems running their businesses are so old that the people who know how to maintain them are literally disappearing. If you’re still operating on platforms like IBM iSeries, AS/400, or mainframe green-screen systems from the 1980s and 1990s, you’re not just […]
Is ERP Dead? Why Incremental Modernization May Be Smarter Than a Full Replacement
Most companies today are running ERP systems that are 10–20 years old. These systems aren’t always broken — but they aren’t delivering the full technological value modern businesses need either. For years, the default response has been: rip and replace. Spend tens of millions of dollars on a new cloud ERP and get on the […]
Cook County’s $250M IT Failures: What Every Transformation Leader Should Learn
When one of the largest counties in the United States sets out to modernize its technology, you’d expect time, budget, and resources to guarantee success. But as Cook County, Illinois shows us, big investments can still lead to massive failures — proving that money alone doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. Over the past decade, Cook County […]
Why Building the Right Internal Team Matters More Than Your ERP Vendor
When organizations launch a digital transformation or ERP initiative, most leaders assume the “real experts” are the software vendors, system integrators, or outside consultants they bring in to guide the effort. And while those players can certainly provide technical depth, the single most important factor in your project’s success is the strength of your internal […]
Hiring the right ERP partner won’t save your transformation — but building the right internal team just might.
In most digital transformations, leaders tend to obsess over choosing the “right” technology or the “best” system integrator. But what often gets overlooked is the team sitting inside your own four walls — the internal team responsible for making or breaking your transformation. So how do you assemble the right team? We sat down with […]
Where Are the Women in Tech? A Candid Look at Challenges, Progress, and What Comes Next
By Third Stage Consulting According to recent statistics, only 35% of the tech workforce is made up of women. That number speaks volumes — and not in a good way. Despite decades of progress across industries, technology remains one of the most male-dominated spaces in the professional world. So, we hit the ground at Epicor’s […]
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 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 […]
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. […]
SAP S/4HANA vs. Workday: Which ERP System is Right for Your Organization?
When evaluating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, SAP S/4HANA and Workday often emerge as top contenders. Both systems offer robust capabilities but are designed with distinct approaches and target markets. Understanding their unique characteristics, strengths, and limitations is essential for selecting the right solution for your organization. SAP S/4HANA: A Legacy of Comprehensive ERP Solutions […]
What is Business Transformation? [Intro to Business Improvement and Growth]
Business transformations are sought after by many organizations. They seek ways to increase innovation and profitability, aiming to develop capabilities they currently lack. These transformations often involve the implementation of technologies and other strategies to drive change. Today, I will discuss the major components of business transformation and provide insights on how to lead a successful transformation.
What Is Digital Transformation vs. Business Transformation?
Digital Transformation and Business Transformation are two of the hottest buzzwords in the industry today but how exactly are these two terms different and how does it apply to you? That’s what I want to talk about in this article today.