Why ERP Software Magic Quadrants Are Flawed
When evaluating potential ERP software or other enterprise technologies, project teams typically turn to the usual industry analysts and reports. Analyst firms such as Gartner, Forrester, and others will frequently publish reports and analysis of various software solutions in a variety of verticals. Gartner’s ERP software magic quadrant is an example of a common reference […]
Reducing Headcount with your Digital Transformation
While far less prevalent than two decades ago, we do still see it: companies leveraging efficiencies from their new technology to reduce headcount. It is not an easy discussion topic, especially in today’s world when layoffs and furloughs are at an all-time high, but it is reality. And reality needs to be dealt with. Lack […]
How Magic Quadrants Can Derail ERP and HCM Software Evaluation Processes
We often see organizations get caught in analysis paralysis during their ERP and HCM software evaluation process. With so many options in the market, coupled with a lack of independent data on the strengths and weaknesses of these options, it’s easy to see how a project team can get stuck in the mud. Unfortunately, common […]
Why Software Evaluation RFPs are a Bad Idea
A company often comes to the realization that their existing systems are constraining growth. They may also be unreliable, dependent on manual input, etc. There is little debate that modern ERP software will help … but what’s the best way to get there? Unfortunately, many companies believe that an ERP request for proposal (RFP) is […]
Managing Your ERP Buyer’s Remorse
We often give advice to companies embarking on an ERP implementation or other form of digital transformation. When doing so, we often suggest ERP best practices surrounding topics like navigation of software evaluation, managing software sales tactics and vendor negotiations. Even those who follow proclaimed “best-practices” to the tee will often find themselves facing some […]
Could Your ERP Software Licenses Cost More Than You Think?
ERP software from any of the top ERP vendors isn’t inexpensive. It’s helpful to be aware of some “watch outs” or topics like licensing costs since more attention goes to things like software fit or deployment methods. While few will select or deselect a software because of licensing pricing and structure, it’s a pertinent subject, […]
Five ERP Myths that can Stall Your ERP Software Initiative
In the recent blog Assembling an EPR Project Team: Three Things You Didn’t Anticipate I discussed how executive sponsorship can wharf, where employee participation goes wrong, and why status reporting for ERP projects can get off track. A logical extension to this subject are some of the “myths” that companies hold onto when attempting to […]
Top ERP Systems for Small Businesses
Disclaimer: Third Stage Consulting is an independent ERP consulting firm. Third Stage has no financial ties to ERP vendors, either directly or through parent companies or affiliates. Accordingly, the below analysis is completely technology-agnostic and 100% free of vendor bias or compensation. More than ever, small businesses have a plethora of top ERP systems to […]
Assembling an ERP Project Team: Three Things You Didn’t Anticipate
ERP projects are never easy. Companies typically have an internal project team designated to the initiative as well as experienced external resources. Theoretically this should be a winning combination. Let’s dig a little deeper into what we as outside independent ERP consultants sometimes find are drawbacks when forming and maintaining your internal project team: 1. […]
Business Transformation Is the New Normal
The 2020s are forcing organizations across the world into business transformations – whether they want to or not. Most of the companies we were speaking with just a few months ago were focusing on strategic digital transformations that were meant to leverage top ERP systems to improve business operations. Most of these initiatives were focused […]
Is Your Business Technology Investment Creating a Competitive Edge?
If you are currently evaluating any of the top ERP systems or other business technology platform, your leadership has hopefully discussed what your organization wants and needs from a transformation. In many cases companies simply want to “get up to speed” and reduce inefficiencies so they are not lagging behind. More and more, however, companies […]
Top HCM Systems for 2020
As we recently pointed out, HCM systems will be increasingly important because of the health pandemic of 2020. If anything, the health and economic crisis has placed unusual strains on HR departments across the world – while at the same time exposing opportunities to better manage talent. As companies navigate a post-Covid-19 world, they will […]