The Unique ERP Needs of Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers and Distributors
By Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting When most people think about ERP and digital transformation, they picture large enterprises with big budgets and full-time project teams. But the reality is, small and mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies face just as much complexity — if not more — when it comes to upgrading their […]
Top 7 ERP Software Selection Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them
By Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting When it comes to ERP software, companies often think the biggest risk is choosing the wrong system. But in reality? The bigger danger is picking the right software — and then failing in how you select, implement, and integrate it. After working with hundreds of organizations across […]
Technology Strategies for Small and Midsize Manufacturers and Distributors
Why Smaller Manufacturers Are Rethinking Their Core Systems Small and midsize manufacturing and distribution companies are at a unique inflection point. Many are still relying on aging systems like QuickBooks, Excel spreadsheets, or legacy ERPs that weren’t designed for today’s dynamic supply chains or customer expectations. The top two reasons these companies look to upgrade […]
Has Your Business Outgrown QuickBooks? Signs It’s Time to Scale Your Technology
From QuickBooks to Scalability: The Inflection Point for Growing Businesses Small businesses often launch with minimal tech: QuickBooks, spreadsheets, and a handful of manual workflows. But what happens when your customer expectations begin to mirror Amazon’s—and your internal systems can’t keep up? That’s the inflection point where many companies find themselves today. Customers expect real-time […]
Defining Your Digital Strategy: Top Technology Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Why Digital Strategy Starts with the Right Technology Trends As digital transformation accelerates, leaders are asking the right question: Which technology trends should guide our digital strategy? The answer isn’t just about adopting the flashiest tools—it’s about building a strong, flexible foundation that enables sustainable change. Whether you’re migrating to the cloud or evaluating AI-driven […]
Tyler Technologies: The Public Sector ERP Powerhouse You Shouldn’t Ignore
What Is Tyler Technologies? A Public Sector ERP Giant Tyler Technologies is one of the leading providers of ERP software specifically built for public sector organizations. While it doesn’t have the name recognition of SAP or Oracle, Tyler powers thousands of municipalities, counties, and state agencies across the United States. Unlike traditional ERP vendors that […]
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 […]
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. […]
Evaluating Consulting Firms: Ensuring the Right Fit for Your Project
Choosing the right independent consulting firms can be a game-changer for companies embarking on complex projects, especially digital transformation or ERP implementation initiatives. However, one of the most crucial aspects of this decision is determining whether a consulting firm’s tools align with the unique needs of your organization. Rather than simply asking if a firm’s […]
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 […]
How to Succeed in Digital Transformation and ERP Initiatives in 2025
As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on past challenges and set new goals for digital transformation and ERP initiatives. Despite advancements in technology, many organizations continue to fall into the same traps that have led to failures for decades. However, with thoughtful strategies and careful planning, businesses can overcome these […]