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 […]
Is Your ERP System Ready for AI? Here’s How to Tell
ERP System Readiness for AI Starts with Data When organizations ask if their ERP system is “ready for AI,” they’re usually asking the wrong question. AI is system agnostic. It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a modern cloud-based ERP or a 20-year-old on-prem solution. What matters most? Your data. Before exploring AI capabilities, your first […]
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 […]
Why This $25 Billion Steel Company Succeeded in ERP Implementation When So Many Fail
When most headlines shout about failed ERP implementations and digital transformations, the success stories often go untold. But understanding what makes a transformation succeed is just as critical—if not more—than dissecting what went wrong. In this blog, we highlight a case study of a $25 billion multinational steel company that defied the odds and executed […]
The Complexities of Government Digital Transformation: 6 Challenges and Risks
Government digital transformation comes with a massive challenge—moving from highly customized, disconnected systems to a single, standardized platform. Unlike businesses that have the flexibility to adopt new technology quickly, government agencies must work within strict regulations, security requirements, and complex governance structures. This makes large-scale IT transformations not just a technical hurdle but an organizational […]
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 […]
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 […]
Red Flags That Indicate a Consultant Might Have Conflicts of Interest
When hiring a consultant, especially for major projects like digital transformation, ERP implementation, or strategic planning, it’s crucial to ensure their advice is unbiased and focused solely on your organization’s success. Unfortunately, the consulting industry has long been plagued by conflicts of interest that can compromise the quality of recommendations. Despite the recent growth of […]
Why Emerging ERP Systems Deserve Your Attention
In the ever-evolving world of enterprise resource planning (ERP), many companies instinctively gravitate toward well-known, “household name” solutions when searching for a new system. However, this tendency to prioritize big brands often leads to the oversight of emerging or smaller ERP vendors that might actually provide a better fit for certain organizations. Let’s dive into […]
Five Common Mistakes Organizations Make During Digital Transformations (And How to Avoid Them)
Digital transformation is often viewed as a necessary step for organizations that want to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. However, while the potential benefits of digital transformation are immense—improved operational efficiency, better customer experiences, and the ability to scale operations—many organizations fall short of their transformation goals. This often happens due to […]
Avoiding ERP Money Pits: Maximizing ROI in SAP S/4HANA Implementations
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations, particularly with systems like SAP S/4HANA, are notorious for ballooning budgets and slipping timelines. Yet, these projects should not be synonymous with wasted resources. Instead, organizations must shift their focus to creating measurable value and ensuring a high return on investment (ROI). This article explores how to transform your S/4HANA […]