The Honest Truth About Budgeting for Your First Digital Transformation
We have talked a lot recently about making the move to your first inclusive ERP solution or building your digital transformation strategy. Whether you are moving from QuickBooks, Excel, or another legacy platform – this is a big move. You have considered the benefits and done some research, but now you begin to realize the […]
Top 10 CRM Systems for Digital Transformations
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is a powerful set of tools used by sales organizations throughout the world. These systems have the ability to automate sales processes, better manage sales teams, and grow top-line revenue growth. They can be an integral part of an organization’s long-term digital transformation strategy and roadmap. Unlike the top ERP […]
Independent Review of SAP S/4HANA
When considering potential ERP systems, SAP S/4HANA is on the short-list of many organizations. As one of the top ERP systems in the market, SAP has become a go-to option for larger and mid-size organizations.
10 Steps to ERP Implementation Success
Despite decades of history and lessons learned, most organizations still haven’t figured out how to achieve ERP implementation success. In fact, our research over the years shows that most implementations still fail – despite lessons from history and advancements in technology. (For more on this, see our 2020 ERP and HCM Report). The more things […]
Why Tier 2ERP Software Might be Right for You
In ERP world there’s no shortage of software solutions and a variety of pricing. Software is sometimes described as Tier 1 solutions (examples include SAP and Oracle) and Tier 2 solutions (software companies like IQMS or NetSuite) and the list goes on. The concept is the lower the number the more sophisticated the system. Tier […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Is It Time to Replace QuickBooks with a New ERP System?
Collaboration with Kristy Barber, Third Stage Consulting Change is hard. It is difficult enough when switching to a new ERP from an old one but can be even more of a tumultuous journey when leaving your QuickBooks environment and implementing an ERP for the very first time. We talk to companies on a daily basis […]