Technology Can Shape Culture—If You Let It
When most companies start a digital transformation, their focus is usually on upgrading outdated systems, scaling operations, or boosting productivity. But what often gets overlooked is how those very systems influence your company’s culture. At Third Stage Consulting, we’ve worked with organizations around the world to help them rethink not only how their technology works—but […]
Root Causes of Digital Transformation Failure: It’s Not Just the Tech
When organizations struggle during digital transformations, they often point fingers at the most visible culprits: a buggy system, an unhelpful vendor, or rising costs. But the reality is more complex. These common complaints are often symptoms, not root causes. To understand why digital transformations truly fail—and how to fix them—we have to dig deeper. Why […]
What’s the ROI of a Dancing Panda? Why Every Digital Transformation Needs a Clear Strategy
Spoiler alert: It’s not about the panda. It’s about purpose. We live in an era where nearly anything is possible with technology. AI. Automation. Real-time data lakes. Predictive analytics. Virtual assistants. You name it—someone’s already building it. So the question is no longer what you can do in a digital transformation. It’s what you should […]
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 […]
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 […]
Choosing the Right ERP for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers: Don’t Overlook the Underdogs
A Strategic Guide to Evaluating Vendors, Aligning Tech with Growth, and Avoiding Common ERP Mistakes Why ERP Selection Matters More Than Ever for SMB Manufacturers If you’re running a small or mid-sized manufacturing or distribution company, you’re likely feeling the pressure to modernize. Disconnected systems, manual processes, and legacy software may have worked in the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]