Why an Independent ERP Partner is Key to Transformation Success

Why an Independent ERP Partner is Key

Any digital transformation is a major undertaking for organizations both large and small, which is why establishing a support structure is so important. It is often tempting to try to limit the cost of a transformation by handling the project internally. When I get calls for assistance months later cost is often already out of […]

Independent Review of Microsoft Dynamics 365

Review of Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) fills a unique spot in the ERP software market. As one of the industry’s top ERP systems, it is used by organizations in a variety of industries and geographies across the world. The product is broad and scalable enough for some of the world’s largest organizations, but it is at the […]

Top 5 Change Management Metrics to Measure

Top 5 Change Management Metrics

As the world continues to struggle through unprecedented economic uncertainty, the pressure for organizations to justify expenses intensifies. IT budgets and funds spent on technology initiatives are scrutinized closer than they have been in recent history. Change management, as part of an overall data transformation initiative, plays a critical role in guiding organizations through the […]

Digital Transformation’s Greatest Hits

Digital Transformation’s Greatest Hits

If you have followed my work over the last decade and a half, you may have noticed that I love rock and roll. Classic rock, to be more specific. Many of my articles and YouTube videos have been named after classic rock songs or quotes. Both Third Stage Consulting and the consulting firm I started […]

The Honest Truth About Budgeting for Your First Digital Transformation

The Honest Truth About Budgeting

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 […]

ERP Software Customization: The Ultimate Sin of Enterprise Software?

ERP Software Customization

Customization of software doesn’t have to be a controversial topic. It’s reasonable to assume all but the simplest companies will need some customization to the software they’re purchasing. The amount of customization, however, can be a salacious topic worth dissecting further. As we advise clients, customize selectively and typically only the secret sauce of what […]

Top 10 CRM Systems for Digital Transformations

Top 10 CRM Systems

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 […]

Is It Time to Thank Your ERP Vendor?

Is It Time to Thank Your ERP Vendor

We certainly like to bash them. It’s fun, easy to do, and they usually deserve it. But every now and then software vendors actually do go out of their way to make your business better. And when that happens, they deserve credit. I know, the first thought going through your mind is “isn’t that what […]

Five Common (and Inaccurate) Myths of ERP Systems

Five Common Myths of ERP Systems

ERP implementations and digital transformations are plagued with failure points perpetuated by ERP software industry hoaxes. Some of these are self-serving, while others are based on In this blog we’ll talk about five myths, and it’s my hope that’s there’s a couple that will be covered you haven’t thought of. At Third Stage Consulting we’re […]

Independent Review of SAP S/4HANA

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.

Organizational Change Management Considerations for Small Businesses

Organizational Change Management Considerations for Small Businesses

When discussing digital transformation with small business owners, the mention of organizational change management is (OCM) followed by blank stares. As a small, tightly-knit group where everyone knows each other and has direct access to leadership, OCM may not seem like a top priority while implementing one of the top ERP systems for small businesses. […]