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 […]
Hertz Bankruptcy and the Future of Digital Transformation
It has become clear in recent months that many companies won’t survive the pandemic and recession of 2020. Hertz recently filed for bankruptcy – the latest in a string of casualties in an uncertain economic environment. What did Hertz do wrong? While this may not be a surprise given that travel plummeted 90% earlier this […]
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, […]
Identifying Employee Resistance in your Digital Transformation
When heading into a digital transformation, the concept of resistance becomes a real threat. Resistance can come at the user level, manager level and in some cases even the executive level. Before jumping into the deep end and blindly communicating what is happening and why change is good to the masses, we strongly recommend first […]
How To Begin Your First ERP Implementation: Considerations for Small Businesses
By Brian Potts and Kristy Barber At some point during its evolution, every growing business faces the decision of when the time is right to replace QuickBooks or other accounting system with a consolidated ERP. Once you have decided the time is now and you have determined to select and implement a new ERP, now […]
Five ERP Myths that can Stall Your ERP Software Initiative
In the recent blog Assembling an EPR Project Team: Three Things You Didn’t Anticipate I discussed how executive sponsorship can wharf, where employee participation goes wrong, and why status reporting for ERP projects can get off track. A logical extension to this subject are some of the “myths” that companies hold onto when attempting to […]
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 […]
Assembling an ERP Project Team: Three Things You Didn’t Anticipate
ERP projects are never easy. Companies typically have an internal project team designated to the initiative as well as experienced external resources. Theoretically this should be a winning combination. Let’s dig a little deeper into what we as outside independent ERP consultants sometimes find are drawbacks when forming and maintaining your internal project team: 1. […]
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 […]
Business Transformation Is the New Normal
The 2020s are forcing organizations across the world into business transformations – whether they want to or not. Most of the companies we were speaking with just a few months ago were focusing on strategic digital transformations that were meant to leverage top ERP systems to improve business operations. Most of these initiatives were focused […]
Is Your Business Technology Investment Creating a Competitive Edge?
If you are currently evaluating any of the top ERP systems or other business technology platform, your leadership has hopefully discussed what your organization wants and needs from a transformation. In many cases companies simply want to “get up to speed” and reduce inefficiencies so they are not lagging behind. More and more, however, companies […]