How ERP Software Almost Killed Gummy Bears: Lessons from Haribo’s SAP Failure
By Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting Yes, you read that right—ERP software nearly ruined gummy bears. Several years ago, Haribo, the beloved German candy company behind those colorful, chewy bears, ran into a digital disaster during their SAP ERP implementation. The failure wasn’t just an inconvenience—it led to major supply chain issues during […]
Why Your Employees Aren’t Ready for Digital Transformation (Even If You Think They Are)
Digital transformation promises growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage — but for most organizations, the biggest challenge isn’t technology. It’s people. If you think your team is fully ready for a transformation initiative, you’re probably wrong. In this article, we’ll explore four silent warning signs that your employees may be resisting change — not out of […]
5 Powerful Reasons Small Businesses Upgrade from QuickBooks to ERP Systems
Small businesses are the engine of innovation, but many eventually hit a point where their foundational tools—like QuickBooks, spreadsheets, or homegrown systems—no longer support their growth. If you’re at that inflection point, you’re not alone. At Third Stage Consulting, we frequently help small businesses navigate the decision to implement ERP software. But what sparks this […]
5 Critical Reasons Executive Sponsorship Is Essential for Small Business ERP Success
ERP implementations are never easy—but for small businesses, they can be uniquely challenging. With fewer resources, tighter margins, and more hands-on leadership, small organizations must rely heavily on strong executive sponsorship to ensure digital transformation success. Whether you’re replacing outdated systems or rolling out new technology, the role of leadership—and more specifically, the executive sponsor—is […]
Top 10 AI-Enabled ERP and Enterprise Technology Platforms in 2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming the cornerstone of modern enterprise software. ERP vendors and enterprise tech providers are racing to embed AI into their platforms—not just for automation, but to drive intelligent decision-making, predictive insights, and adaptive business processes. But the AI maturity curve varies wildly. Some vendors are ahead of the curve, using […]
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How the U.S.–China Trade War Is Reshaping Global Supply Chains in 2025
Tariffs Are Back—And They’re Redefining the Global Economy The U.S.–China trade war is intensifying again in 2025, bringing with it sweeping implications for global supply chains. As tariffs return and economic nationalism ramps up, American companies are facing tough decisions about where and how to manufacture their goods. Industries that have long relied on low-cost […]
Why Current State Mapping Is Critical for Digital Transformation Success
The Starting Point for Any Digital Transformation Current state mapping is the essential first step in any digital transformation. Before you can optimize or automate a process, you need to understand how it works today. Whether you’re planning a large-scale ERP implementation, migrating to new systems, or reimagining your operations, this foundational exercise ensures you […]