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 […]
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 ERP Software Alone Won’t Save Your Digital Transformation Strategy
Why ERP Software Alone Won’t Save Your Digital Transformation Strategy Digital transformation is more than implementing ERP software. Companies often believe that investing in platforms like SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion, or Microsoft Dynamics will automatically modernize operations and solve strategic challenges. But here’s the truth: ERP software alone won’t save you. To succeed in today’s […]
Mastering ERP Standardization: Unlocking Benefits, Overcoming Challenges, and Implementing Winning Strategies
The Appeal of Standardization Organizations embarking on new ERP software implementations often set their sights on a compelling goal: standardizing business processes. The rationale behind standardization is straightforward—it promises increased efficiency, enhanced data integration, improved customer experiences, and ultimately, greater profitability. However, achieving this ideal scenario can be more complex than many organizations anticipate. Despite […]
Digital Strategy: Shaping the Future of Organizational Success
Digital strategy has rapidly evolved into an essential component of organizational success, shaping how businesses approach and manage technology-driven change. A comprehensive digital strategy serves as the foundation for successful digital transformation, ensuring clarity, alignment, and realism throughout the process. In this article, we explore the core components of digital strategy, detailing the critical pillars […]
How to Choose the Best Digital Strategy for Your Business (2025 Guide)
When defining a digital strategy for your organization, the number of available options can be overwhelming. The wrong decision can lead to costly inefficiencies, while the right strategy can set your business up for long-term success. To help you navigate this complex decision, we’ll break down four key digital strategy options: ✅ Single ERP System […]
The Blueprint for a Successful Digital Transformation in 3 Phases
digital transformation
3 Steps to Navigating the Pitfalls of Digital Strategy Implementation
Navigating the Pitfalls of Digital Strategy Implementation
Growth Strategies for Family-Owned Business: Transitioning to a Process- and Technology-Driven Model
Today, we’re delving into the challenges family-owned businesses face, particularly when transitioning from generation to generation, and exploring strategies for sustainable growth and success.
The Art and Science of Implementation Phasing in Your Organization
At its core, implementation phasing is about deploying new technology or strategies in stages. There are two primary approaches: the ‘big bang’ method, where everything is deployed simultaneously, and the incremental approach, which involves a phased rollout. Most organizations opt for the latter, especially those averse to high risks. However, the challenge lies in determining the right phases and the specifics of each phase for your organization.
The Impact of AI in ERP Software: Critical Insights from an Industry Expert
Artificial Intelligence or AI in ERP is becoming increasingly significant in the rapidly evolving Enterprise Tech space. I’m Eric Kimberling, the CEO of Third Stage Consulting, an independent firm assisting clients worldwide in digital transformation and ERP implementation. In this blog, I explain the importance of AI in ERP software.
5 Critical Steps to Navigating the Path to Updating Outdated Technology
Hello, I’m Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting, and I specialize in guiding organizations through their digital transformation journeys. A common challenge many organizations face is dealing with outdated technologies. This blog aims to provide a structured approach to help you define a roadmap for your organization’s technology initiatives, ensuring you can leverage the best of what technology has to offer to enhance your business.