10 Steps to ERP Implementation Success
Despite decades of history and lessons learned, most organizations still haven’t figured out how to achieve ERP implementation success. In fact, our research over the years shows that most implementations still fail – despite lessons from history and advancements in technology. (For more on this, see our 2020 ERP and HCM Report). The more things […]
Why Tier 2ERP Software Might be Right for You
In ERP world there’s no shortage of software solutions and a variety of pricing. Software is sometimes described as Tier 1 solutions (examples include SAP and Oracle) and Tier 2 solutions (software companies like IQMS or NetSuite) and the list goes on. The concept is the lower the number the more sophisticated the system. Tier […]
Why ERP Software Magic Quadrants Are Flawed
When evaluating potential ERP software or other enterprise technologies, project teams typically turn to the usual industry analysts and reports. Analyst firms such as Gartner, Forrester, and others will frequently publish reports and analysis of various software solutions in a variety of verticals. Gartner’s ERP software magic quadrant is an example of a common reference […]
How Magic Quadrants Can Derail ERP and HCM Software Evaluation Processes
We often see organizations get caught in analysis paralysis during their ERP and HCM software evaluation process. With so many options in the market, coupled with a lack of independent data on the strengths and weaknesses of these options, it’s easy to see how a project team can get stuck in the mud. Unfortunately, common […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Implementing New ERP Software? Hurry, but Don’t Rush!
Blog By Sam Graham One of the hardest things to do during ERP implementation project planning is to establish realistic timescales. There is no formula for this because there are so many factors to consider, including the complexity of the system, the complexity of the organization implementing it, and the level of existing ERP knowledge […]
Top 10 Supply Chain Management Systems
Supply chain management is back! When I began my career in the ‘90s into the early 2000s, supply chain management was a pretty hot topic. Manufacturing and distribution companies were focused on outsourcing functions to other locations across the globe, which led to a lot of business process management and improvement of global supply chains. […]