Is Business Intelligence the Logical Evolution of ERP Systems?
Many of our blogs talk about the significant advantages of modern ERP and associated digital transformations. Among those advantages, we have discussed how business intelligence is a key ingredient of an effective digital transformation. The last few decades have seen tremendous progress in software development and information technology enabling access to sizable amounts of stored […]
The Top 10 ERP Systems for 2020
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. As we enter the home stretch of the year, many of our clients […]
Is Microsoft Losing Control of its D365 Implementations?
Microsoft’s push to Dynamics 365 has been significant. Companies are upgrading from legacy environments at an ever-increasing rate, and we are also seeing an unprecedented number of greenfield implementations. In conjunction with this, we are finding an alarming increase in D365 implementation problems, stemming from a global shortage of certified D365 consultants. Recent Microsoft D365 […]
CRM vs. ERP Software: What Does Your Organization Need?
As more and more companies upgrade to modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, customer relationship management (CRM) software often comes up as a topic. If your systems are older, you may start wondering if your organization needs this sort of technology to augment your ERP software. Here are some things to keep in mind about […]
How to Fix a Failing Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation
Have you ever thought about what actions you need to take to fix a failing Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation? If not that’s perfectly ok, because this article is specifically for you. To begin with, D365 software is an extremely useful tool that can double the ability of your organization to optimize your customer relationships. Companies […]
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sure Step Methodology: The Missing Pieces
Despite improvements over previous methodologies to implement Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft’s Sure Step Methodology for Dynamics 365 deployments is not a silver bullet that addresses all the needs of your D365 transformation. This understanding is a prerequisite to a successful Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation. Some challenges that we see a lot of organizations run into includes: […]
Lessons from a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Failure
Late last month I received a call from a CIO that I have known for about 13 years. He and I have worked together over the course of his roles at three different companies, so I know him fairly well. But this phone call was different than others I have received from him in the […]
Risks of Microsoft Dynamics 365 System Integrators
Choosing a technical system integrator is an important decision for any digital transformation. But the risks of Microsoft Dynamics 365 system integrators are even greater than for other ERP solutions. While SAP, Oracle, and other ERP vendors have tightly controlled their ecosystems, Microsoft Dynamics has traditionally taken a hands-off approach to their system integrators. This […]
The Biggest Challenges with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Transformations
Like most digital transformations, implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 has challenges that need to be overcome. Unlike other digital transformations, there are several challenges with Dynamics 365 implementations that are unique to this particular solution. Here are a few of the challenges to keep in mind when embarking on your Microsoft Dynamics 365 transformation: The maturity […]
Comparison of Microsoft Dynamics 365 vs. NetSuite
Our recently release ranking of top ERP systems for 2019 triggered some interesting discussion and comparisons of leading enterprise software. Microsoft Dynamics 365 and NetSuite were both in our top 5 (#1 and #3, respectively), which leads to an interesting comparison of these two systems. Microsoft Dynamics 365 and NetSuite are often on ERP shortlists […]
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Implementation Readiness : Preparing for a Successful Digital Transformation
Once a company has selected Microsoft Dynamics 365, momentum is high. Employees and executives are excited and want to jump right into implementation. But an effective Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementation readiness phase is important to ensure your project’s success. First, it helps to understand how projects like these typically unfold: your D365 system integrator appears […]
How to Estimate Implementation Time and Cost for SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, or Microsoft Dynamics 365
Creating an ERP implementation plan and budget is a difficult undertaking. Not many people know how to estimate the implementation time and cost for an SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 project. The Challenge of Estimating Implementation Time and Cost Bias and lack of independence are two the biggest reasons why companies […]