Eric Kimberling

Eric Kimberling

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CEO, Third Stage Consulting; ERP transformation and OCM

Keep Options Open: Don’t Lock All Into SAP RISE
SocialFeb 25, 2026

Keep Options Open: Don’t Lock All Into SAP RISE

Prioritizing future optionality means avoiding bundling everything into one SAP RISE contract. Consider Azure or AWS for hyperscaler infrastructure. #SAP #CloudStrategy https://t.co/1mg1hFtbDb

By Eric Kimberling
Vendors Weaponize “Best Practices” To Gaslight Resistant Customers
SocialFeb 24, 2026

Vendors Weaponize “Best Practices” To Gaslight Resistant Customers

Software vendors often push 'best practices' as a rigid truth. If you resist, they claim YOU are the problem for resisting change. This decades-old sales tactic uses reverse psychology and gaslighting to enforce their way. #TechSales #ERP #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/LpnAmeQlyR

By Eric Kimberling
Assess Need: Core S/4HANA Often Suffices Over Add‑Ons
SocialFeb 24, 2026

Assess Need: Core S/4HANA Often Suffices Over Add‑Ons

Do you really need those extra tools like SuccessFactors or Ariba? Often, the core functionality of S/4HANA might be enough. For sales reps, consider if your purchasing and HR processes are complex enough to warrant these add-ons. #SAP #ERP #BusinessTech...

By Eric Kimberling
SAP's 2027 Deadline Forces Massive S/4HANA Migration Push
SocialFeb 24, 2026

SAP's 2027 Deadline Forces Massive S/4HANA Migration Push

SAP's artificial 2027 deadline for moving off ECC and onto S/4HANA public cloud is creating a major challenge. They're pushing hard to migrate as many customers as possible. #SAP #CloudMigration #Tech https://t.co/5lkXAGmH30

By Eric Kimberling
SAP RISE: Convenience Gains, Control Losses
SocialFeb 24, 2026

SAP RISE: Convenience Gains, Control Losses

Choosing SAP RISE means more than just managed services; it's a trade-off. You gain convenience but sacrifice control over infrastructure, escalation, and future decisions for your SAP deployment. #SAP #Cloud #Business https://t.co/xfcMQ1Aj9q

By Eric Kimberling
Prioritize Must-Have Features Over Custom Software Tweaks
SocialFeb 23, 2026

Prioritize Must-Have Features Over Custom Software Tweaks

Customizing software vs. adapting your business: know the difference. Identify must-haves that are showstoppers from nice-to-haves. IT simplicity can create business complexity, and vice versa.#BusinessStrategy #Software #Leadership https://t.co/1sXJBmt94S

By Eric Kimberling
SAP Pushes Cloud for Profit, Harming Customers
SocialFeb 23, 2026

SAP Pushes Cloud for Profit, Harming Customers

SAP's arrogance fuels customer issues. Believing they have all answers, they pressure clients to choose cloud over on-prem for sales reps' higher commissions. This isn't ethical, it's a reality of the current landscape. #SAP #BusinessEthics #Cloud https://t.co/PBEVWguzbD

By Eric Kimberling
Question S/4HANA Vendor Push: Assess Real Benefits
SocialFeb 23, 2026

Question S/4HANA Vendor Push: Assess Real Benefits

Software vendors push for company-wide S/4HANA implementations for their benefit. Be objective: does it truly benefit you and is it the right solution? Critical assessment is key. #SAP #TechStrategy https://t.co/N21GhWHIIA

By Eric Kimberling
SAP Customers Split on RISE: SAP Cloud vs Hyperscalers
SocialFeb 23, 2026

SAP Customers Split on RISE: SAP Cloud vs Hyperscalers

Many SAP customers are still deciding on their RISE strategy. Polls show uncertainty around using SAP infrastructure vs. other hyperscalers like AWS or Azure for the long term. #SAP #CloudStrategy #DigitalTransformation https://t.co/vyQ5nfrmU4

By Eric Kimberling
Define Goals and ROI for Successful Tech Projects
SocialFeb 22, 2026

Define Goals and ROI for Successful Tech Projects

Technology initiatives, like ERP or CRM, require a clear purpose, defined parameters, and managed ROI. Define your goals, expectations, and project management for success. #TechTips #ProjectManagement https://t.co/hPBuiNsgQ8

By Eric Kimberling
Make Your S/4HANA Journey Business‑Led with Trusted Advisors
SocialFeb 22, 2026

Make Your S/4HANA Journey Business‑Led with Trusted Advisors

Embarking on an S/4HANA journey? Ensure it's business-led. If your team needs guidance, bring in a trusted advisor to help manage your system integrator and unlock full value. #S4HANA #SAP #ProjectManagement https://t.co/ZoG8PY0yNO

By Eric Kimberling
Choose Who Owns Your S/4HANA Infrastructure and Risk
SocialFeb 22, 2026

Choose Who Owns Your S/4HANA Infrastructure and Risk

Migrating to S/4HANA involves strategic leadership, not just tech. The choice is yours: SAP-hosted or hyperscaler (AWS/Azure). Consider who truly owns your infrastructure, controls pricing, and shoulders responsibility for outages. #SAP #CloudMigration #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/9EpChYU9Cg

By Eric Kimberling
SAP Success Demands Business Leadership, Not IT Control
SocialFeb 22, 2026

SAP Success Demands Business Leadership, Not IT Control

Implementation challenges haven't changed. The biggest reasons for failure in SAP projects today are the same as 20 years ago: projects driven by IT, not business. True success hinges on business leadership. #SAP #Implementation #Business https://t.co/hhJEtxwIUe

By Eric Kimberling
Decentralized Back‑Office, Unified Analytics Layer Wins
SocialFeb 22, 2026

Decentralized Back‑Office, Unified Analytics Layer Wins

Centralizing analytics on a single platform? Not happening. The focus is on decentralized back-office systems and a common analytics layer for daily visualization. #Analytics #Strategy #BusinessTech https://t.co/7ObAL6iVQ5

By Eric Kimberling
S/4HANA Performance Woes Stem From Data, Not Infrastructure
SocialFeb 22, 2026

S/4HANA Performance Woes Stem From Data, Not Infrastructure

SAP claims S/4HANA runs best on their infrastructure, but performance issues are rarely infrastructure-related. The real culprits are usually data volume, software configuration, or customizations. #SAP #ITInfrastructure #Performance https://t.co/l4zImu7UXw

By Eric Kimberling
Change Management Essential to Avoid Software Adoption Delays
SocialFeb 21, 2026

Change Management Essential to Avoid Software Adoption Delays

Resistance to new software is common, especially when users want to stick to old processes. This dynamic often leads to project delays and cost overruns. Adapting to new tech requires careful change management. #ProjectManagement #ChangeManagement https://t.co/SgQrPEUnQD

By Eric Kimberling
Choose Hyperscaler‑hosted S/4HANA over RISE for Flexibility
SocialFeb 21, 2026

Choose Hyperscaler‑hosted S/4HANA over RISE for Flexibility

RISE with SAP might be too risky if long-term flexibility, cost, or optionality are top concerns. For businesses facing uncertainty or rapid evolution, consider hyperscaler-hosted S/4HANA to hedge your bets. #SAP #CloudComputing #BusinessTransformation https://t.co/xURleBJmTX

By Eric Kimberling
Choosing RISE Is a Strategic, Not Technical, Decision
SocialFeb 21, 2026

Choosing RISE Is a Strategic, Not Technical, Decision

Deciding whether to move forward with RISE isn't a technical choice. It's a strategic one, impacting long-term costs, options, and flexibility. #StrategicDecisions #BusinessGrowth https://t.co/NzjZH7hSci

By Eric Kimberling
Plan Processes Before Building to Avoid Delays
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Plan Processes Before Building to Avoid Delays

Don't wait for tech implementation to define future processes. Map them out early, resolve conflicting priorities, and gain clarity *before* building. This avoids slowdowns when developers are already deep in the build phase. #ProjectManagement #ProcessImprovement https://t.co/DLMASYHKkN

By Eric Kimberling
RISE Isn’t the only Safe S/4HANA Path
SocialFeb 20, 2026

RISE Isn’t the only Safe S/4HANA Path

SAP marketing pitches RISE as the safest S/4HANA path, but IT teams might disagree. This isn't a technical choice, it's a business one. Let's cut through the marketing and find the right S/4HANA migration strategy for YOUR business. #SAP #S4HANA...

By Eric Kimberling
Your S/4HANA Partner, Not a Traditional Integrator
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Your S/4HANA Partner, Not a Traditional Integrator

Clients hire us for S/4HANA projects because we act as an extension of their team. We have the expertise to implement S/4HANA, but without the typical system integrator agenda. We focus on your success, not just project size. #S4HANA #Consulting...

By Eric Kimberling
Consensus Overload Slows Digital Transformation Decisions
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Consensus Overload Slows Digital Transformation Decisions

Slow decision-making is the primary reason digital transformation initiatives stall. Delays happen when assumptions of quick decisions don't match reality, often a symptom of excessive consensus-based leadership. #DecisionMaking #DigitalTransformation #Leadership https://t.co/3e5ADMz5P3

By Eric Kimberling
Convenient Microsoft Ecosystem Risks Future Vendor Lock‑in
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Convenient Microsoft Ecosystem Risks Future Vendor Lock‑in

Using Microsoft's ecosystem for technology needs offers convenience and a one-stop shop. However, it creates vendor lock-in, making it challenging to switch platforms later if needed. #TechChoices #VendorLockIn https://t.co/cE6jSipywj

By Eric Kimberling
Test Tools First with Starter Kits Before Full Licensing
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Test Tools First with Starter Kits Before Full Licensing

Tools can ease implementation, but some add risk. Consider the cost of licensing and integration. Models like RISE and GROW offer starter kits to test before full commitment, letting you sample features before buying licenses for everyone. #TechTools #Implementation https://t.co/YeApnMYwZC

By Eric Kimberling
SAP‑owned Infrastructure Erodes Cloud Negotiation Leverage
SocialFeb 20, 2026

SAP‑owned Infrastructure Erodes Cloud Negotiation Leverage

When SAP owns your infrastructure, negotiating leverage vanishes. This diminishes your power to negotiate cloud contracts and even your options to exit the agreement for future hyperscaler moves. #SAP #CloudNegotiation https://t.co/2JjnbEXR2Y

By Eric Kimberling
Align IT and Operations to Unlock ERP Success
SocialFeb 20, 2026

Align IT and Operations to Unlock ERP Success

Internal IT loves single ERPs for ease & scalability. But operations need flexibility for their unique 'secret sauce'. This conflict stalls projects. Alignment is key for success. #ERP #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/clOwOVSiuS

By Eric Kimberling
Resist Pressure, Keep Your SAP System Stable
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Resist Pressure, Keep Your SAP System Stable

Don't let pressure force a system switch. Hold steady and do what's right for your business. This is a common challenge, especially in the SAP ecosystem, so you're not alone. #SAP #BusinessTips https://t.co/hLA2rW9Od3

By Eric Kimberling
Custom Software: Flexibility Gains vs Higher Costs
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Custom Software: Flexibility Gains vs Higher Costs

While custom software offers flexibility and scalability for unique business needs, especially customer-facing or competitive advantages, it can be more costly and less efficient technologically. #Tech #Business https://t.co/0UYl9C5hEm

By Eric Kimberling
Plan Ahead to Avoid Vendor Lock‑In Barriers
SocialFeb 18, 2026

Plan Ahead to Avoid Vendor Lock‑In Barriers

Vendor lock-in makes switching harder later. Businesses and software evolve differently, creating a gap over time. Plan for future digital transformations. #VendorLockIn #DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/SEjhkOsbRr

By Eric Kimberling
Executive Ownership Drives Successful Business Transformations
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Executive Ownership Drives Successful Business Transformations

Business transformations require strong executive ownership and decisive decision-making. Don't delegate all choices; leaders must guide consensus to navigate the inherent risks and ensure success beyond just a tech upgrade. #BusinessTransformation #Leadership #ChangeManagement https://t.co/3eDHQ4CWSO

By Eric Kimberling
IT Teams Prioritize Scalable, User‑Friendly, Manageable Infrastructure
SocialFeb 17, 2026

IT Teams Prioritize Scalable, User‑Friendly, Manageable Infrastructure

IT teams prioritize scalability and ease of use for technology, aiming to simplify stacks and build a manageable, growing infrastructure. Their focus is on technical efficiency. #ITManagement #TechStrategy https://t.co/UHwoWoB1Q6

By Eric Kimberling
Oracle's AI Shift Threatens Non‑AI Tech Investments
SocialFeb 17, 2026

Oracle's AI Shift Threatens Non‑AI Tech Investments

Oracle's AI investments raise questions about non-AI tech. Is this strategic reallocation, or cutting bloat? What other technologies are impacted besides the workforce? #Oracle #AI #Tech https://t.co/9Fny5zdRb8

By Eric Kimberling
SAP-Microsoft Integration Simplifies Adoption, Erodes D365 Edge
SocialFeb 16, 2026

SAP-Microsoft Integration Simplifies Adoption, Erodes D365 Edge

SAP integrating with Microsoft tools blunts any perceived strategic advantage D365 has. User adoption becomes easier when tied to products people already use. #PowerBI #SAP https://t.co/rkRNfWeI6s

By Eric Kimberling
Complexity Beats Costly Mismatched Tech Solutions
SocialFeb 16, 2026

Complexity Beats Costly Mismatched Tech Solutions

Managing different business parts with multiple solutions? Purists might hate the complexity, but the cost of ill-fitting tech could be far greater. #BusinessTech #TechSolutions https://t.co/fDjtFy5US0

By Eric Kimberling