Eric Kimberling

Eric Kimberling

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CEO, Third Stage Consulting; ERP transformation and OCM

People, Not Tech, Drive Project Success or Failure
SocialApr 14, 2026

People, Not Tech, Drive Project Success or Failure

Projects often fail not due to technical issues, but because of resistance to organizational change. The human element—how well teams adopt new processes—is the number one factor determining success or failure. #ProjectManagement #ChangeManagement https://t.co/FrnbMPGgJ1

By Eric Kimberling
Hybrid Method Beats Pure Agile for ERP Projects
SocialApr 14, 2026

Hybrid Method Beats Pure Agile for ERP Projects

A hybrid approach often outperforms pure Agile. Later, we'll explore case studies of organizations that struggled with Agile for ERP implementation. #Agile #ERP #ProjectManagement https://t.co/wbz8sKEcDF

By Eric Kimberling
Neglecting Current Processes Drives SAP Implementation Costs
SocialApr 13, 2026

Neglecting Current Processes Drives SAP Implementation Costs

SAP implementation led to manual processes and increased labor costs. A key lesson: inadequate focus on current state business processes. Understanding these needs would have prevented issues. #SAP #BusinessProcess #Implementation https://t.co/aBtF1RgtuB

By Eric Kimberling
ERP Vendors Shift Blame, Undermining Your Implementation Success
SocialApr 13, 2026

ERP Vendors Shift Blame, Undermining Your Implementation Success

Is your ERP vendor blaming you for project failures? It's a common tactic. Learn why they shift blame and how it impacts your implementation. #ERP #VendorManagement https://t.co/N4eGBQgyCt

By Eric Kimberling
Agile ERP Missteps Cost Major Companies Millions
SocialApr 13, 2026

Agile ERP Missteps Cost Major Companies Millions

Major companies like Spar, Ford, Revlon, and Avon have faced massive losses and project failures by attempting Agile ERP implementations. Sales reps couldn't even log in. Is Agile the right approach for large-scale ERP systems? #ERP #Agile #BusinessFailures https://t.co/Apaylga3aB

By Eric Kimberling
Tight Margins Demand Rigorous Financial Controls in Retail
SocialApr 13, 2026

Tight Margins Demand Rigorous Financial Controls in Retail

Projects costing hundreds of millions often struggle with tracking slim margins. In food & retail, every bit counts. Failing to manage financial controls and margins is a major issue. #Business #Finance #Retail https://t.co/L4HibQ2z6L

By Eric Kimberling
Clients Push Modernization to Cut Tech Debt
SocialApr 13, 2026

Clients Push Modernization to Cut Tech Debt

Clients want to modernize and reduce tech debt, getting rid of old systems and complex customizations. Although the client isn't theoretically at the center, their desire for a streamlined, up-to-date system is the driving force. #TechDebt #Modernization https://t.co/i59LjGbU50

By Eric Kimberling
Data, Not Models, Limits Enterprise AI Adoption
SocialApr 13, 2026

Data, Not Models, Limits Enterprise AI Adoption

SAP highlights a crucial point: the real bottleneck for enterprise AI isn't the models, but the data. For ERP giants like SAP and Oracle, owning the core system of record and workflows gives them a distinct advantage in leveraging AI...

By Eric Kimberling
SAP ERP Rollout Cost $100M, Lost $100M Sales
SocialApr 12, 2026

SAP ERP Rollout Cost $100M, Lost $100M Sales

When public companies mention ERP projects in financial reports, it's a red flag. One company spent $100M on SAP, only to lose over $100M in sales attributed to the implementation. Costly lessons learned. #ERP #SAP #BusinessFailures https://t.co/j33L0JGKPc

By Eric Kimberling
Phase 0 Finds Your Perfect Tech Fit, Saves Money
SocialApr 12, 2026

Phase 0 Finds Your Perfect Tech Fit, Saves Money

Tech is expensive, but Phase 0 helps you find the right fit for your business. It guides you on custom solutions or third-party bolt-ons, saving you money and time. #TechStrategy #BusinessSolutions https://t.co/MURJ1Lmhkz

By Eric Kimberling
Agile Hype Hurting ERP Digital Transformation Outcomes
SocialApr 12, 2026

Agile Hype Hurting ERP Digital Transformation Outcomes

Agile is touted to boost digital transformations, but for many organizations, it's actually hindering ERP implementations and worsening outcomes. The hype might be overshadowing the reality. #Agile #Tech https://t.co/surYubkWUT

By Eric Kimberling
Big SAP Spend, Bigger Failure: Lessons Learned
SocialApr 12, 2026

Big SAP Spend, Bigger Failure: Lessons Learned

Spar Group, an $8 billion company, spent over $100 million on an SAP S/4HANA implementation that failed massively. This wasn't inevitable; valuable lessons can be learned from this cautionary tale. #SAP #ImplementationFailure #BusinessLessons https://t.co/dWPvQR7yxp

By Eric Kimberling
Vendor Gets Safe Revenue, You Shoulder All Risk
SocialApr 12, 2026

Vendor Gets Safe Revenue, You Shoulder All Risk

The vendor is secure with their subscription revenue, regardless of your project's outcome. You bear all the risk, costs, and uncertainty about business value materializing. When pressure mounts, blame often lands with you. #BusinessStrategy #RiskManagement https://t.co/b4QlSGFlb4

By Eric Kimberling
Vendors Prioritize Subscription Revenue Over Customer Value
SocialApr 12, 2026

Vendors Prioritize Subscription Revenue Over Customer Value

Vendors profit from annual subscriptions before you see business value. This system prioritizes their financial gain over customer needs. Next, we’ll explore consultant motives and the full machine benefiting these parties. #BusinessStrategy #CustomerValue #VendorAgreements https://t.co/lF4yYKZPaA

By Eric Kimberling
Efficiency Beats Overstaffing in Consulting Projects
SocialApr 12, 2026

Efficiency Beats Overstaffing in Consulting Projects

Big consulting firms often overstaff projects, billing clients for more resources than needed. The real value isn't in the headcount, but in efficient, targeted delivery over a sustainable pace. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy #ProjectManagement https://t.co/WgSQYJt3y9

By Eric Kimberling
Today's AI Is the Baseline, Not the Peak
SocialApr 11, 2026

Today's AI Is the Baseline, Not the Peak

Don't get too caught up on today's AI capabilities. What you see now is the worst it will ever be. AI will continue to evolve and advance, so focus on the bigger picture, not just specific use cases. #AI #FutureTech...

By Eric Kimberling
Cloud Migration Shifts Risk, but Outages Spark Security Doubts
SocialApr 11, 2026

Cloud Migration Shifts Risk, but Outages Spark Security Doubts

Hosting data in-house carries risks due to limited cybersecurity investment. Moving to the cloud shifts risk to providers, but significant outages from major providers raise questions about security and stability. #CloudSecurity #CyberRisk https://t.co/mjMEZ0cpkz

By Eric Kimberling
Own Your Consultants, Don't Let Them Exploit You
SocialApr 11, 2026

Own Your Consultants, Don't Let Them Exploit You

Organizations often defer to consulting firms due to perceived lack of tech knowledge. This can lead to consultants taking advantage. Remember, ownership and active management of consultants are key, just like any other vendor. #Consulting #ProjectManagement #Tech https://t.co/masJKQ4CT4

By Eric Kimberling
Revenue‑Based SaaS Pricing Meets Customer Resistance
SocialApr 11, 2026

Revenue‑Based SaaS Pricing Meets Customer Resistance

Companies like Oracle tried pricing based on a percentage of revenue or SG&A. Customers pushed back, questioning why they should pay more just because their business was more successful. #SaaS #PricingStrategy https://t.co/0OzGNsgkzY

By Eric Kimberling
Project Failure Rates Soar: Data Reveals Critical Gaps
SocialApr 11, 2026

Project Failure Rates Soar: Data Reveals Critical Gaps

Projects are failing at a higher rate than ever. We'll dive into the data and metrics that illustrate the severity of these failures, and later discuss how to address the root causes. #ProjectManagement #BusinessAnalysis https://t.co/JcOEiyZs8B

By Eric Kimberling
AI Threatens Junior Roles, Forces Consulting Model Overhaul
SocialApr 11, 2026

AI Threatens Junior Roles, Forces Consulting Model Overhaul

AI and automation are changing the game for CIOs and C-suite execs. Why keep junior staff on documentation or research when AI can handle it? This shift challenges the traditional consulting model, pushing it towards an inevitable pivot or demise....

By Eric Kimberling
NVIDIA Toolkit Could Unite ERP and CRM Systems
SocialApr 10, 2026

NVIDIA Toolkit Could Unite ERP and CRM Systems

NVIDIA's success hinges on big tech adopting their platform. But if SAP and Salesforce build on the same NVIDIA toolkit, does that pave the way for deeper ERP and CRM integration? Shared infrastructure could unlock true system convergence. #NVIDIA #AI...

By Eric Kimberling
Don't Let Consultants Rush Unprepared Project Starts
SocialApr 10, 2026

Don't Let Consultants Rush Unprepared Project Starts

Consultants push to start projects immediately to maximize billing. They want to ramp up fast, not just with a project lead, but with full teams. Don't be rushed into starting before you're ready. #ProjectManagement #Consulting https://t.co/WOUzlaoFzo

By Eric Kimberling
AI Forces SaaS Vendors to Rethink Pricing Models
SocialApr 10, 2026

AI Forces SaaS Vendors to Rethink Pricing Models

Software vendors will adapt to AI, finding new revenue streams even as user-based pricing becomes obsolete. AI agents doing more work could decrease revenue if employee numbers fall. Expect pricing evolution. #AI #SaaS #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/7KugKaNFOZ

By Eric Kimberling
Control‑obsessed Consultants Inflate Budgets, Waste Millions
SocialApr 10, 2026

Control‑obsessed Consultants Inflate Budgets, Waste Millions

Consultants and system integrators often resist change due to a desire for control and ownership. This self-serving approach inflates project budgets, consuming millions that could be better allocated to other critical success factors. #ProjectManagement #Consulting #Budgeting https://t.co/y3FruodbiA

By Eric Kimberling
Consulting Bias From Vendor Commissions Threatens Long‑term Viability
SocialApr 10, 2026

Consulting Bias From Vendor Commissions Threatens Long‑term Viability

Consulting firms often recommend solutions based on vendor incentives or commissions, not client needs. This bias is unsustainable and will likely harm large firms long-term. True independence is key. #Consulting #BusinessEthics https://t.co/iVn0Uo4Hs1

By Eric Kimberling
Avoid Vendor Lock‑In: Diversify Amid Pricing Uncertainty
SocialApr 9, 2026

Avoid Vendor Lock‑In: Diversify Amid Pricing Uncertainty

Companies are making long-term tech commitments without clarity on future pricing, risking vendor lock-in. Leaders must navigate this uncertainty, not by standing still, but by avoiding doubling down on a single provider and losing all leverage. #TechStrategy #CloudComputing https://t.co/29fLIJ6fIY

By Eric Kimberling
Project Decline Stems From Process, Not Technology
SocialApr 9, 2026

Project Decline Stems From Process, Not Technology

Technology isn't failing us, and we aren't intentionally trying to fail projects. So why are so many initiatives getting worse instead of better? It's not about lack of innovation or intelligence. #ProjectManagement #BusinessGrowth https://t.co/HPeB1zGrlx

By Eric Kimberling
Tech Flywheel Favours Vendors and Consultants Over Clients
SocialApr 9, 2026

Tech Flywheel Favours Vendors and Consultants Over Clients

Technology's 'machine' has 3 parts: the client buying solutions, the software vendors providing them, and the consultants connecting them. This setup creates a 'flywheel' that often benefits vendors and consultants more than the client. #TechIndustry #DigitalTransformation https://t.co/m4YEtByqSx

By Eric Kimberling
Conflict of Interest Inspires Independent, Tech‑Agnostic ERP Firm
SocialApr 9, 2026

Conflict of Interest Inspires Independent, Tech‑Agnostic ERP Firm

A consultant felt conflicted, knowing their firm was incentivized to recommend SAP regardless of objective evaluation. This conflict sparked the idea for an independent, tech-agnostic ERP consulting firm. #Consulting #SAP #Ethics https://t.co/HJMmwy0znT

By Eric Kimberling
NVIDIA's Partnership Fuels Rapid AI Compute Scaling
SocialApr 9, 2026

NVIDIA's Partnership Fuels Rapid AI Compute Scaling

NVIDIA's infrastructure partnership is smart, scaling software vendors' needs. In AI's booming compute demand, the real arms race is how fast vendors can build processing capabilities. #NVIDIA #AI #Tech https://t.co/yg1BGb3jqI

By Eric Kimberling
Immature Solutions Cause Cloud Migration Failures in Complex Workflows
SocialApr 9, 2026

Immature Solutions Cause Cloud Migration Failures in Complex Workflows

Cloud migration failures often stem from immature solutions lacking mature on-premise workflows, especially in complex areas like advanced planning and production. #CloudMigration #TechChallenges https://t.co/i95OUvqZEE

By Eric Kimberling
Pick AI Agents that Fit Today and Future
SocialApr 8, 2026

Pick AI Agents that Fit Today and Future

When choosing AI agents, look beyond just the system itself. Consider the evolving AI ecosystem and its future capabilities. Select an ERP that fits your business now, but also accounts for exponential tech changes in the next 1-3 years. #AIEcosystem...

By Eric Kimberling
Adding AI Over Weak Core Tech Drives DT Failures
SocialApr 8, 2026

Adding AI Over Weak Core Tech Drives DT Failures

Companies are struggling with basic tech like cloud solutions and accounting software, yet many are adding AI on top. This complexity is a major reason why digital transformation projects are failing at an unprecedented rate. #DigitalTransformation #AI #ProjectFailure https://t.co/V6WQ1nnCYe

By Eric Kimberling
SAP Embraces Open Data; ERP Outlook 2026 Discussed
SocialApr 8, 2026

SAP Embraces Open Data; ERP Outlook 2026 Discussed

Podcast Ep267: SAP Partnering With Open Data, State of ERP in 2026, ERP Vendor Blame https://t.co/OpJbrTUVTy

By Eric Kimberling
Mid‑size Firms Reject Costly, Oversized Consulting Models
SocialApr 8, 2026

Mid‑size Firms Reject Costly, Oversized Consulting Models

Mid-size companies are realizing big consulting firms don't offer cost-effective solutions. Staffing large projects for smaller clients, similar to Fortune 500s, adds no real value and is an outdated model clients are now spotting. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/bNQetvZEJi

By Eric Kimberling
ERP Becomes Mere Data Hub as AI Agents Lead
SocialApr 8, 2026

ERP Becomes Mere Data Hub as AI Agents Lead

Is ERP relegated to just a system of record? With AI agents handling the real value, ERPs might become glorified databases for transactions and data, managing structure and basic workflows. #ERP #AI #FutureOfWork https://t.co/aKs6jELKqz

By Eric Kimberling
Composable AI ERP Replaces Monolithic Vendor Lock‑In
SocialApr 8, 2026

Composable AI ERP Replaces Monolithic Vendor Lock‑In

Monolithic ERP systems are fading fast. The future is composable, driven by AI platforms. Don't get locked into one vendor; explore best-of-breed solutions to complete your business picture and ensure success. #ERP #TechTrends #Business https://t.co/qXyd6vt8tr

By Eric Kimberling
Consulting Firms' Software Bias Pushes Suboptimal Solutions
SocialApr 8, 2026

Consulting Firms' Software Bias Pushes Suboptimal Solutions

Big consulting firms have a major fault: their software biases. This hasn't changed in 25 years. They push specific solutions, regardless of what's best. #Consulting #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/4jb7WvtJHA

By Eric Kimberling
Effective Change Management Requires Experienced Independent Consultants
SocialApr 7, 2026

Effective Change Management Requires Experienced Independent Consultants

Don't underestimate change management – it's crucial for project success. Demand experienced consultants and don't be afraid to find resources outside your primary vendor if needed. Your project's success depends on the right people. #ProjectManagement #Consulting https://t.co/8VfUwEZJti

By Eric Kimberling
CIOs Must Optimize, Not Just Cut Consulting Costs
SocialApr 7, 2026

CIOs Must Optimize, Not Just Cut Consulting Costs

Consulting firms are incentivized to bill as many people as possible, but your job as CIO is to optimize costs, not just minimize them. Ensure you're making the best use of tech consultant resources. #Consulting #CIO #CostOptimization https://t.co/nEaQq050YV

By Eric Kimberling
AI Should Augment, Not Replace, Your Record Systems
SocialApr 7, 2026

AI Should Augment, Not Replace, Your Record Systems

The real value of AI, including generative AI, lies in enhancing systems of record for decision-making and analysis. The key question is whether your system of record vendor should also provide these AI tools. #AI #TechStrategy #Business https://t.co/pdM7wnBtIN

By Eric Kimberling
Own Projects, Prioritize Change Management Over Tech
SocialApr 7, 2026

Own Projects, Prioritize Change Management Over Tech

Don't just outsource your projects; own them. Take control and accountability. Invest heavily in change management over technology. True success lies in guiding experts and ensuring your vision is executed. #ProjectManagement #Leadership https://t.co/bwgewX2hIT

By Eric Kimberling
Demand Forecasting Is Only First Step in Supply Chain
SocialApr 7, 2026

Demand Forecasting Is Only First Step in Supply Chain

Forecasting customer demand is just the start. You also need to map out the raw materials and components required for production. For example, making an iPhone involves sourcing thousands of parts – from chips to glass. #SupplyChain #Procurement #DemandForecasting https://t.co/zBDBcUm8Py

By Eric Kimberling
Consultants Charged Clients for Unproductive “Dead Time”
SocialApr 7, 2026

Consultants Charged Clients for Unproductive “Dead Time”

Big consulting firms once billed clients for 'dead time' because consultants were incentivized to maximize billable hours, even when not adding value. This inherent conflict prioritizes firm profits over client interests. #Consulting #BusinessEthics https://t.co/OKzAun3B4l

By Eric Kimberling
Choose AI Platforms Built for Future Flexibility
SocialApr 7, 2026

Choose AI Platforms Built for Future Flexibility

Choosing the right AI platform isn't just about current features, but future adaptability. Look for systems with built-in AI agents and strong integration capabilities to thrive in a multi-technology future. Prioritize flexibility for long-term vision. #AIStrategy #FutureTech https://t.co/Cf0i98J5M4

By Eric Kimberling
Effective Logistics Drives Timely Global Product Delivery
SocialApr 6, 2026

Effective Logistics Drives Timely Global Product Delivery

Logistics is key to supply chain management: getting finished products to customers via ships, planes, or trucks. It's about managing cargo across countries and different transport modes to ensure timely delivery. #SupplyChain #Logistics https://t.co/U7E0sqpiOq

By Eric Kimberling
Consultants' Arrogance Masks Inefficiencies, Costs Clients
SocialApr 6, 2026

Consultants' Arrogance Masks Inefficiencies, Costs Clients

Big consulting firms often have an arrogance and superiority complex, leading to a lack of transparency with clients. They may hide inefficiencies and mistakes, leaving organizations to pay the price when projects go off track. #Consulting #Business #ProjectManagement https://t.co/hRuUj4tOWw

By Eric Kimberling
It's Never Too Late to Fix Cloud Migration
SocialApr 6, 2026

It's Never Too Late to Fix Cloud Migration

Already migrated to the cloud or new software? It's never too late to course-correct. While difficult and potentially morale-impacting, the risk is likely less than long-term business damage. #CloudMigration #BusinessStrategy https://t.co/QN5ZJ91kJ3

By Eric Kimberling