Eric Kimberling explores ERP Fear Factor: The Hidden Costs of ERP Implementations. I’m not sure that I agree with Eric’s implementation numbers as they relate to GP in particular. Even on a total cost of implementation basis my current project would be about 10 times higher than it actually is.
Also, we used to use a 1:2.5 software to services ratio but as software vendors keep dropping prices and adding incentives the 1:4 ratio does make sense. On the services side, smart people who do good work don’t get cheaper over time.