Explaining the Hidden Costs of ERP Implementations
TechTarget, Thursday, September 10th, 2026
Experts outline hidden ERP implementation costs, from extra licensing and integrations to customization and talent gaps.
ERP remains a core enterprise system, but implementations are prone to overruns: Panorama found 30% of projects over budget and Gartner says over 70% miss original goals.
Consultants from Withum, Protiviti, and ElevatIQ describe common hidden costs, including licenses and modules missed in initial bids, selecting a poorly fitting ERP, underestimated integrations with ongoing middleware and API expenses, and costly customizations the buyer must maintain.
Leaders also often overestimate staff expertise and availability, creating talent shortfalls. Thorough upfront planning is presented as the best way to avoid surprise costs.