The seven phases
- Discovery and design
Map processes, agree the solution design and sign a SOW with fixed-fee or capped phases.
- Configuration
Chart of accounts, dimensions, workflows, roles.
- Data migration
Master data, open transactions, history - each year of history adds cost.
- Integrations
Ecommerce, CRM, payroll, banking, EDI - the most common overrun.
- Customization and reports
Scripts, custom fields, financial reports.
- Training and UAT
Key users test real scenarios; run a parallel close.
- Go-live and hypercare
2-6 weeks of heightened support.
Cited implementation budgets
| Vendor | Range | Timeline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NetSuite | $25-50K small; $50-150K mid | 8-12 / 12-16 weeks | BrokenRubik, 2026-09-17 |
| Sage Intacct | $25-150K | ~90 days | Rand Group, 2026-04-20 |
| Acumatica | $25-50K small; $50-100K mid | - | Milestone IS, 2026-09-23 |
| Business Central | $33-81K small; $96-237K mid | 8-40 weeks | AlphaVima, 2026-07-15 |
| Odoo | Success Packs $3,060-$25,000 | 80% live within 200 h | Odoo, 2026-08-09 |
| SAP Business One | $20-50K small; $50-100K mid | - | TranzDigital, 2026-01-15 |
| Sage 300 | $30-250K | 4-8 months | ERP Research, 2026 |
Roles
| Role | Who | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Executive sponsor | CFO / COO | Weekly steering |
| Project manager | Internal + partner PM | Part to full time |
| Key users | One per department | 20-50% during build and UAT |
| Partner consultants | Functional + technical | Per SOW |
Tools
Build an hours-by-phase estimate in the implementation cost calculator and choose a firm with 21 partner questions.
Turn this estimate into 3 real quotes
Published and benchmark prices are a starting point. Written quotes from independent partners are what you budget on.
Independence and disclosure. ERP Cost Guide is independent and is not a partner, reseller or affiliate of any ERP vendor. Buyers pay nothing. If we introduce you to an implementation partner, that partner may pay us a referral fee - see how we make money.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ERP implementation take?
Cited ranges: NetSuite 8-12 weeks small and 12-16 weeks mid-market (BrokenRubik); Sage Intacct about 90 days (Cargas); Business Central 8-40 weeks (AlphaVima).
Sources
- BrokenRubik - NetSuite pricing guide (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-17
- Rand Group - Sage Intacct pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-04-20
- Cargas - Sage Intacct pricing guide (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-07-22
- Milestone IS - Acumatica pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-09-23
- AlphaVima - Business Central implementation cost (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-07-15
- Odoo - Success Packs (US prices, archived 2026-08-09) (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-08-09
- TranzDigital - SAP Business One cost 2026 (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026-01-15
- ERP Research - Sage 300 pricing (accessed 2026-09-23) - Source date: 2026