Exhibit 23.1

                 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


   We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
   Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Effective Management Systems, Inc.
   1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of our report dated January 16, 1998,
   with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of 
   Effective Management Systems, Inc. included in its Annual Report 
   (Form 10-K) for the year ended November 30, 1997, filed with the 
   Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                           Ernst & Young LLP


   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   June 30, 1998