Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors



We consent to the  reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated  January 18, 1999 in  Pre-Effective  Amendment  No. 1 to
Effective  Management  Systems,   Inc.'s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1
(including the related Prospectus) for the registration of 947,214 shares of its
common stock.



                                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 31, 1999