Consultants should be the first port of call for any large software implementation.  Getting information and views from consultants before you spend big dollars is often invaluable to ensure that you have an independent view of the products you are evaluating. All too often, "product research" consists of asking several vendors what they think of thier own product and getting demonstrations on the good ones.

Numerous consultants already know the products, their shortfalls, their strengths and the issues involved.  Get smart - find out what consultants know first.