Business Process Management (BPM) is a powerful capability within the Epicor ERP system that empowers organizations to enforce rules, automate tasks, and streamline processes without deep custom coding. At Epicforce Tech, we specialize in helping businesses harness Epicor BPMs to increase productivity and data accuracy while reducing manual overhead.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 high-impact use cases where Epicor BPMs deliver measurable improvements in efficiency across departments.
1. Auto-Validation of Data Entry
Problem:
Users sometimes enter incorrect or incomplete data, leading to downstream errors in purchasing, finance, or shipping.
Solution:
With BPMs, Epicor can automatically validate entries as soon as they’re created. For example, you can ensure:
- Required fields are filled before submission
- Customer credit limits are checked before order approval
- Part numbers match specific formats
Efficiency Gain:
Reduces manual review, prevents rework, and ensures cleaner data upstream.
2. Approval Workflows for Quotes and Purchase Orders
Problem:
Manual approval chains are prone to delays and miscommunication.
Solution:
Epicor BPMs can enforce multi-step approval logic:
- Route quotes over a certain value to department heads
- Alert procurement when PO thresholds are exceeded
- Notify finance for approval before order release
Efficiency Gain:
Speeds up decision-making and ensures compliance with internal policies.
3. Automating Customer Notifications
Problem:
Customers often call or email to ask about order status, which creates support load.
Solution:
Epicor BPMs can automatically send:
- Shipment confirmation emails
- Invoice notifications
- Delay alerts with custom logic
Efficiency Gain:
Improves customer experience and reduces time spent by support teams on repetitive updates.
4. Enforcing Business Logic on Pricing and Discounts
Problem:
Sales reps may accidentally apply incorrect pricing or unauthorized discounts.
Solution:
Use BPMs to:
- Block discounts beyond a threshold without approval
- Prevent changes to price lists on finalized orders
- Alert supervisors of suspicious margin levels
Efficiency Gain:
Protects revenue and ensures pricing consistency without needing manual oversight.
5. Quality Control Enforcement in Manufacturing
Problem:
Skipping QA steps can lead to costly defects or customer returns.
Solution:
Epicor BPMs can:
- Prevent job release if inspection is pending
- Force entry of quality results before moving to the next operation
- Notify QA managers of exceptions
Efficiency Gain:
Ensures consistent process adherence and reduces rework and warranty costs.
6. Inventory Movement and Compliance Controls
Problem:
Inventory adjustments can be done incorrectly or without proper oversight.
Solution:
With BPMs, you can:
- Require supervisor approval for manual inventory moves
- Enforce reason codes for adjustments
- Track and report anomalies in stock levels
Efficiency Gain:
Increases inventory accuracy and traceability, especially for compliance-focused industries.
7. Preventing Duplicate or Incomplete Records
Problem:
Duplicate vendors, customers, or parts lead to confusion and reporting issues.
Solution:
Epicor BPMs can:
- Check for existing records on data creation
- Prevent incomplete vendor/customer setups
- Trigger alerts for review if duplicates are detected
Efficiency Gain:
Improves master data quality and eliminates cleanup efforts later.
8. Managing Job Scheduling Conflicts
Problem:
Scheduling jobs on unavailable resources or during maintenance leads to delays.
Solution:
Use BPM logic to:
- Check resource availability before releasing a job
- Prevent scheduling on machines under maintenance
- Notify planners when conflicts are detected
Efficiency Gain:
Optimizes production planning and reduces unplanned downtime.
9. Real-Time KPI Monitoring and Escalation
Problem:
Critical operational issues often go unnoticed until performance is affected.
Solution:
Epicor BPMs can:
- Monitor KPIs like late shipments, past-due invoices, or inventory thresholds
- Automatically escalate issues to management
- Generate exception-based reporting
Efficiency Gain:
Promotes proactive resolution and minimizes operational disruptions.
10. Secure Handling of Sensitive Transactions
Problem:
Sensitive operations like cost updates or GL postings require strict control.
Solution:
Epicor BPMs can:
- Restrict actions based on user roles or departments
- Force audit logging of key transactions
- Trigger email alerts for specific events
Efficiency Gain:
Improves data security, transparency, and audit readiness without manual supervision.
Final Thoughts
These 10 use cases demonstrate just how powerful Epicor BPMs can be when thoughtfully implemented. From approvals and automation to compliance and control, BPMs help businesses run smarter not just faster.
At Epicforce Tech, we help companies unlock the full potential of Epicor ERP through tailored BPM configurations that boost efficiency, reduce risk, and empower users across all departments.
Looking to optimize your Epicor workflows?
Let’s talk about how our Epicor BPM consulting can drive real efficiency in your business.
