Business Process Management (BPM) directives in Epicor® ERP are powerful tools that allow organizations to automate processes, enforce rules, and tailor workflows. But one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—aspects of BPM implementation is knowing when to use pre-processing versus post-processing logic.

At Epicforce Tech, we work closely with clients to not only develop BPM directives, but to strategically position them at the right execution stage. This ensures data integrity, process control, and performance optimization across all modules.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

• The difference between pre-processing and post-processing BPMs

• When and why each should be used

• Real use cases from Epicforce Tech implementations

• Best practices for BPM design and optimization

Understanding the Two Types of Epicor® BPMs

Epicor® BPMs can be triggered at different stages of method execution. The two most common types are:

1. Pre-Processing BPMs

These run before the business object method executes. They're used to:

• Validate data

• Block unwanted actions

• Modify inputs

• Cancel transactions based on logic

2. Post-Processing BPMs

These run after the method has executed. They are typically used to:

• Send notifications

• Log actions

• Update related tables or fields

• Perform dependent tasks that require the method to complete

Choosing the wrong type can lead to failed workflows, missed actions, or even data corruption.

Why the Difference Matters

BPM execution timing directly affects business outcomes. Here’s how:

• Pre-processing ensures bad data never enters the system
  Example: Blocking an order if the customer is on credit hold.

• Post-processing ensures follow-up actions happen only after success
  Example: Sending an email confirmation only after a record is saved successfully.

Failing to align the logic with the right stage may cause duplicate records, skipped actions, or untraceable bugs.

How Epicforce Tech Uses Both BPM Types to Build Reliable Workflows

At Epicforce Tech, we don’t just implement BPMs—we engineer workflows that align with your business logic and system integrity. Here are some real-world use cases from our client implementations:

✅ Use Case 1: Sales Order Validation (Pre-Processing BPM)

Scenario: A manufacturer needed to prevent sales reps from submitting orders with incomplete shipping data.

Epicforce Tech Solution:
We implemented a pre-processing BPM that checks if the shipping method, address, and requested ship date are filled. If any are missing, the system stops the transaction and shows a custom message to the user.

Result:
Data quality improved, and order rework decreased by 60%.

✅ Use Case 2: Automated Invoice Notifications (Post-Processing BPM)

Scenario: A distribution company wanted to alert finance and sales when invoices were generated.

Epicforce Tech Solution:
We implemented a post-processing BPM that sends templated emails to the appropriate teams once the invoice is successfully created in the system.

Result:
Improved communication and faster payment collection.

✅ Use Case 3: Job Release Compliance (Pre-Processing + Post-Processing)

Scenario: A client needed to restrict job releases unless certain materials were on hand, and to log every release action for audit purposes.

Epicforce Tech Solution:

• A pre-processing BPM checked inventory levels and blocked the release if thresholds were not met.

• A post-processing BPM logged successful releases into a custom table for traceability.

Result:
Zero unqualified job starts and a full audit trail for compliance checks.

✅ Use Case 4: Preventing Duplicate Records (Pre-Processing BPM)

Scenario: A medical device company frequently encountered duplicate vendor records during manual entry.

Epicforce Tech Solution:
We created a pre-processing BPM to check for existing entries based on tax ID and vendor name. If a duplicate was found, entry was blocked and the existing record was shown.

Result:
Database duplication dropped by 90%, reducing vendor management overhead.

Best Practices for BPM Implementation

Whether it’s pre- or post-processing, the success of BPMs depends on strategic design. At Epicforce Tech, we follow these best practices:

1. Always Start with Business Rules

We begin by mapping out the intended behavior, edge cases, and failure points before writing any logic.

2. Test in Sandbox Environments

We replicate real scenarios in test environments to validate logic without disrupting live operations.

3. Document Execution Flow

Clear documentation of triggers, conditions, and outcomes ensures maintainability and future scalability.

4. Use Logging for Debugging

Where possible, we implement internal logging to track failed conditions and execution paths for future audits.

5. Avoid Overloading BPMs

Complexity often leads to instability. We modularize logic and use combinations of short BPMs instead of a single large directive.

The Epicforce Tech Advantage

Implementing BPMs in Epicor® ERP is not just about system configuration—it’s about understanding how your business flows and ensuring the system reinforces that logic.

At Epicforce Tech, we provide:

• Deep expertise in Epicor® BPM architecture

• Custom logic tailored to your operational needs

• Strategic guidance on when and how to use each BPM type

• Ongoing support and optimization to keep your ERP agile and error-free

We help businesses build systems that are not only functional but smart, scalable, and future-ready.

Final Thoughts

The timing of your BPM logic is just as important as the logic itself. Choosing between pre-processing and post-processing can determine whether your workflow enforces rules or creates risk.

With Epicforce Tech by your side, you can be confident that your Epicor® BPMs are deployed for maximum impact, reliability, and compliance.

Ready to get more out of your Epicor® ERP? Let us help you make every process bulletproof.