In any enterprise system, data accuracy is non-negotiable. Clean data powers reliable reporting, efficient automation, and informed decision-making. But in large manufacturing and distribution businesses using Epicor® ERP, keeping data accurate across modules—like Sales, Finance, Inventory, and Production—is easier said than done.
That’s where Epicor® BPM (Business Process Management) comes in.
At Epicforce Tech, we help companies enforce business rules and maintain data quality using Epicor® BPM—without overcomplicating their systems. In this guide, we’ll show how to use BPM to ensure data accuracy across Epicor® modules, reduce errors at the source, and protect the integrity of your ERP system.
Why Data Accuracy Matters in Epicor® ERP
Every transaction in Epicor® relies on upstream and downstream data. An invalid UOM (Unit of Measure), an incorrect GL account, or a missing part class can ripple across operations—affecting inventory valuation, financial reports, customer shipments, or compliance audits.
Poor data leads to:
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Inaccurate costing and forecasting
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Production delays and incorrect planning
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Failed financial audits
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Customer dissatisfaction due to errors in orders
Epicor® BPM helps enforce data validation at the point of entry, before bad data can spread across your system.
What Is Epicor® BPM?
Epicor® BPM (Business Process Management) allows users to build logic-based rules and actions triggered by events in the ERP system. With BPM, you can enforce validations, raise exceptions, send alerts, and automate corrective actions—all without modifying source code.
Types of BPM Directives:
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Pre-processing – Runs before the standard Epicor® logic
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Post-processing – Runs after the core logic
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Data Directives – Triggered at the database table level (insert/update/delete)
Key Epicor® Modules Where Data Accuracy Is Critical
To ensure meaningful, reliable ERP outputs, the following modules must maintain data integrity:
1. Sales Order Management
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Accurate customer records, pricing, terms
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Valid ship-to addresses, tax regions
2. Inventory Management
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Correct UOM, part numbers, classifications
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Accurate on-hand, minimum, and reorder levels
3. Finance / GL
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Proper GL account assignment by cost center
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Journal entries with valid combinations
4. Production / Job Management
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Correct routing, work centers, and material allocations
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Accurate labor estimates and scheduling
5. Purchasing
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Approved vendor list enforcement
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Cost validation against contract pricing
Epicor® BPM can enforce cross-module consistency by validating data inputs, relationships, and usage rules between these areas.
7 Practical Ways to Use Epicor® BPM for Data Accuracy
Here are proven methods Epicforce Tech uses with clients to enforce data accuracy using BPM:
1. Mandatory Field Validation
Ensure that critical fields are never left blank.
Example Use Case:
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Block Sales Order save if “Ship Via” or “Tax Region” is empty
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Require “Part Class” before saving new inventory parts
BPM Type: Pre-processing
Action: Raise exception with user-friendly message
2. Cross-Module Field Validation
Check if dependent fields are aligned between modules.
Example Use Case:
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On Purchase Order, verify that selected part exists in approved Part Master list
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Ensure GL accounts on Job Transactions match department rules
BPM Type: Pre-processing or Post-processing
Action: Raise warning or block transaction
3. Controlled Field Values
Restrict users from selecting non-compliant options.
Example Use Case:
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Allow only “Active” customers on Sales Orders
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Block inactive suppliers from being used in POs
BPM Type: Pre-processing
Action: Raise exception or show message
4. Duplicate Detection
Prevent duplicate master data entries like Customers or Parts.
Example Use Case:
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Block creation of a new Customer with same Tax ID
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Block Part creation if similar description already exists
BPM Type: Data Directive
Action: Validate using query logic and raise exception
5. GL Account Validation
Ensure financial data follows your chart of accounts logic.
Example Use Case:
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Validate GL combination of Business Unit + Department + Account
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Block journal entries with missing segments
BPM Type: Pre-processing or Data Directive
Action: Raise exception, log, or show message
6. UOM and Costing Validations
Enforce consistent use of unit measures and cost tracking.
Example Use Case:
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On job entry, ensure unit of measure matches part setup
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Block material transactions with zero standard cost
BPM Type: Post-processing or Data Directive
Action: Stop transaction or send alert to finance
7. Workflow Escalations for Exceptions
When data errors are caught, escalate to responsible teams.
Example Use Case:
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Notify Finance when incorrect GL is used
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Alert QA if a part revision is missing for job release
BPM Type: Post-processing
Action: Send email with full data context
Best Practices from Epicforce Tech
To implement high-impact, low-maintenance BPMs, follow these proven guidelines:
1. Keep Conditions Narrow
Don’t apply BPMs globally. Use filtered logic (tt tables, status checks) to limit when BPMs fire.
2. Write Clear Exception Messages
Your users need clarity. Say:
“GL Account is missing required segment. Please review.”
3. Test Every Scenario
Validate your BPM against real-life edge cases to prevent unexpected behavior.
4. Log Changes for Audit
Use BPM logging for traceability on data corrections or overrides.
5. Review BPMs Annually
Outdated BPMs can slow performance or conflict with upgrades.
Epicforce Tech’s Approach to BPM-Based Data Enforcement
At Epicforce Tech, we follow a structured, low-risk approach to BPM implementation:
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Requirement Gathering – Define data rules by department and module
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Impact Analysis – Identify where and how data is used
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BPM Design – Build lean, scalable validation logic
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Testing & QA – Use real data to verify performance
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User Enablement – Train stakeholders to understand new enforcement rules
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Documentation – Provide process maps and logic flows
Our focus isn’t just building rules—it’s building BPMs that support growth, prevent chaos, and stay upgrade-safe.
Real Results with BPM-Based Data Accuracy
Clients who implemented cross-module BPM validation with Epicforce Tech reported:
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42% reduction in manual data corrections
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60% fewer finance reclassifications
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Improved audit trail and compliance confidence
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Better reporting accuracy from clean master data
Final Thoughts
Data accuracy isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a business issue. Whether you’re preparing for audits, trying to improve reporting, or scaling operations, clean and validated data is essential.
Using Epicor® BPM to enforce data accuracy across modules is one of the most efficient, scalable, and upgrade-safe ways to maintain ERP reliability.
And when done with the right strategy, it becomes a silent but powerful enabler of operational excellence.
Let Epicforce Tech Help You Build Reliable, Data-Driven ERP Processes
Want to prevent errors before they happen? Need help cleaning up existing data rules?
Epicforce Tech can help you design and implement BPM-driven data enforcement that works—without slowing down your system.
Contact our ERP process automation team today
Call: (888) 280-5585
Visit: www.epicforcetech.com
