When it comes to tailoring Epicor ERP to your unique business processes, there are two powerful tools at your disposal: BPM (Business Process Management) and custom code. Both options allow you to adapt Epicor beyond its out-of-the-box capabilities. But choosing the right approach isn’t always straightforward.
At Epicforce Tech, we specialize in helping clients make the right call between BPM and custom code—balancing flexibility, maintainability, upgrade safety, and business outcomes.
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
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The key differences between BPM and custom code
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When to use each (and when to avoid them)
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Real-world use cases
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Our expert recommendations based on decades of Epicor experience
This post is non-sales, practical, and designed to help you reduce risks while maximizing your ERP’s value.
Understanding the Basics: BPM vs. Custom Code
Before diving into use cases, let’s clarify what each term means in the context of Epicor ERP:
What is BPM?
Business Process Management (BPM) in Epicor is a no-code/low-code tool that lets you create workflow automation, enforce rules, and define logic without modifying core system code.
There are two types of BPM:
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Method Directives: Triggered by Epicor functions (e.g., save, update, post).
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Data Directives: Triggered by data changes in a specific table (e.g., a new sales order line is inserted).
What is Custom Code?
Custom code refers to writing C# logic or creating external applications and modules to extend Epicor beyond what BPM can support. This often includes:
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Customizations through Epicor’s Customization Maintenance tool
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Custom .NET libraries
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REST API integrations
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External applications that interface with Epicor
Both are valid, but each has its pros and cons depending on what you’re trying to achieve.
When to Use BPM: Upgrade-Safe Automation and Business Rules
BPM is often the preferred approach when you want to add business logic without touching the core system.
Common BPM Use Cases Epicforce Tech Recommends:
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Auto-approvals for low-value purchase orders
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Email alerts when inventory drops below threshold
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Blocking invoice posting if required fields are missing
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Automatically updating customer status based on payment behavior
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Preventing record deletions for specific user roles
Benefits of BPM:
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Upgrade Safe: Because it sits outside core code, BPM logic typically survives version upgrades.
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No Developer Needed: Great for functional consultants or power users.
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Faster to Deploy: Most BPMs can be tested and deployed in hours, not weeks.
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Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for external libraries or ongoing code maintenance.
Limitations of BPM:
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Performance Overhead: Complex BPM logic can slow down transactions if not well designed.
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Limited UI Control: BPM can validate or automate logic but can’t redesign screens or add new components.
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No Long-Running Processes: BPMs are triggered by events, not suitable for scheduled or background jobs.
When to Use Custom Code: Full Control and Deep Integration
There are scenarios where BPM just can’t go far enough. That’s where custom code comes in.
Custom Code Use Cases We Often See at Epicforce Tech:
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Building custom mobile apps or kiosks that integrate with Epicor
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Creating custom screen elements or modifying standard Epicor forms
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Developing background services to sync data with third-party platforms
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Performing calculations or workflows that require complex logic or APIs
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Automating data loads beyond DMT capabilities
Benefits of Custom Code:
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Unlimited Flexibility: If you can write it, you can build it.
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Advanced UI Capabilities: Redesign forms, add buttons, pop-ups, custom dashboards.
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Robust Integrations: RESTful APIs, SOAP services, and deep 3rd-party tools.
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Background Processing: Ideal for scheduled jobs, automation bots, and heavy workloads.
Limitations of Custom Code:
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Higher Cost and Complexity: Development, testing, and maintenance all require skilled resources.
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Upgrade Risk: Custom code may break after version upgrades and require rework.
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Documentation & Dependency: Requires detailed documentation to avoid tech debt.
Decision Framework: BPM or Custom Code?
At Epicforce Tech, we apply this simple decision matrix to help clients make the right choice:
| Scenario | Use BPM | Use Custom Code |
|---|---|---|
| Simple field validation | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Email alert based on field value | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| External app integration | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| UI screen redesign | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Prevent user action based on role | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Scheduled data sync | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Auto-calculate field value | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ If complex |
| Barcode scanning workflow | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
If the logic lives within Epicor and is tied to transactions, BPM is usually the first choice.
If you need custom interfaces, complex APIs, or background automation, custom code is often required.
Real-World Example: BPM vs. Custom Code in Action
Scenario: Auto-Update Customer Credit Status
Objective: When a customer’s outstanding balance exceeds their credit limit, their status should be updated to “Hold” and an alert should be sent to the finance team.
Solution with BPM:
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Use a method directive on invoice posting.
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Query current balance with a BAQ inside the BPM.
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Use a Set Field widget to change the customer status.
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Trigger an email notification to Finance.
Result: Fully functional, no code required. Quick to deploy and maintain.
What If Custom Code Was Used?
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Would require C# scripting.
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Higher deployment time.
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Manual testing after each upgrade.
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Potential breakage with schema changes.
Epicforce Tech Verdict: BPM wins.
How Epicforce Tech Helps You Choose (and Build)
Making the wrong choice between BPM and custom code can lead to:
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Unnecessary delays
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Upgrade failures
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Increased technical debt
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Higher total cost of ownership
Epicforce Tech offers:
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Use-case analysis workshops
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BPM vs. Customization decision assessments
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Full-cycle implementation: from logic mapping to deployment
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Upgrade-safe coding standards
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Documentation and post-deployment support
Our consultants are trained to choose the lightest, most efficient solution that meets your long-term business goals.
Best Practices to Follow (Whether You Use BPM or Code)
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Document Everything: Every automation or code change should have clear documentation for future admins or developers.
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Test in a Sandbox First: Always validate BPMs or code customizations in a test environment.
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Track Changes in Source Control: Especially important for code, but BPM export files can also be versioned.
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Avoid Redundancy: Don’t mix BPM and code for the same logic—it creates conflict and confusion.
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Review Custom Logic Every 6–12 Months: Business processes evolve. So should your customizations.
Final Recommendation: Start with BPM, Scale with Code
In 80% of Epicor customization scenarios, BPM is sufficient and preferred. It’s faster, safer, and easier to maintain.
But in the remaining 20%, where business logic requires extended functionality or integration, custom code is essential.
At Epicforce Tech, we always recommend starting with the leanest solution. Only scale to code when business complexity justifies it.
Let Epicforce Tech Guide Your Customization Strategy
Need help deciding between BPM and custom code for your Epicor ERP?
Let our experts review your requirements and recommend a strategy that fits your goals, budget, and upgrade roadmap.
📞 Call us at (888) 280-5585
📩 Email: info@epicforcetech.com
🔗 Visit: epicforcetech.com