Why a Business Process Review Is the Critical First Step in Any ERP Implementation

Implementing an ERP system such as Epicor is one of the most transformative steps a company can take in its digital journey. It’s not just about adopting new technology—it’s about aligning that technology with your organization’s processes, people, and long-term goals.

That’s why the most critical first step in any ERP implementation is the Business Process Review (BPR), referred to within the Epicor ecosystem as the Epicor Process Review (EPR). This essential phase lays the foundation for a successful implementation by ensuring that business operations and system capabilities are fully aligned from the start.

1. Understand Before You Implement

ERP implementations often struggle not because of technical issues, but because business processes are poorly defined or misunderstood. The EPR is designed to prevent that by taking a deep, structured look at how your organization truly operates.

Through department-level interviews covering areas such as Engineering, Purchasing, Finance, and Inventory, consultants gain visibility into the day-to-day workflows that drive your business. This discovery process uncovers inefficiencies, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement.

The EPR is more than a technical review. It is a business-driven conversation that documents the “as-is” state of your operations and prepares the foundation for a more seamless ERP deployment.

2. Identify Gaps Early to Avoid Surprises Later

One of the biggest advantages of a Business Process Review is early visibility into gaps between your current practices and the ERP’s standard capabilities. During this phase, consultants map your existing workflows against Epicor’s best practice models.

These comparisons highlight where alignment is strong, where adjustments are needed, and where customization or process changes may be required. Identifying these differences early prevents costly redesigns, unplanned scope changes, and rework during later stages of the project.

When addressed in the planning phase, these findings allow for smarter decision-making and a smoother implementation overall.

3. Define the Timing and Scope of the Review

The Business Process Review typically occurs during the planning or pre-implementation phase, before any configuration or data migration begins. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, this process can last anywhere from one to several weeks.

It involves structured workshops, process mapping sessions, and documentation reviews that provide a holistic understanding of how your business operates. The scope can range from high-level process analysis to deep functional reviews within each department.

Establishing clear timing and scope helps ensure that every stakeholder understands what to expect and how their input will shape the overall ERP implementation strategy.

4. Encourage Transparent, Cross-Functional Collaboration

The EPR is as much about communication as it is about process. It brings together voices from across the organization and creates space for open dialogue between departments that may not typically collaborate closely.

Team members are encouraged to share challenges, inefficiencies, and their expectations for a future system. This transparency builds alignment, helps teams feel invested in the process, and ensures the new ERP system reflects the real needs of the business—not just assumptions from a single department or perspective.

A successful review includes participation from process owners, department leads, and key end-users who understand daily operations. Their insights are essential for mapping accurate workflows and identifying improvement opportunities.

5. Generate Clear, Actionable Deliverables

At the conclusion of the EPR, the organization receives a detailed set of findings and recommendations.

These insights are not limited to technical adjustments; they often include:

• Module configuration and process alignment suggestions

• Reporting and analytics requirements

• Integration considerations with other business systems

• Areas that may require custom development

• Operational improvements to align with industry best practices

In addition to these recommendations, organizations typically receive tangible deliverables such as:

• Current- and future-state process maps

• Identified gaps and potential resolutions

• Configuration recommendations and priorities

• A high-level implementation roadmap

This documentation becomes the blueprint for the project plan and helps define priorities, timelines, and resource allocation. It’s a roadmap that allows both business leaders and technical teams to move forward with clarity and purpose.

6. Strengthen Executive Alignment and Oversight

A successful ERP implementation requires executive buy-in and strategic alignment. After completing the review, consultants typically present an executive summary to the leadership team that highlights the key findings, identified risks, and next steps.

This executive-level presentation ensures all stakeholders—business, operations, and IT—share the same understanding of the organization’s needs, challenges, and priorities. It reinforces alignment early in the project, which minimizes miscommunication and promotes accountability throughout the implementation.

7. Understand the Risks of Skipping This Step

Skipping or rushing through a Business Process Review can significantly impact an ERP project’s outcome. Without a clear understanding of existing processes, teams risk implementing technology that reinforces inefficiencies instead of eliminating them.

Common pitfalls include:

• Misaligned configurations that fail to support actual workflows

• Over-customization that complicates upgrades and maintenance

• Missed opportunities to standardize and improve operations

• Poor user adoption due to unfamiliar or impractical system design

A thoughtful, well-executed EPR avoids these challenges by establishing alignment and clarity from day one.

8. Lay the Foundation for Long-Term Success

An ERP implementation is a long-term investment. Taking the time to conduct a thorough Business Process Review provides benefits that extend well beyond the initial go-live. It helps organizations:

• Prevent scope creep and costly redesigns

• Streamline configuration and development activities

• Improve user adoption by reflecting real-world processes

• Increase operational efficiency

• Ensure the ERP system supports strategic business goals

Ultimately, the EPR establishes a foundation of understanding, collaboration, and transparency that drives every subsequent project phase toward success.

Final Thoughts

A Business Process Review is not a formality, it’s a strategic discovery process that defines the success of an ERP implementation before the first line of configuration begins.

Whether your organization is preparing for its first Epicor implementation or optimizing an existing environment, taking the time to evaluate and document how your business truly operates will help you make more informed decisions, reduce risk, and set your project on the right path from day one.