“We’ve already got an ERP.” It’s a common response when businesses are presented with process management solutions. And on the surface, it seems reasonable — after all, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems promise to unify operations, reduce duplication, and increase efficiency.
But here’s the reality: while ERPs are powerful, they’re not built to handle every nuance of your organisation’s day-to-day processes. And that’s where the cracks start to show.
What ERPs Are Good At
ERP systems excel at managing core business functions like finance, procurement, inventory, and HR. They’re designed for standardisation, transactional control, and recordkeeping across departments.
However, the keyword here is “standard.” ERPs are excellent at handling predictable, structured processes. But real business isn’t always predictable.
Where ERPs Fall Short
Even with a robust ERP in place, many businesses still experience:
- Off-system approvals: Managers signing off via email or messaging platforms because the ERP workflow doesn’t match the actual process.
- Workarounds and shadow systems: Teams creating spreadsheets or side apps to track what the ERP can’t.
- Integration gaps: Manual rekeying between the ERP and other systems (CRM, compliance, field data, etc.).
- Lack of process flexibility: ERPs don’t adapt easily to unique or evolving workflows, especially in complex or non-standard operations.
- Limited visibility: Once something leaves the ERP’s scope, tracking it becomes difficult.
All resulting in administrate chaos. Gartner research has shown that over 70% of digital transformation initiatives stall due to process complexity — not software failure. A monolithic ERP cannot accommodate every operational nuance without becoming cumbersome or overly customised.
Real-World Example: Enhancing Procurement Processes in the Mining Sector
A leading manganese mining company, despite using Sage X3 ERP for procurement and payment activities, faced significant challenges in managing procurement processes efficiently. The ERP system lacked automation and the digital tools necessary for real-time tracking, compliance enforcement, and performance analysis.
To address these issues, the company partnered with FlowCentric to implement a tailored BPM solution. This provided automated workflows and real-time procurement visibility while seamlessly integrating with Sage X3. Key features included:
- Procurement Plan Automation: Consolidating requirements, setting procurement strategies, and enforcing compliance.
- Tender Management: Automating bid registration, evaluation, approvals, and awards.
- Supplier Portal: Digitalising vendor registration, procurement processes, contract management, invoicing, and supplier communication.
- Contract Management: Allowing suppliers to review, sign, and update contracts digitally.
- Procurement Automation: Streamlining purchase requests, approvals, and policy enforcement.
- Advanced Reporting: Delivering drill-down reports on procurement, tendering, vendor onboarding, stock management, and compliance.
The implementation led to improved procurement cycle times, enhanced supplier engagement, and strengthened governance and compliance. This case exemplifies how integrating a BPM solution from FlowCentric with an existing ERP system can address specific operational challenges and drive efficiency.
Why BPM Software Complements Your ERP
Business Process Management (BPM) software doesn’t replace your ERP: it extends it. It fills the operational gaps that ERPs weren’t designed to manage.
FlowCentric’s BPM solutions help by:
- Managing end-to-end processes that cross system, device, and geographic boundaries.
- Enforcing approvals, checks, and escalations based on your unique governance rules.
- Integrating seamlessly with your ERP and other line-of-business software to maintain data consistency.
- Creating dashboards and audit trails for full operational visibility.
It’s not about duplicating ERP functions: it’s about orchestrating the flow of work that sits between systems and teams.
The Bottom Line
Your ERP is critical: but it’s not complete. If your teams are still relying on email approvals, Excel trackers, and manual handovers, you’re not getting the return you should be from your tech stack.
Process management is what brings structure to the grey areas of your operations. And FlowCentric provides the custom-fit solution that makes it all work: in real time, across systems, without workarounds.
Take your business from #ChaosToClarity.
Contact FlowCentric to start your journey to admin control.
