Reaching the quarter of a century mark in the enterprise software industry is no small feat, especially when so many once-promising vendors have vanished, been acquired, or quietly faded into irrelevance. But FlowCentric (Pty) Ltd, a South African company born in the early days of business digitisation, has not only outlasted them, it has grown into a global presence with deep expertise, strong partnerships, and a reputation for delivering lasting value.
“The key to our longevity is simple: control,” says CEO Jacques Wessels. “The software we develop gives our clients control over their processes, and that gives them visibility, efficiency, and peace of mind.”
FlowCentric’s story began in 2000, when three entrepreneurs decided to build a platform that could digitise and automate business processes. In those early years, the team sustained the business through process consulting while developing the core product. By 2002, FlowCentric Processware was ready for the market, and soon after, it landed a major project with SABMiller.
The company was tasked with rolling out a fully integrated supply chain and process management system across SAB’s African and Indian operations. The system was ultimately deployed to 26 plants, covering procurement and manufacturing through to sales and distribution.
“It was a huge leap forward for us and for the client,” Wessels says. “That project demonstrated the scale and complexity we could handle, and it proved just how effective custom process control can be across a distributed organisation.”
Today, FlowCentric’s software powers operations in a wide variety of industries. Its client base includes:
Rather than offering generic templates, FlowCentric works closely with each organisation to map and automate its unique processes. These solutions often integrate with ERPs, compliance systems, and mobile field tools.
Jacques Wessels, CEO at FlowCentric (Pty) Ltd
As a privately held company, FlowCentric has always had the freedom – and the burden – of making long-term bets. While others built on third-party platforms, FlowCentric invested in its own IP, weathered multiple technology shifts, and continues to chart its own course in the age of hyperautomation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud. All while staying in sync with evolving technologies.
“We’ve funded our own development for 25 years. It’s costly, but it keeps us in control of our roadmap and able to move quickly when the market shifts.” says Wessels.
FlowCentric’s go-to-market model also evolved. Recognising the value of collaboration, the company embraced white-label and OEM partnerships, allowing other software vendors to integrate FlowCentric Processware into their solutions.
One such partner was MineRP, now part of Epiroc. The company created MineForms, a workflow orchestration tool embedded within MineRP’s mineral resource planning platform. Built on FlowCentric Processware, MineForms has become a critical component in digital mining operations across gold, platinum, iron, and diamond sectors.
“Mining is fundamentally process-driven,” says Wessels. “Control and deep insights are critical. Our platform helps formalise and optimise those processes, with traceability and compliance built in.”
Additionally, AdvanceNet leverages FlowCentric BPM to streamline and automate key business processes, with a strong focus on procurement. By digitising procurement workflows – from requisition to approval and vendor management – they can meet customers’ needs for efficiency, compliance, and transparency.
Whether it's integrating with existing ERP systems or building tailored workflows, the FlowCentric BPM-driven solutions offer unmatched flexibility.
These partnerships with FlowCentric are more than a technology integration – they’re a shared vision for smarter, more efficient business operations. Together, they help organisations transform procurement from a cost centre into a strategic enabler, reinforcing our position as a market differentiator.
These types of collaborations have extended to other sectors too, including supply chain control platforms, security industry solutions (DSO), and ERP-enhancing modules used across Africa and beyond.
FlowCentric is researching the use of an AI-driven development assistant, RapidFlow, designed to help consultants and partners rapidly design, build, and test business processes. The tool combines process scoping, rules configuration, and code generation to accelerate the creation of workflows and automation.
In internal testing, processes that would typically take three to four weeks to develop have been completed in under 30 minutes using RapidFlow.
“AI will change how we and our partners grow within a client’s environment,” Wessels says. “Faster scoping, better automation, and more value at less cost.”
Despite the buzz around AI, Wessels remains pragmatic.
“Technology is neutral. It can be used for good or evil, like many things. But if companies don’t put proper controls in place, AI makes fraud and error far easier. That’s why process control matters more now than ever.”
FlowCentric has expanded into the US market, appointing a local sales manager and engaging mining clients across North America. With active deployments in Canada and a strong partner base in the region, this marks a significant chapter in the company’s growth.
Inside the company, FlowCentric maintains a people-first approach. While technology has evolved, the culture has remained rooted in family values, openness, and learning.
“Culture is what you do, not what you claim,” says Wessels. “Our people stay because they’re valued, and often they come back after trying something else. That says something.”
FlowCentric’s internal consultants often build deep relationships with clients, becoming essential to long-term transformation. Wessels encourages staff to make themselves indispensable – not just by delivering, but by understanding their client’s world and their needs.
When asked whether longevity could lead to complacency, Wessels is clear:
“Complacency is always a risk in a business with history. That’s why leadership matters. Our job is to push for relevance, challenge assumptions, and make sure our clients always see us as a strategic asset.”
Wessels avoids making predictions, but he’s confident in the company’s ability to adapt.
“Trying to predict the future can blind you. What matters is spotting the blind spots – yours, your team’s, and your clients’. We listen. We adapt. That’s how we’ve made it this far.”
He also notes the growing international recognition of South African software.
“South African software is respected out there. We build solid systems. I think our exposure to complex compliance environments has sharpened our thinking. And frankly, we’re generalists. We have to be, because the local market isn’t big enough to survive in just one vertical.”
This cross-sector exposure has strengthened FlowCentric’s core product and consulting depth, enabling the company to work confidently across industries such as aviation, security, mining, and financial services.
From compliance to crisis management, Wessels believes FlowCentric’s South African roots – and the complex business environment they operate in – have contributed to building a more resilient product and team.
“If you don’t have tight digital controls in place, you’re giving bad actors a free pass. That’s where we come in. Our job is to build in the guardrails, to keep our customers’ people, data, and systems working toward their strategic objectives.”
As FlowCentric enters its next chapter, one filled with AI enhancements, global partnerships, and expansion, Wessels is reflective but energised.
“We’re here because we’ve never settled. Our clients stay with us because we build what they actually need, not just what’s fashionable.”
And what does he want the public, the team, and the partners to know after 25 years?
“We build software that gives businesses control. Control creates clarity. Clarity brings confidence. And confidence enables real leadership. What we do influences businesses for years to come. That is a big responsibility and a great honour.”
He closes with the same message he often shares with his team during company meetings:
“The world can be dark,” he says with a smile. “Be the light.”
It’s a simple message, but one the FlowCentric team takes seriously. Whether they’re uncovering hidden inefficiencies for clients or supporting each other through crunch times, their purpose is clear.
After 25 years of bringing control to companies, they’re far from finished.
If you would like to find out how FlowCentric can help your business, please request a call, we'd love to help you make your company's processes flow!