If you’ve worked with Epicor, you’ve probably heard of BAQs (Business Activity Queries). And if you’ve worked with databases, you know about SQL queries. But what’s the difference, and when should you use one over the other?

Let’s start with BAQs. These are built right into Epicor, designed to help you pull data without needing to know how to write SQL. They’re perfect for creating reports, dashboards, and even customizations inside Epicor. Plus, they’re user-friendly. You don’t need to be a developer to use them, which makes them great for teams that want quick insights without involving IT.

SQL queries, on the other hand, go directly to the database. They’re more powerful and flexible but require knowledge of SQL syntax. You can join tables, write complex conditions, and access data that might not be available through BAQs. The downside? They’re riskier. A poorly written SQL query can slow down your database or even cause errors.

So, when should you use them?

If you’re staying within Epicor and just need data for reports or dashboards, stick to BAQs. They’re safer, easier, and designed for the system.

If you need deeper access to the database—maybe for integration with another tool or something highly customized—then SQL is your go-to. But always test your queries carefully, and don’t forget to back up your data.

Think of it like this. BAQs are the easy-to-use tools for everyday tasks, while SQL is for the heavy lifting when you need complete control.