Author - Kristin Hurst

HVAC Industry Exec Joins Encompass

Lynn Tedim to Lead Company’s Emerging Heating and Cooling Parts Vertical

Lawrenceville, Ga., September 10, 2020 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of Distribution, 3PL and 4PL solutions for a diverse range of repair parts and finished goods, today announced that Lynn Tedim will serve as the company’s HVAC Market Manager.

Tedim joins Encompass with more than 10 years of experience in the Major Appliance and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industries. Most recently she was the proprietor of a residential and commercial repair service provider based in South Florida. In this role Tedim formulated and implemented all company internal processes and protocols and managed the firm’s operating budget, asset control, inventory and hardware procurement.

Previously, Tedim served as order manager for Florida Builder Appliances, a white goods distributor and subsidiary of Sears Holding Corporation. Other positions she has held include sales manager/customer support for Copylite Products – an imaging parts and whole units supplier – and system infrastructure project leader for American Express.

Encompass Senior Vice President of Business Development Joe Hurley said the supplier has been diligently working to strengthen its Major Appliance and HVAC parts verticals.

“We are focused on expanding our existing HVAC parts vertical and needed a dedicated, knowledgeable resource to lead this effort,” said Hurley. “Lynn’s direct experience building relationships with service providers and HVAC manufacturers made her an ideal candidate to help take this vertical to the next level and beyond.”

                             Lynn Tedim

Tedim will be based at Encompass’ distribution center in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area in Florida – one of the top states in the country for HVAC installation. She said she, too, is looking forward to leveraging her background to help the company execute its strategic vision.

“It’s exciting to be joining a company that has so much to offer customers beyond just replacement parts,” said Tedim. “In addition to all the different product categories they supply as a convenient one-stop source, Encompass is continually introducing new technology and service enhancements to support the repair industry. These are great value propositions to attract HVAC manufacturers and repair providers.”

Hurley said another key Encompass initiative that Tedim will help lead is to increase the company’s ability to deliver critical parts next day.

“When the AC or refrigerator goes out – particularly in the summer – you can’t afford to wait any more than a day to get it fixed. While we currently cover a significant portion of the U.S. within  one day, we still have gaps. Lynn will be a tremendous resource to help seek opportunities to expedite delivery and increase customer satisfaction.”

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

Encompass Releases Mobile Inventory Management Application for Field Service Repair Industry

EZ StockTM App Tracks Parts Kept on Service Vehicles and Other Sites

Lawrenceville, Ga., August 18, 2020 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it is has launched a new application aimed at helping repair service providers better manage parts inventory and expedite the repair cycle.

EZ Stock from Encompass was commissioned from Mize – a leading provider of Connected Customer Experience Platform and Service Lifecycle Management software. The mobile and desktop app is intended to enable field service technicians to manage all aspects of “truck stock” – parts inventory maintained on service vehicles or at on-site locations. The app includes real-time connection to Encompass’ parts database and ecommerce website encompass.com.

With nearly 70 years of experience in parts management and supporting the service repair industry, Encompass worked closely with Mize developers to design the app’s functionality. EZ Stock has also been beta tested by select Encompass customers to further enhance performance and meet their business needs.

“We are constantly seeking ways to help our customers be more successful,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “EZ Stock was created to help repair businesses complete in-home service calls during the first visit by having the parts they need readily available. Having to make multiple trips due to missing parts impacts consumer satisfaction, increases the provider’s costs and lowers technician productivity,”

With EZ Stock, technicians can quickly check parts availability in their service vehicles and service centers, as well as the stock of other technicians. They can then easily research and place parts orders with Encompass or transfer parts among their fleet when needed for repairs or inventory replenishment.  Part photos, exploded views and service bulletins are also available within the application. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices with a paid nominal monthly subscription, which is waived for customers meeting a minimum parts spend.

“EZ Stock is a value-added service we hope will help our customers better track and stock field inventory to significantly increase repairs and avoid product replacements,” said Coolidge.

Jim Rushton, Mize vice president of B2C Service Solutions, said service providers can obtain more information about the app and test it with a 30-day free trial at ezstock.mizecx.com.

“We made the mobile inventory app simple and quick for field service technicians to keep track of their truck stock parts,” said Rushton. “Seamless integration with Encompass makes it very easy to check availability, order and receive parts. The cost-effective subscription model enables field service companies to get immediate savings in technician time and inventory costs, while improving first call completes.”

About Mize

Mize enables companies to optimize key post-sale customer interactions, such as product registration, warranty, service plans, parts, support, service, and maintenance, to increase customer satisfaction and retention. Mize Connected Customer Experience Platform and Smart Blox elevate customer experience, engagement, knowledge analytics, and revenue from the existing customer install base.  Mize harnesses web, mobile, cloud, IoT, and analytics technologies to maximize customer lifetime value. To learn more about the Mize visit www.m-ize.com

 About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

CE Tech Tips — July 2020

**NOTICE**
Due to the danger and complexity of electronic equipment repair, the following technical tip is intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information.

Hitachi TV, 60SX2K
Reason for Service: No color
Solution: Replaced leaky 2D-7004.

LG TV, 37LG10-UM
Reason for Service: Picture was washed out.
Solution: Replaced U202 on the T-Con board.  AS15-U.

Onkyo Recriver, TXSV727
Reason for Service: Unit in protect mode
Solution: Replaced Q615, Q621, Q623 and R639, 2.2k ohm.

Panasonic TV, TC50PX24
Reason for Service: Shutdown,10 blink error
Solution: Replaced SS module.

Sanyo TV, DP47460
Reason for Service: Dead set
Solution: Found and replaced bad IC601 on power board. A6051M.

Samsung TV, PN58C6400TFXZA
Reason for Service: Set has audio but no video.
Solution: Replaced Q5006 and Q5008 on main board.

Sony TV, KDL46W4100
Reason for Service: Backlight comes on then shuts off in short time. Error 14 blinks.
Solution: Replaced LCD controller.

Vizio TV, E601i-A3E
Reason for Service: Remote and replacement not working, but front panel buttons work fine.
Solution: Found leaky SM cap off vcc leg of I.R. diode.

 



How to Fix Noisy Dryer

**NOTICE**
Due to the danger and complexity of electronic equipment repair, the following technical tip is intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information. 

 

How to Diagnose and Fix a Noisy GE Dryer

Most dryers make noise when operating, but there’s a distinct difference between normal tumbling sounds and and abnormal sounds indicating a malfunction. Oftentimes, the type of sound a dryer emits can help pinpoint the specific failing part. If it’s a rumbling sound, for example, the blower wheel may be worn and loose whereas a grinding or scraping noise can signal a problem with the dryer glides. Luckily, both parts are fairly easy to replace. [Note: this post refers to GE dryer model DBXR463GBWW, but can be used as a general reference for other dryer models and brands.]

Dryer Repair Safety Tips

  • Before starting the repair, unplug dryer from wall and turn off gas supply.
  • Be sure to wear gloves and eye wear to protect against sharp objects while disassembling and reassembling the dryer.

Blower Wheel

The dryer blower wheel draws hot air into the appliance drum and then flows out the exhaust vent. As it ages, the blower can wear down, and become loose on its shaft. When this happens, a rumbling or thumping noise may be heard near the bottom of the dryer.

Replacing Dryer Blower Wheel

  1. First, remove the screws holding dryer console in place. Then, tilt console forward to disengage locking tabs, and lift part out to rest on back of dryer.
  2. To remove top panel, open dryer door and remove screws securing the front panel to top panel. Next, pull top panel toward you and lift it up and off dryer.
  3. Now remove screws holding front panel to dryer cabinet. Then, tilt front panel forward until you gain access to door switch harness, which is covered by a small metal shield. Move shield out of the way, and disconnect wires running to door switch. With door switch wires detached, lift front panel up and off dryer cabinet.
  4. Once front and top panels are removed, take out dryer drum. Remove top screws holding dryer cabinet to dryer bulkhead. Once  screws are out, reach underneath drum to remove drive belt from idler pulley. Then, use loose drive belt to help guide dryer drum out of dryer cabinet.
  5. With access to damaged blower wheel, remove screws securing thermostat that sits on blower wheel. Place thermostat on floor of dryer without disconnecting any wires.
  6. Next, remove screws holding blower wheel housing to front of dryer bulkhead. Move to back of drive motor and remove screws securing it to dryer floor. Once screws are out, carefully pull drive motor back to remove the blower wheel from its housing.
  7. Detach blower wheel from drive motor by unthreading screw that secures blower wheel clamp to motor shaft. After clamp is disengaged, slide blower wheel of motor shaft and remove back half of  blower wheel clamp.
  8. To start installing new blower wheel, slide back half of blower wheel clamp onto drive motor shaft. Next, slip blower wheel onto shaft and install front clamp to secure part.
  9. Now it’s time to reassemble the dryer. Start by placing blower wheel back into its housing, and then reinstall drive motor to floor of dryer. Once motor is secure, rethread screws that attach blower wheel housing to dryer bulkhead. Finally, place thermostat back on  side of blower wheel, and rethread screw that holds part in place.
  10. Retrieve dryer drum, and carefully guide it back into dryer cabinet. Be sure to line up shaft on back of drum with cut out in back of dryer cabinet.
  11. Once drum is in place, rethread drive belt around idler pulley and motor shaft pulley. Then, reattach screws that secure dryer cabinet to dryer bulkhead.
  12. Line up bottom of the front panel with bottom of dryer cabinet, and then reconnect wire harness that runs to dryer door switch. Once door switch and its wires are rejoined, finish replacing dryer front panel by lifting it up and securing it with screws taken out earlier.
  13. Finish closing up dryer cabinet by reattaching top panel. To keep panel in place, open dryer door and rethread screws that secure it to cabinet.
  14. Flip over dryer console, and line up tabs on bottom of console with slots on top panel. Then, push console back until it clicks into place. Finally, secure console by rethreading screws taken out at the beginning of the repair.

Replacing Outer Drum Slides

The drum slides in the dryer supply the drum with support by providing a smooth surface for it to rotate on. Due to age and years of use, the slides in a dryer can wear down; one of the first symptoms of failing slides is either a grinding or scraping noise. Following are instructions on replacing dryer slides:

  1. Remove screws that secure dryer console to dryer, and then lift console up to free bottom tabs from top panel. Flip console over back of dryer and allow it to safely rest there.
  2. Open dryer drum and remove screws holding top panel to front panel. Then, lift panel off dryer cabinet.
  3. Unthread screws securing front panel to dryer cabinet. Once screws are out, lift panel up and off front of dryer cabinet. There is no need to disconnect door switch wire harness; instead, lean front panel against something sturdy so it doesn’t fall.
  4. Outer drum slides can be found on back of front panel around drum slide bearing. Remove damaged slides by pulling them out of  slots.
  5. Discard old drum slides and install new ones by simply inserting into existing slots.
  6. Reattach front panel to dryer cabinet, securing it with screws previously removed. Reposition top panel and open dryer door to replace screws holding panel in place. Finally, flip over dryer console and reinstall it.

 

Special thanks to Fred’s Appliance Academy for this helpful tip!

 

 

Encompass Opening New Facility in Greater Atlanta Area to Accommodate Record Business Growth  

Lawrenceville, Ga., February 3, 2020 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it is relocating its Service Operations group to help manage significant expansion within its repair parts business.

Encompass Service Operations, which comprises reverse logistics and depot repair functions, will move from Encompass’ headquarters and flagship warehouse and distribution center In the Greater Atlanta area to a new facility less than five miles away. The group mainly performs depot repairs on a variety of electronics on behalf of major retailers, manufacturers and extended warranty providers,  as well as manages several reverse logistics programs.

The new site – 3105 Sweetwater Road, Lawrenceville, Ga. – is expected to be open within the next 30 days and augments Encompass’ other distribution centers in Florida and Nevada.

“Encompass has been experiencing record transaction growth over the past three years driven largely by our diverse parts business, exclusive supply chain programs, and certain core customer segments that are unique to Encompass,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “Moving the depot repair operation will free up space in our primary distribution facility needed to further increase our efficiency and productivity.”

Coolidge said the Service group will still have ready access to repair parts since the new location is only minutes away.

“This is an ideal solution to meet our space needs while still maintaining strong support to both Service and parts customers.”

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

CE Tech Tips — January 2020

**NOTICE**
Due to the danger and complexity of electronic equipment repair, the following technical tip is intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information. 

Hitachi TV, 42HDS52A
Reason for Service: Lines in picture
Solution: Replacing logic board fixed set.

Panasonic TV, TC-L32C22
Reason for Service: Dead, 10 blink error
Solution: Replaced IC7301 on power supply board.

Samsung TV, TX-T2793H
Reason for Service: No picture, vertical collapsed
Solution: Replaced vertical IC and both C301 and C314.

Samsung TV, LN40A500T1FXZA
Reason for Service: Picture looks bad (smeared) but menu okay
Solution: Replacing T-Con fixed problem.

Samsung TV, UN60EH6002FXZA
Reason for Service: Very hard to turn set on; took several tries
Solution: Replacing main board fixed issue.

Samsung TV, LN40B630
Reason for Service: Dead
Solution: Replaced Q1820 and Q1821, and fuse FM8025.  (3.15)

Sony TV, KP51WS510
Reason for Service: Dead, six blink error
Solution: Replaced regulator IC5004 and C5031.

Toshiba TV, 46XV640U
Reason for Service: Set has backlight and audio, but no video
Solution: Found defective cap, C506.  SMD electrolytic 22uF/16V.

Vizio TV, E421VA
Reason for Service: Logo is amber in standby, when power pushed, logo turns white for second, then set shuts down
Solution: Replaced power supply.

 

 

 

 

New Year, New Functionality and Convenience

Encompass Simplifies Parts for Customers with More Data, New Payment Options, Helpful Tools

Parts Ledger

Parts Ledger

Encompass is kicking off 2020 by empowering business customers with the data they need to further simplify repair parts management! We are committed to continually introducing new tools and resources to help minimize the hassles of dealing with parts.

Everything You Want to Know About Parts & Your Encompass Account

Knowledge is power, so we’re stepping up our data game to provide even more account details than ever before. Just about anything you want to know about parts you’ve purchased from Encompass can be found in the My Account section of encompass.com.

Beyond lists of orders and invoices, you can quickly view and download several other reports that can assist you with tracking and reconciling key business financials. Reports detailing pending parts and core returns from any manufacturer are available, as well as warranty credits due over the past 60 days. For your convenience, a link to the the parts ledger is included on the parts detail pages in addition to being accessible in the My Account section.

                  LG Product Exploded View

Additionally, to help you better plan your on-hand parts inventory, we offer a report titled Stock Recommendations, which lists your most frequently purchased parts within the past month.

All of this data and more can be found under the heading Downloadable Reports.

Additional Convenient Tools

  • Online Payments – You spoke, and we listened: terms customers now have the option to conveniently pay their invoices online by credit card.
  • LG Product Exploded Views – To help identify parts associated with LG products, we’ve added 4,000 new schematics. Links to parts are listed with the exploded views for easy ordering. We’ve also got schematics for other top brands, including Samsung and Whirlpool.

       EZ Stock Inventory                   Snapshot

  • Batch Order Entry – Need to order numerous parts at once? Just use our simple Batch Order Entry feature to enter up to 100 different parts. The tool enables you to specify quantity if you want to order more than one of any part.
  • EZ StockTM App – We are still fine tuning our new “truck stock” app that will help you track and manage parts inventory within your service vehicles. This feature rich tool is expected to be available within the next few weeks once we ensure it’s working as expected.
  • Coupa Procurement System – Encompass parts are now accessible via Coupa, a popular purchasing platform used by numerous companies for one-stop procurement of multiple goods and services.

The year has only just begun, so please stay tuned for many more enhancements coming to support our valued customers!

Lenovo Renews Exclusive Parts Support Agreement with Encompass

Deal comprises parts for post-warranty repairs of popular Idea and Think computer brands

Lawrenceville, Ga., December 20, 2019 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain services for a diverse range of product brands, today announced it will continue distributing parts for Lenovo’s Idea and Think computer brands until at least 2022 under a recent contract extension.

In addition to parts supply, the three-year agreement also calls for Encompass to continue providing contact center support and hosting a customized ecommerce web portal to help customers quickly find Lenovo parts: lenovo.encompass.com. Encompass supplies end users, authorized service centers, retailers and third-party administrators with genuine Lenovo parts for out-of-warranty repairs; Lenovo retains management of in-warranty parts distribution.

Encompass was first tapped in 2015 to manage parts supply for non-warranty repairs of Lenovo Idea tablets, laptops and desktops. Based on the success of that program, Lenovo expanded the agreement in 2016 to include the Think brand.

“We are very gratified to have earned Lenovo’s confidence and trust to continue supporting their flagship brands,” said Eddie Cafferty, director of Encompass’ Computer Vertical Business Development.

Cafferty said Encompass’ performance on the Lenovo program is closely tracked by specific metrics the supplier must attain, such as order fill rates, same day shipping, on-time delivery and order accuracy. Encompass provides Lenovo regular comprehensive reporting on performance metrics, as well as data on inventory levels and customer transaction history.

Lenovo North America Parts Sales Director Rick Julien said Encompass has so far achieved its performance obligations and customer service responsibilities.

“Lenovo has been extremely pleased with Encompass and their support of both our consumer and commercial customers,” said Julien. “We understand how vital computing devices are to the everyday lives of users and are fully committed to standing behind our products after the sale. As such, it’s critical for us to have a partner that can be relied upon to represent our brand and ensure fast access to Lenovo Genuine Parts to keep their Lenovo products functioning properly.”

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$39 billion personal technology company, the largest PC company in the world, serving customers in more than 160 countries. Dedicated to building exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smartphones. As a global Fortune 500 company, Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.

 About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Formed in 1953, Encompass is one of the country’s largest suppliers of repair parts and accessories for products throughout the home. Encompass also offers complete parts supply chain management, 3PL, depot repair and reverse logistics service. In addition to consumers, we support an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers.

For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

Avoiding Kitchen Fails During Holidays

We’ve all been had our share of kitchen fails during the worst times possible — when there’s a house full of people starved for that big holiday meal. While it may be harder to recover from a pack of dogs running off with your turkey (thanks Christmas Story), there are many steps you can take to reduce the chances of having to whip up a meal with ingredients from the closest convenience store. Here are a few:

Clean Oven Well in Advance of Holiday Cooking

If you’re one of the many people who hate even the thought of cleaning an oven and mostly only do it when moving, don’t start now! Malfunctions are likely to happen if an oven’s self-cleaning mode hasn’t been regularly activated.

A major cleaning should be done at least a couple of months before the holidays whether you’re using the self-cleaning function or regular spray cleaner. Cleaners can leave harsh residues that can take some time to dissipate.

For an easy, quick cleaning if time has run out, you could opt to just scrape off build up and then wipe down the racks and sides with a wet cloth. To help keep oven cleaning more manageable in the future, consider using heat resistant oven mats. They sit on the floor of the oven to catch food particles and can be cleaned or replaced as needed.

Dishwashers Need Love Too

Unless you want to spend hours washing dishes by hand, your dishwasher is going to be a life saver so show it some love (and minimize problems):

  1. Follow Detergent Directions – Overfilling the detergent dispenser doesn’t get dishes cleaner, and can damage the inner workings of the dishwasher.
  2. Discard Large Food Particles – Big chunks of food can clog jets, but…
  3. Don’t Clean Before Cleaning – Believe it or not, dishes don’t get “extra clean” when you scrub them to perfection before loading. Dishwasher detergent enzymes actually need a little (emphasis on “little”) residue to activate and work properly.
  4. Jump Start the Heat – Turn on hot water in the sink nearest the dishwasher to help get steaming water going when starting the cycle.

Get That Fridge Organized for Leftover Extravaganzas

Be sure to stock up on reusable plastic or glass (for the eco-conscious) containers ahead of time for inevitable leftovers. If you’re feeling generous and have a lot of food, use freezer bags to send leftovers home with guests.

For less hassle on the big day, clean out your refrigerator in the days before the big meal so it’s easier to store more. Just know that the more you have to store, the less air will flow through the fridge. Also, foods that could go in the freezer but you want ready access to should be placed in the rear of the fridge where the cold air duct is. Food that shouldn’t freeze can be stored closer to the door where air is warmer.

Ice, Ice Baby (couldn’t resist)

Ice is one of those things you’re always sending someone out to get more of. To keep the ice flowing and Uncle Roy happy, consider emptying out the ice compartment a few days ahead of your meal and refill with good, fresh ice. Ice that’s been stagnating in the freezer can easily pick up the taste of anything else stored there. Put the fresh ice into plastic bags to shield it from circulating air and store in the freezer.

Hopefully these tips will help, but when something does go wrong, try not to sweat it. A burnt turkey or shortage of ice cubes won’t ruin time you get to spend with family and friends!