Author - Kristin Hurst

07 Feb

Does your company really need a business management system?

Courtesy of ServiceBench

Based upon recent research ServiceBench discovered that the deployment of a Business Management System (“BMS”) solution essentially solves nearly all of the basic operating issues experienced by an estimated 75% of service companies that use manual processes all of which are barriers to delivering a profitable and satisfying customer experience.

What common issues inherent to these service companies can be eliminated? Let’s take a look at the top offenders while keeping in mind how they can be turned into benefits through the deployment of a BMS.

–      Manual work in process tracking — better known as chasing paper work orders
–      Minimal visibility to customer history – “We did what, when?”
–      No on line web portal for consumer job status inquiries
–      Manual scheduling of service calls
–      Time lost spent trying to locate parts and repair equipment
–      Unpaid, short paid claims and invoices causing cash flow issues
–      Trouble locating Field Technicians on the road
–      Low first time fix rate creating customer inconvenience and driving up cost
–      Mediocre customer service reviews

ServiceBench has a Solution

The ServiceBench Business Management System Software is a full featured service management operations application, including a robust Mobile App for field personnel, that any service company, of any size in virtually any industry can use to run their entire company. Since it runs in the Cloud, users have secure, unlimited access at anytime, anywhere.

Watch this video to learn more.

 

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07 Feb

Appliance and Electronics Industry Veteran Joins Encompass Board of Directors  

Lawrenceville, Ga., February 7, 2018 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of Parts Distribution, 3PL and 4PL solutions for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts today announced the appointment of long-time industry veteran Chris Smith to its Board of Directors.

Chris Smith

Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to Encompass in the electronics and appliance industries with leadership roles at a variety of organizations, including Samsung, GE, AIG/Service Net, ServicePower and Circuit City. Among positions he has held are sales, marketing, operations and customer support. Encompass is privately-held and governed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from Bain Capital Credit, the credit affiliate of Bain Capital, LP, and a leading global credit specialist.

“With a strong background in many diverse areas of the supply chain from product manufacturing to warranty administration, Chris will bring a wealth of valuable insight to Encompass,” said Steve Glick, Encompass Board member and a Director at Bain Capital Credit.  “As they continue expanding into new vertical markets and service offerings – particularly 4PL solutions – we are fortunate to be able to leverage the collective expertise of the Board to guide Encompass to further success.”

Encompass is celebrating 65 years of operations in 2018 and is focused on delivering added value to its customers through enhanced services and resources. The company in recent years has been at the forefront of delivering full circle, 4PL services in which it manages all phases of the parts supply chain, covering forecasting and sourcing through repair and refurbishment or end-of-life component disposition. Encompass currently provides 4PL support to numerous global manufacturers to alleviate operational burdens and improve the customer experience during repair events, which in turn increases product brand loyalty.

“Although we are thriving and backed by more than six decades of logistics experience, we refuse to be complacent,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge. “I have known and worked with Chris for many years and am looking forward to gaining his fresh perspective to help us evolve to the next level and beyond.”

Smith said he is ready to share the knowledge and best practices he’s learned throughout his lengthy career to make an impact for Encompass.

“Encompass is clearly eager to continue innovating and strengthening the after sales supply chain,” said Smith. “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to play a part in the next chapter of their success story.”  

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Celebrating 65 years of operations in 2018, Encompass is a market leader in forward and reverse supply chain management and high-tech repair services for a diverse and expanding range of consumer electronics, computer, major appliances and imaging products.  Encompass provides end-to-end solutions for OEMs, retailers, independent dealers, third-party administrators and consumers.

Encompass manages all stages of the product lifecycle, including finished goods and replacement parts logistics, board repair and product refurbishment services, returns management, asset value recovery and eco-friendly disposal. For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

 

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08 Jan

Dryer Sheets May Be No Friend to Your Laundry

While you may enjoy the fresh clean scent that dryer sheets provide clothes, you may want to think twice about using them. According to Mark Kesner, senior trainer with Level 2 Learning, most dryer sheets contain some type of petroleum product that leaves a residue behind on clothes and the dryer. This in turn also reduces the flame retardancy of the material being dried with these sheets.

Dryer sheets are known to have a thin layer of lubricant, which is electronically conductive, resulting in softer feeling clothes and reduced static electricity. The chemicals that make up dryer sheet fabric softeners target electrostatic charges and eliminate those that linger on the top of fabrics to eliminate shock. Fabric softener dryer sheets won’t permanently damage a dryer, but they could affect operating efficiency, which impacts utility bills.

Here are 10 alternatives to dryer sheets you may want to try:

  1. Line Dry: Dry your clothes naturally on indoor or outdoor drying racks.
  2. Remove While Slightly Damp: Dry clothes at a lower temperature and remove them from the dryer before they’re completely dry. This remaining moisture helps prevent static cling.
  3. Shake, Shake, Shake: Once out of the dryer, giving your clothes a good shake helps remove any remaining static.
  4. Separate the Synthetics: Launder natural and synthetic fabrics separately, as synthetics (nylon, rayon, etc.) are responsible for most of the static. A dryer full of natural fiber garments is less likely to come out all staticky—particularly if not overdried. Synthetics often air dry quickly.
  5. Aluminum Foil: Several sources report that placing a wad of aluminum foil in the dryer with your clothes helps eliminate static.
  6. Baking Soda: Baking soda works as a fabric softener by softening the water (changing its pH). Try adding one-quarter to one-half cup baking soda to your wash cycle.
  7. White Vinegar: Vinegar can also work as a fabric softener, especially if you have mineral rich “hard” water. Try adding one-half cup to the wash or rinse cycle. In the rinse cycle, vinegar will additionally reduce static cling.
  8. Vinegar and Essential Oils Spray: Fill a spray bottle with one cup of white vinegar and 1.5 teaspoons essential oil, such as eucalyptus. Shake well and then apply 10 to 15 squirts to your wet clothes before starting the dryer. The vinegar smell will be gone when the clothes are dry. Eucalyptus oil, geranium, citrus, lavender, mint, and pine are other options.
  9. Homemade Dryer Sheets: It’s not difficult to make your own eco-friendly, cost-effective dryer sheets out of old dish towels, bed linens, t-shirts or other cotton fabrics. Visit View From the Fridge or Wellness Mama for instructions. There are also reusable, eco-friendly, static-eliminating dryer sheets on the market today.
  10. Dryer Balls: Dryer balls made from natural fibers (typically wool) are a super cool option. They wick out moisture and create air space between your clothes as they tumble around, reducing drying time and lowering the electrical charge that accumulates when fabrics rub against each other, thereby reducing static cling. Just like with homemade dryer sheets, you can dab them with a few small drops of essential oil. Let the oil fully soak into the dryer balls for ten to 20 minutes before using them.

 

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05 Jan

CE Tech Tips — January 2018

**NOTICE**

Due the danger and complexity of electronics repair, the following shared technical tips are 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, 50V500A
Reason for Service:  Picture turns different colors, all bright or too bright, dark picture, no brightness, intermittently or permanently.
Solution: Replace the drive PWB assembly, #JP07191, sub, JP07192

Mitsubishi TV, WD-73C8
Reason for Service: Shutdown with error.
Solution: Self-diagnosis error may be 3-4 or 6-6, the lamp may light for 30 seconds and go out or may not light at all.  Check for continuity on all pins on the wiring harness between connector FB from the main board to connectors CJ3 on the ballast. The replacement wiring harness comes in two sections, connector FB to FB interconnect part # 249B917030 and connector FB interconnect to CJ3, part #249B917040.

Samsung TV, LN40A550
Reason for Service: Powers up intermittently.
Solution: Replaced the usual bad caps in the power supply with a kit from Amazon, still no fix.  Heating and cooling determined IC503 probably bad.  Found one in a scrap set, and it fixed this set.

Sharp TV, LC-46D85UN
Reason for Service:  Dead set, no standby.
Fix:  Replaced IC7905, TNY268PN and R7914.  2.2 ohm/half W, fusible.

Sharp TV, LC37D43U
Reason for Service:  Dead.
Solution: Found D7907 shorted.  IN5383B

Sony TV, KDL32L504
Reason for Service:  Dead.
Solution:  Replaced IC6102.  Sony #6-708-801-01

Sony TV, KDF70XBR950
Reason for Service:  Set plays for about a half hour, then shuts down with a 7 blink code.
Solution:  Replacing the A board fixed this set.  A-1302-366-A.

Toshiba TV, 57H84
Reason for Service:  Picture has jagged vertical lines in the picture.
Solution: Repaired the hyper module by replacing SMs.  C822 & 823, 47uF/16V,  CH003, 10uF/16V, CS24, 22uF/16V, CS25 & 26, 10uF/16V.

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21 Dec

Encompass Expands West Coast Service with New Las Vegas Distribution Center

Lawrenceville, Ga., December 21, 2017 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., a leading provider of Supply Chain Logistics, Parts Distribution, 3PL and 4PL solutions for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts, today announced plans to open a warehouse and distribution center in the North Las Vegas area.

The facility – located at the Prologis Las Vegas Corporate Center 3, 4031 Market Center Drive – will be Encompass’ central supply point for repair parts delivery to customers west of Texas, and is scheduled to open in January 2018. Close to critical shipping ports, it will stock a full range of inventory for multiple verticals, such as Consumer Electronics, Major Appliance, Computer, Printer, Personal Care, Mobile and more from 200+ world-leading manufacturers.

The North Las Vegas facility further expands Encompass’ strategic footprint and complements its existing flagship distribution and high-tech repair center in Atlanta and distribution center in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. It will also augment the company’s current call center operation with the capability of extending support hours to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge said establishing a West Coast presence was essential to accommodate the company’s service focus and aggressive nationwide business growth.

“The company has been experiencing record sales through the addition of new clients and product verticals, particularly to support the whole home warranty industry,” said Coolidge. “This additional space will give us the flexibility to take on new programs and inventory, which also enables us to improve delivery times to customers in the region and beyond.”

The space is easily scalable, enabling Encompass to eventually build out core retrieval, technical repair and reverse logistics functions, as well as a technician training center.

Encompass is one of the most diversified parts distributors in the country, supporting a wide range of product categories from top global manufacturers. The company aims to supply parts and accessories to repair or maintain products throughout the home from the kitchen to the back yard. It primarily serves warranty companies, national retailers, independent servicers and consumers.

“North Las Vegas is home to some of the largest and most innovative companies for a reason: It’s easy and profitable to do business here, thanks to our close proximity to transportation hubs, favorable tax climate, skilled workforce and fast-track permitting and licensing processes,” said North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee. “We’re thrilled that an industry leader such as Encompass has chosen our city for its newest warehouse and distribution center, and we’re excited to see the company’s next phase of growth and success in North Las Vegas.”

North Las Vegas is also near the Tier 4 Gold campus of Switch, Encompass’ highly-secured off-site data storage partner. Combined with a third stand-alone facility, Encompass is even better positioned to maintain operational redundancy in case of business interruption.

“We are committed to providing an exceptional service experience to all our valued partners and helping them be more successful,” said Coolidge. “Opening a North Las Vegas location will help us better support both our customers and their business strategies.”

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.
Encompass is a market leader in forward and reverse supply chain management and high-tech repair services for a diverse and expanding range of consumer electronics, computer, major appliances and imaging products. Encompass provides end-to-end solutions for OEMs, retailers, independent dealers and third-party administrators.

Encompass manages all stages of the product lifecycle, including finished goods and replacement parts logistics, board repair and product refurbishment services, returns management, asset value recovery and eco-friendly disposal. For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and encompass.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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06 Dec

Whirlpool Electric Dryer Water Inlet Valve Replacement

**NOTICE**
Due 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. 

Whirlpool electric dryers are equipped with steam function for better drying, but if the steam function suddenly stops working, the water inlet valve may be the cause. To repair, order the replacement valve part (#W10815373) and follow these steps to access and replace the part with just a few hand tools and half an hour’s time:

1. Unplug dryer and turn off cold water supply. You should always shut off  power to appliances during inspections and repairs, especially if they involve water.
2. Remove water supply line and external venting from back of machine to access rear components. There may be some water already in the supply line, so be sure to have a bowl and cloth on hand to remove water.
3. Remove top part of rear panel and slide top panel off completely. Remove rear panel, which will provide full access to dryer’s internal parts.
4. Disconnect water inlet valve wires and unscrew mounting bracket. Valve will be at bottom of machine and is a blue piece connected
to wires and its own mounting bracket. If you’re unfamiliar with dryer wiring, take picture of wires’ colors and orientation before disconnecting  to assist as a guide during reassembly.
5. Once mounting bracket is free, unlock supply line from water inlet valve by turning and depressing locking mechanism around supply tube.
6. Replace valve. Add new valve by adding water supply tube and putting locking mechanism back into place. Reattach new part’s
mounting bracket with old screws and reconnect wires to terminals.
7. Reattach rear and then top panels, and then attach vent and water supply lines.

Steam function should work again now that machine can correctly introduce water to the system. Dryers can be tricky to repair, especially since there are a few steps to take before getting to the inner workings.

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

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05 Dec

CE Tech Tips —

CE Professional Tech Tip Sharing
December 2017

**NOTICE**

Due the danger and complexity of electronics repair, the following shared technical tips are intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information.

Mitsubishi TV, WD-73C8
Reason for Service: Shutdown with error
Solution: Self-diagnosis error may be 3-4 or 6-6; the lamp may light for 30 seconds and go out or may not light at all.  Check for continuity on all pins on the wiring harness between connector FB from the main board to connectors CJ3 on the ballast. The replacement wiring harness comes in two sections, connector FB to FB interconnect part # 249B917030 and connector FB interconnect to CJ3, part #249B917040.

Panasonic TV, TCP42ST30
Reason for Service: Seven blink error code
Solution:  Check for shorted surface mount FETs on the ysus board.  GT30F131

Polaroid TV, TLX03210B
Reason for Service:  Set tries to start, then red LED blinks continually
Solution: Found two bad 10uF/450V in the power supply.  Replacing fixed the set.

Sanyo TV, DP46819
Reason for Service:  Turns on for a few seconds, then turns back off.
Solution:  Replacing IC5750 fixed the set.

Sony TV, KDL46EX620
Reason for Service: Set cycling on and off.  Has an 8 blink code.
Solution: Reset the TV with the remote; you may have to repeat this procedure several times:

  1. Unplug TV for at least 30 seconds.
  2. Plug set back in, and if set comes On, turns Off and back On, OR if set does not come On, turn set On, Off and back On.
  3. Quickly Press and hold the arrow up button.
  4. Press and release the power button on the TV.
  5. Release the arrow up button and see if set resets. (goes off, comes back on, shows channel 2, then asks language setup.)
  6. If TV does not come back on, or if channel 2 is not displayed, either power set back On if Off, and try reset again, OR try reset if set is On.

Vizio TV,  L42HDTV10A
Reason for Service: Set turns on for a few seconds with no signal message, then shuts down
Solution: Set may have been switched to VGA mode with no computer attached, which would shut the set down.  Connect a computer to see if set stays on, then switch back to one of the Input settings that has a signal.

 

 

 

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07 Nov

It’s Wild in the Online Printer Parts Market

Until the early 2000s, there was a clearly defined process for imaging parts procurement through specific authorized distribution channels. Pricing wasn’t a primary concern, and the demand was strong for genuine, original parts – especially since no cheaper alternatives were available.

It was inevitable that the global reach of the Internet would become a market disrupter for genuine OEM parts channel partners – changing the landscape of how imaging parts and services are now procured. Encompass Director Jose Hernandez, who manages our Imaging vertical, discusses this landscape in a contributed article for ITEX365.  Continue to the full article.

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30 Oct

10 Options to Replace Standard Dryer Sheets

While there’s nothing like the fresh clean scent from a dryer sheets, experts say they also may be hazardous to your clothes. Here are 10 alternatives if you decide to try something else:

  1. Line Dry: Dry your clothes naturally on indoor or outdoor drying racks.
  2. Remove While Slightly Damp: Dry clothes at a lower temperature and remove them from the dryer before they’re completely dry. This remaining moisture helps prevent static cling.
  3. Shake, Shake, Shake: Once out of the dryer, giving your clothes a good shake helps remove any remaining static.
  4. Separate the Synthetics: Launder natural and synthetic fabrics separately, as synthetics (nylon, rayon, etc.) are responsible for most of the static. A dryer full of natural fiber garments is less likely to come out all staticky—particularly if not overdried. Synthetics often air dry quickly.
  5. Aluminum Foil: Several sources report that placing a wad of aluminum foil in the dryer with your clothes helps eliminate static.
  6. Baking Soda: Baking soda works as a fabric softener by softening the water (changing its pH). Try adding one-quarter to one-half cup baking soda to your wash cycle.
  7. White Vinegar: Vinegar can also work as a fabric softener, especially if you have mineral rich “hard” water. Try adding one-half cup to the wash or rinse cycle. In the rinse cycle, vinegar will additionally reduce static cling.
  8. Vinegar and Essential Oils Spray: Fill a spray bottle with one cup of white vinegar and 1.5 teaspoons essential oil, such as eucalyptus. Shake well and then apply 10 to 15 squirts to your wet clothes before starting the dryer. The vinegar smell will be gone when the clothes are dry. Eucalyptus oil, geranium, citrus, lavender, mint, and pine are other options.
  9. Homemade Dryer Sheets: It’s not difficult to make your own eco-friendly, cost-effective dryer sheets out of old dish towels, bed linens, t-shirts or other cotton fabrics. Visit View From the Fridge or Wellness Mama for instructions. There are also reusable, eco-friendly, static-eliminating dryer sheets on the market today.
  10. Dryer Balls: Dryer balls made from natural fibers (typically wool) are a super cool option. They wick out moisture and create air space between your clothes as they tumble around, reducing drying time and lowering the electrical charge that accumulates when fabrics rub against each other, thereby reducing static cling. Just like with homemade dryer sheets, you can dab them with a few small drops of essential oil. Let the oil fully soak into the dryer balls for ten to 20 minutes before using them.
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30 Oct

CE Tech Tips — November 2017

**NOTICE**

Due the danger and complexity of electronics repair, the following shared technical tips are 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, 60SDX88B
Reason for Service: Shuts down.
Solution:  Q777, Q657 and EP98

Magnavox TV, 37MF321D
Reason for Service:  Dead, light flashing.
Solution:  Found two swollen caps in power supply, replacing them restored normal operation.  2081,  1500uF/35V and 2074, 2200uF/25V.

Panasonic TV, PT50LC13
Reason for Service:  Need to reset lamp timer after changing the lamp.
Solution: Turn on TV, and simultaneously press and hold volume down on front of set and the PIP/VTR on the remote.  Hold for 10 seconds, then OSD will say Lamp Time Reset to 0.

Polaroid TV, TLX03210B
Reason for Service:  Set tries to start, then red LED blinks continually.
Solution: Found two bad 10uF/450V in the power supply.  Replacing fixed the set.

Sony TV, NSX-46GT1
Reason for Service:  The set turns on with the Sony picture, then freezes.  Goes no further.
Solution:  Replaced the M board and upgraded the software.  Part # A-1787-298-A

Toshiba TV,  52HM84
Reason for Service:  The lamp won’t light.
Solution:  Check ballast components:  1k resistors, two rectifiers and C6,  0.1uF/400V metal film poly cap. Ballast needs 350V and a 5V enable signal to work.

Vizio LCD TV E550VL
Reason for Service:  Shuts off intermittently.
Solution: Replacing the main board fixed the set.

Zenith TV, 9-1302 module
Reason for Service: No video and intermittent raster.
Solution:  Look for bad solder on fly pins; also check for bad solder on top and bottom pins of daughter board.

 

 

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