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CES 2024: Innovation is Back

Robert Coolidge, CEO

CES 2024: Innovation is Back

I have been attending CES for the past 15 years, and we have seen the same, if not very similar things for all these years, so much so that it seems quite rote. CES 2024 was a very different story…the show truly rebounded from the COVID years, and innovation is back in full force.
CES is a portal into the future; it’s a portal into where we need to go as a company and in the residential environment. VR, AI, IoT – used to be just cool buzzwords. They are now very much here in the present and the future. Manufacturers, as well as consumers, are excitedly embracing this future. Those pushing the envelope will be the innovation leaders, challenging others to dig deep to remain relevant. At the core of all of this is the question: how will this innovation provide value to the consumer and open the door for after-sales support?

Using Technology for Cleaner and Safer Homes

No doubt a byproduct of the pandemic, home sanitization products were abundant, utilizing steam and UV light technology. This has led to families taking more notice of cleaning and sanitizing their homes, from removing shoes upon entering their homes, to wiping down doorknobs and other surfaces, to disinfecting and finding disinfecting cleaning supplies, all of which will be an important factor in the marketplace. It has given us food for thought and new insight into the cleanliness of our homes and business places. It is imperative that we have peace of mind, especially when it comes to our health and that of our families.
The all-in-one technology has also massively improved, with new technology wherein one machine washes and dries laundry. While we have had these machines for some time, the mechanics were not nearly as advanced as those coming to market now. This not only cuts down on time doing laundry, more importantly, it cuts down on utility consumption, saving the average family hundreds of dollars per year. Also with the new technology, the washer/dryer combo can text the consumer to let them know the load is finished and ready to fold! Ideally it would fold the laundry too… I think that will have to wait until the next generation!

3D Printing in the Parts Ecosystem

Based on the products and technology we saw at CES, I am sure that 3D printing will be part of the service parts ecosystem. It may never get to the point where a consumer would print a part at home, CAD requirements are significant. However, I think distributors or manufacturers could potentially print a part on demand. Plastic items like gears or knobs, a handle for your microwave or a range knob could easily be printed on these futuristic printers. While still in its early stages, I think 3D printing will be in the parts environment as a viable service repair option.

Nurturing Relationships in the Aftermarket Services

There were so many opportunities for supply chain at CES this year. There are new companies that need to move quickly to try to capture their share of the US market. Often, when at CES, we will see exceptional amounts of new brands that have innovative technology, and they are usually laser focused on the design, build, manufacturing and distribution of the product. That said, it seems that the after-purchase service is an “after-thought.”

The obvious questions for these consumer product startups:

“What are your ideas for the aftermarket? What are your plans to support your products, as well as other important questions, which is where we can assist these companies in educating them about after purchase support.
Think for a moment, of a customer purchasing the product that you have innovatively put hours or months or years into creating, and that product fails; what is the backup plan or support? That consumer is going to be much more forgiving if they buy a product that the manufacturer stands behind. A good service solution, with a qualified technician, good parts source, a good original new part that will not fail is imperative to providing a good quality product. On top of which, the support base will also provide feedback about the service experience. This could be the most important part of the brand building experience.

That’s where Encompass comes in, providing that kind of structure and insight, and the full-service solution for supply chain logistics.

We have a consumer direct platform with fully integrated API’s with most all service claims administration companies. We integrate with a multitude of claims management systems, field service networks, home warranty companies, and extended contract firms. For these startup companies that might be entering the home appliance, consumer electronics, personal care, power tools, lawn and garden, and/or the computer marketplace, we can provide an even stronger support experience. Encompass will provide the same full service, with all the bells and whistles, right out of the gate, very similarly as do the core manufacturers.
www.encompass.com
This is why we always make CES a priority to attend. Not only to meet with current customers and existing vendors, whom we already support and nurture, but to also seek out new companies entering the market that may not know that they need the excellent quality service that we can provide. We look forward to seeing everyone at CES 2025.

Samsung Adds Foldables and Home Entertainment Products to Self-Repair Program

Samsung is rolling out a significant expansion to its self-repair program with more models, product categories and parts available to enable a wider variety of repairs. The company is also evolving its long-standing partnership with Encompass Supply Chain Solutions a leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain solutions for a diverse range of home products and consumer electronics, to give customers access to genuine parts, tools and repair guides for smartphones,tablets and PCs, plus select foldable devices and home entertainment products. In total, Samsung will offer self-repair options for nearly 50 models across its product portfolio, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the industry.

Launched in August 2022, the Samsung self-repair program provides interested consumers with another convenient way to extend the life of their devices. This latest expansion is part of the company’s commitment to add more devices over time as the program matures. Fourteen Galaxy smartphone, tablet, and PC models have been added to the program, including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S9 series and the Galaxy Book2 series. The program also extends into the home entertainment category with the addition of 20 visual display products, including the Freestyle 2 nd Gen projector.

“We know that consumers want reliable and convenient repair options to keep their devices up and running. This expansion is one more way Samsung is showing its continued commitment to provide our customers with choice,” said Mark Williams, Vice President of Customer Care at Samsung Electronics America. “For those who want to take repair into their own hands, we’re supplying them with more options for a wider array of products to extend the life of the products they love.”

“Encompass has been a trusted distributor of Samsung OEM replacement parts for many years and this expansion to new product categories will play a critical role in continuing to empower Samsung customers to easily repair equipment and extend the lifecycle of their products,” said Robert Coolidge, President and CEO of Encompass Supply Chain Solutions. “Samsung’s self-repair program aligns with Encompass’ goal to improve the accessibility of mission critical parts for customers while reducing waste and enabling significant cost savings.”

Expanding Self-Repair Options for Galaxy Devices

Galaxy owners can now access a broader assortment of self-repair parts right at their fingertips. On phones and tablets, consumers will be able to fix the speakers, SIM tray, side key and volume key, in addition to existing parts for display assemblies, back glass and charging ports. Galaxy Book owners will be able to replace the left and right speakers and fan, in addition to existing repairs for the display, battery, power key with fingerprint reader, touchpad, front and rear cases, and rubber feet. Low cost tool kits can be purchased as a bundle with parts, or separately and used for a variety of device repairs.

Empowering DIY Repairs for Samsung Video Displays

To expand self-repair into the Home Entertainment category, customers can now access genuine parts, tools and step-by-step repair guides related to picture, power, WiFi connection, sound, and the remote control for select Samsung 2023 TVs, monitors and the Freestyle 2 nd Gen projector via SamsungParts.com. On select 2023 soundbars, customers can replace HDMI,optical cables and parts related to power, sound and wireless communication. All of which can be fixed with common tools like a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Going the Extra Mile to Offer Quality, Convenient Device Care

Samsung wants to empower people to keep their devices longer and reduce e-waste, through efforts like extending the product lifecycle, improving durability, and enhancing repairability. From the beginning of the development phase, Samsung considers the design, materials and equipment needed to make products easier to repair and eventually, recycle.

The self-repair program expansion marks another step forward in Samsung’s customer-first care mission to provide convenient, accessible and quality device care options to U.S. customers. Samsung offers walk-in, mail-in and at-home Care services and all repairs are backed by the company — with Samsung-certified professionals covering both in-warranty and out-of-warranty services using genuine Samsung parts.

Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction among 5G mobile devices in the 2023 American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey (ACSI®), Samsung offers #1 Service Center Network Coverage for mobile devices across the U.S. 1 This includes more than 2,000 same-day Samsung Authorized Care locations, covering more than 80% of the U.S. population with a typical repair time of two hours or less.

Samsung is also able to provide 99.9% of the U.S. with convenient Care coverage for consumer electronics. Programs like Samsung Beyond Boundaries2 enable customers located within a 4-hour radius of a Samsung care center in various U.S. regions to receive at-home repairs. For anyone outside of this radius, Samsung can also dispatch qualified technicians via the Samsung Traveling Techs program The company earned #1 rankings in product quality for TVs and #1 rankings in service experience for Home Appliances in the 2023 American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey (ACSI®).

For more information about the Samsung Self-Repair program, visit:
www.samsung.com/us/support/selfrepair.

To find a Samsung Authorized Care location, check the store locator on Samsung.com. Customers can also schedule an appointment online at www.samsung.com/us/support/service/.

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions

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.

In 2022, Encompass was acquired by Parts Town Unlimited to expand its residential parts division. For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Samsung Self-Repair Model List

Smartphones

Galaxy Z Fold5

Galaxy Z Flip5

Galaxy S23 Series – S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE

Galaxy S22 Series* – S22, S22+, S22 Ultra

Galaxy S21 Series* – S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Galaxy S20 Series* – S20, S20+, S20 Ultra

Tablets

Galaxy Tab S9 series – S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, S9 FE, S9 FE+

Galaxy Tab S7+*

PCs

Galaxy Book2 Pro 15″

Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 15″

Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 5G 13.3”

Galaxy Book Pro 15″*

Galaxy Book Pro 360 15”*

TV (2023 Models)

77″ Class OLED S90C TV

98” Class Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN990C TV

75” Class The Frame – Disney100 Edition

65″ Class The Frame – Disney100 Edition

55″ Class The Frame – Disney100 Edition

85” Class The Terrace Full Sun Samsung Neo QLED 4K LST9C

Projector (2023 Models)

Freestyle Gen 2 with Gaming Hub

Monitor (2023 Models)

27″ ViewFinity S9 5K Monitor

34″ ViewFinity S65UC Ultra-WQHD 100Hz AMD FreeSync™ HDR10 Curved Monitor

34″ ViewFinity S65VC Ultra-WQHD 100Hz AMD FreeSync™ HDR10 Curved Monitor

57″ Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum Mini-LED 240Hz 1ms HDR 1000 Curved Gaming Monitor

27″ M80C Smart Monitor 4K UHD (white)

27″ M80C Smart Monitor 4K UHD (pink)

27″ M80C Smart Monitor 4K UHD (green)

27″ M70C Smart Monitor 4K UHD (white)

27” Odyssey G55C Gaming QHD LED Monitor

Soundbar (2023 Models)

HW-A445 2.1ch Sound bar with Dolby & DTS Audio (HW-A445)

Ultra-slim 3.1.2ch. Wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar

+ Bezel w/ Q-Symphony (HW-S80CB)

5.1ch. Wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar w/ Q-Symphony (HW-S68CB)

Sound Tower 210W Bi-directional High Power Audio w/ Built-in Battery (MX-ST5CB)

*Previously announced

ServicePower and Encompass Simply Parts Team Up to Provide Streamlined Parts Ordering Capabilities

ServicePower Becomes First FSM Platform to Centralize Parts and Service Availability for Optimized Repair and Maintenance

McLean, VA, January 10, 2024 ServicePower, the leading field service management platform and ecosystem for major appliance and consumer electronics repairs in North America, announced today that it has partnered with Encompass Simply Parts, one of the largest suppliers of genuine OEM replacement parts and accessories for home products, to provide simplified and streamlined parts ordering capabilities for all servicers that use the ServicePower platform and ServicePower HUB.

ServicePower HUB is a free-to-use business management system for service providers who deliver both cash-on-demand (COD) and warranty-based repair services on behalf of original equipment manufacturers, third-party administrators, and home warranty companies. The Encompass integration will provide the 13,000+ service companies using ServicePower HUB immediate access to over 8 million parts that they can seamlessly identify and purchase. The functionality enables parts identification via search, photo, or schematics with an exploded view and 360 scan of all equipment parts. The parts can be ordered in a single click, and orders will be augmented with suggestions of additional parts that are often ordered together. Shipments can be sent to service companies or direct to consumers.

“Customers need the right expertise and the right parts, delivered at the same time, in order to get the fastest and highest quality experience,” said Frank Gelbart, chief executive officer of ServicePower. “This partnership will make business easier, more efficient, and faster for service technicians by providing the right part the first time resulting in better reviews, more return customers, increased first-time fix rates, and reduced truck rolls to positively impact the environment.”

Searching for parts, ordering parts, and having to return wrong items all lead to costly inefficiencies and poor service experiences. Encompass provides access to one of the largest authorized parts inventories in the world, ensuring that the right parts are ordered at the right time, every time. Through highly automated distribution centers throughout North America, Encompass guarantees expedited deliveries ensuring quick turnaround times for consumers and service companies.

“We know that parts ordering can become a bottle neck in the repair process and are proud of the work we have done to streamline and simplify the steps it takes to get what is needed for the repair,” said Joe Wang, chief commercial officer of Encompass. “Our partnership with ServicePower is the obvious next step in enabling one stop shopping which will not only vastly improve operational efficiencies, but also create happier end customers.”

Parts ordering is currently being rolled out to users of the ServicePower platform for COD jobs. For questions, please visit servicepower.com/servicepower-hub.

 

Media Contact

ServicePower
Heather Mills
Vice President, Marketing
h.mills@servicepower.com

Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Named Primary Parts Distributor for Dacor

New partnership aims to revolutionize the luxury home appliance parts supply chain

Lawrenceville, Ga., January 9, 2024 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, a division of Parts Town Unlimited and leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain solutions for a diverse range of product brands, today announced that it has been selected as the primary parts distributor for Dacor, the leading American luxury home appliance brand.

Under the partnership, Encompass will take on a pivotal role in managing Dacor’s parts distribution operations, including management of its legacy inventory, procurement, warehousing, pick-pack-ship, returns, and warranty/non-warranty support.

“We are excited to have been chosen as the primary distributor for Dacor, an esteemed brand within the Samsung family,” said Joe Hurley, EVP of Business Development for Encompass. “Our team is committed to optimizing Dacor’s distribution, ensuring that customers and partners experience the highest level of efficiency and satisfaction.”

With its proven expertise with other prestigious brands, Encompass plans to further streamline and enhance Dacor’s parts distribution processes. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing customers with exceptional appliance parts and customer satisfaction.

 

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions

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.

In 2022, Encompass was acquired by Parts Town Unlimited to expand its residential parts division. For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

 

About Dacor

Dacor is a leader in design and innovation known for building distinctive appliances rooted in style and driven by technology delivering elevated connections, every day. For additional information, please visit Dacor.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

 

Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Launches Integration Mr. Appliance®

New venture aims to enhance parts availability and customer satisfaction

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 5, 2023 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, a global leader in the high-tech distribution of OEM parts for home products, including residential appliances, HVAC, consumer electronics, and related products, today announced a strategic integration with Mr. Appliance®, a Neighborly® company and a leading home and commercial appliance repair brand.

With this collaboration, Encompass will be seamlessly integrated into Mr. Appliance’s SmartParts system, allowing Mr. Appliance franchise locations to effortlessly find and purchase the precise parts they need from a trusted and reliable supplier. Encompass is a current participant in ProTradeNet®, a network of industry-leading vendors exclusive to Neighborly. Streamlining the procurement process and saving valuable time for customers, this integration is set to further expand parts availability and customer support in the residential appliance repair industry. Locations can also continue to buy parts directly through encompass.com.

“We are thrilled to be working with Mr. Appliance, a highly respected player in the repair industry,” said Joe Hurley, EVP of Sales and Marketing for Encompass. “Our commitment to expanding parts availability and delivering unique technology solutions aligns perfectly with Mr. Appliance, and together we will further reinforce our promise of helping our customers get the parts they need, as soon as they need them.”

Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company, states: “Mr. Appliance is excited about our new venture with Encompass.  This integration will help us deliver on our vision to be so remarkable we become a beloved household name.”

 

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions

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.

In 2022, Encompass was acquired by Parts Town Unlimited to expand its residential parts division. For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

 

Encompass Supply Chain Solutions Welcomes New President of Encompass Service

Industry veteran John Flynn to drive product lifecycle enhancement and service excellence for Encompass Service

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., Dec. 7, 2023 – Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, a division of Parts Town Unlimited and leading provider of replacement parts and supply chain solutions for a diverse range of product brands, today announced the appointment of John Flynn as the new President of Encompass Service.

In this role, Flynn will lead the depot service team, an integral part of the Encompass Supply Chain fourth-party logistics (4PL) offering. He will be dedicated to collaborating with manufacturers, extended warranty providers and enterprise organizations to enhance product longevity through services such as board repair, reverse logistics, testing, depot repair, and other critical repair functions.

“This appointment marks a major milestone for Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing outstanding service and assistance to our performance while extending the longevity of our products,” said Robert Coolidge, President and CEO of Encompass Supply Chain Solutions and President of Parts Town Residential.

Flynn is a seasoned expert in IT and electronics lifecycle management with a specialization in supply chain, reverse logistics, repair, remanufacturing, IT asset disposition (ITAD), and recycling solutions. His background brings a unique blend of business development, program management, and materials management expertise.

“I’m honored to be given the opportunity to lead the Encompass Service initiative. With a focus on extending product lifecycles through innovative, circular economy focused solutions, I’m eager to collaborate with customers to drive meaningful impact,” said Flynn. “Encompass Service’s commitment to excellence and innovation aligns with my values, and together, we aim to deliver exceptional service to our partners.”


About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions

Formed in 1953, Encompass Supply Chain Solutions 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.

In 2022, Encompass was acquired by Parts Town Unlimited, the global market leader in foodservice equipment parts distribution, to expand its residential parts division.

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

 

About Parts Town Unlimited

Parts Town Unlimited is the global leader in high-tech distribution of mission-critical equipment replacement parts and related products and services for the foodservice, residential appliance and HVAC industries. Guided by its core values of Safety, Integrity, Community, Passion, Courage, and Innovation, Parts Town Unlimited delivers infinite possibilities, unlimited potential, and boundless innovation with a

focus on people, innovation, and long-term partnerships. Parts Town Unlimited is an organization without limits, led by dreamers who continuously grow and bring value to our partners and amazing opportunities to our team members around the globe.

Andrea Stephens Hired at Encompass Supply Chain Solutions

Andrea leads the Encompass marketing team and drives long-term portfolio growth strategy, establishing a vision and growth objectives leveraging customer insights, category and consumer trends, and a deep understanding of competition and the needs of B2C/B2B customers. She develops integrated marketing strategies for Encompass customers, using a multichannel approach, driving new customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.

It’s Time to Prepare for the Right to Repair

Robert Coolidge, CEO

Robert Coolidge
President & CEO

‘Right to Repair’ is a term that most of the readers of this blog will be familiar with, given the media attention it has received in recent years. For those less familiar, Right to Repair refers to the movement to expand consumer’s options in repairing their personal property. Tactically, this means providing both consumers and independent third-party providers with access to the same tools, parts and documentation, made available to in-house repair teams and authorized third party repairers. The Right to Repair movement spans multiple industries (automotive, agricultural, medical devices, consumer electronics), with state-level laws passed across these industry verticals in the past year (Digital Electronic Equipment in New York, Wheelchairs and Agricultural Equipment in Colorado). In this post, I will focus on Right to Repair legislation for digital electronic equipment (including mobile, laptop, gaming), which will significantly impact some of our OEM partners at Encompass, and how we can be proactive in the solution.

Legislative Action to Date

While the Right to Repair conversation has been active at both the federal and state level over the past 2-3 years, states are leading the way by translating this conversation into legislative action:

New York’s Digital Fair Repair Act – New York’s Digital Fair Repair Act (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 399-NN) is the first US state law to broadly protect a consumer’s right to repair their own Digital Electronic Equipment[1]. The law states that in the event that an OEM makes the Documentation[2], Parts and Tools[3] required for the diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of digital electronics available to its own employees or authorized providers, that OEM is required to make the same Documentation, Parts and Tools available to independent repair providers and consumers on fair and reasonable terms. These materials can be distributed either directly through an OEM or via an authorized provider.

[1] Legislation states that ‘Digital Electronic Equipment’ “means any hardware product that depends for its functioning, in whole or in part, on digital electronics embedded in or attached to the product for which the original equipment manufacturer makes available tools, parts, and documentation either through authorized repair providers, its own employees, or any authorized third-party providers.” Exempt industries include home appliances with embedded digital electronic products (including HVAC refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves), motor vehicles, electronic bikes, medical devices, security devices / alarm systems, off road equipment including power tools and garden equipment, commercial and industrial electrical equipment, and enterprise devices (B2B sales, B2G sales)
[2] Legislation states that ‘Documentation’ includes “any manual, diagram, reporting output, service code description, schematic diagram, or similar kinds of information required for effecting the services of diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of digital electronic equipment.”
[3] Legislation states that ‘Tool’ includes “any software program, hardware implement, or other apparatus used for diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of digital electronic equipment, including software or other mechanisms that provide, program, pair a part, calibrate functionality, or perform any other function required to repair or update the original equipment or part back to fully functional condition.”

The Digital Fair Repair Act will go into effect on December 28, 2023; the law will apply to Digital Electronic Equipment manufactured and sold in New York on or after July 1, 2023.  The law will be enforced by the New York Attorney General.

Beyond New York – With the passing of the New York Digital Fair Repair Act, Right to Repair Legislation has started to build renewed momentum across other states. As of February 2023, 20 states had filed Right to Repair legislation across multiple industry verticals. Of this group, 14 states filed legislation applicable to consumer electronic devices or appliances, including: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Vermont.

Federal Action: Federal authorities, including the FTC and President Biden, have voiced the need for Right to Repair protections. However, as of March 2023, no federal Right to Repair laws had been passed, prompting attorney generals from 27 US states to deliver a letter to Congress highlighting the lack of progress and calling for lawmakers to advance expansive Right to Repair federal legislation targeted at automobiles, agricultural equipment, and digital electronics.

What This Means for OEMs

Now is the Time to Prepare: When the New York Digital Fair Repair Act becomes effective in December 2023, Right to Repair will no longer just be conversation. OEMs need to be prepared now to meet the extensive go-to-market requirements of this law.  Some OEMs are already preparing; Apple, Google and Samsung, have started to provide the public with access to repair manuals, tools, and parts on a limited scale (eligible for select models and a limited set of parts) – likely as a pilot in expectation of future legal requirements.

Right to Repair Creates Significant Risk and Complexity for OEMs: Given that Right to Repair has a heavy legislative pipeline at the state level, OEMs will need to be flexible to accommodate differing state-level (or potentially federal-level) requirements as new legislation is passed.  Alongside this complexity, supplying new customer groups (DIY, independent repair providers) who have less repair experience than traditional in-house, authorized repair teams will require heavier OEM investment in hands-on user content and training. OEMs will have to address increased intellectual property risks in making repair Documentation, Tools, and Parts, publicly available, and both OEMs and warranty providers will be confronted with greater complexity in navigating future repair claims.

Finding the Right Partner is Critical: Given the OEM exposure to risk and complexity described above, finding the right partner to navigate the rollout of Right to Repair laws is paramount. Right to Repair will require the creation of new content and go-to-market models. OEMs should lean on solutions-oriented providers that can offer agility, flexibility, insights, and resources to lighten the OEM load.

Right to Repair Support from Encompass

Commitment to our OEM Partners – With 70 years of experience, and a deep commitment to brand support, Encompass understands the needs of our OEM partners. Our work across ~20 repair industry verticals allow us to act as a thought partner to OEMs, bringing cross-industry best practices and learnings to the table. In addition, our commitment to selling OEM-only parts ensures that each customer receives a quality product and repairs the first time, eliminating confusion and dissatisfaction caused by generic substitutes.

Leading Data & Technology – We are actively investing in leading technology to improve the customer and partner experience. Our spin360 technology creates detailed 360-degree photographs of parts, helping ensure that customers are selecting the correct replacement part for their device. Our reporting and analytics capabilities enable us to provide our OEM partners with a complete view of demand and trends for both parts and customers.

Custom Solutions – Finally, at Encompass we work with our partners to design custom solutions to meet their needs. Whether it is creating virtual parts repair toolkits or bespoke user content (repair how-to videos, training guides, etc.), we are committed to the correct and safe repair of your branded products.

CE Tech Tips — March 2023

**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, 53FDX20B
Reason for Service: Weak or washed out color when OSD color adjusted.
Solution: Found and replaced shorted ZD-306.

LG TV, 50PS60UA
Reason for Service: Bottom half of picture is black.
Solution: Replacing lower buffer fixed set. 

Samsung UN60EH6000F
Reason for Service
: Backlights come for just a second, then go back off.
Solution: Replacing power board fixed set. Saw some bad caps on power board.

Samsung TV, LN52B530P7FXZA
Reason for Service: Sound okay, but no picture.
Solution: Replace C1804, (box cap) on IP board. 684k/400V.

l

Sharp TV, LC60C8470U
Reason for Service: Error code, two long, two short.
Solution: Found bad 4 pin regulator Q7120 under heat sink. Replacing fixed set.

Sony TV, KDS60A2000
Reason for Service: Dead set, five blink code.
Solution: Replacing ballast fixed set.

Vizio TV, M471I-A2
Reason for Service: Dead set.
Solution: Found and replaced shorted diode in power supply. D950.

Vizio TV, E320-A0
Reason for Service: Dead set.
Solution: Found open SM 5A fuse on mother board, and one of three ceramic caps near fuse was shorted to ground. Removed cap.

Want more tips? Click here to see all electronics and appliance tips!





How Dryer Balls Work

**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. 

Dryer balls are great for helping reduce laundry drying time. Unlike other drying aids like dryer sheets and fabric softeners, dryer balls don’t contain any harsh chemicals, which make them much better for sensitive skin, as well as the environment. Additionally, unlike liquid softeners and disposable sheets, dryer balls can last for years depending on how often they’re used.

Dryer balls can be used with most hearty fabrics like linen, cotton and polyester. Avoid using them with delicates as they could cause damage. Dryer balls can be washed by hand in hot soapy water or in the washing machine with other laundry items. Before using them again, make sure they are completely dry or they won’t work properly.

Here’s some other helpful information on how dryer balls work and the benefits:

Keep Laundry Separated

The main function of dryer balls is to keep laundry separated during the drying cycle. They bounce around the dryer drum, which helps create gaps between clothes and other laundry items. This enables hot air to better circulate, reducing both drying time and energy costs.

Absorb Moisture

The best dryer balls are made from wool, which helps them absorb moisture from wet laundry, leading to faster drying.

Soften Fabrics

While dryer balls bounce around, they help soften laundry fabrics by gently moving against and through them. This also helps remove wrinkles from clothing.

Reduce Static

Ever felt an unpleasant electric shock when removing clothes from the dryer? Dryer balls help reduce static by moving through laundry items.

Reduce Lint

Lint can develop in the dryer from laundry friction, which is minimized by dryer balls keeping items separate.

How to Use Dryer Balls

For best results, follow these steps:

  1. Add essential oil: Use a few drops of aromatic essential oils directly on dryer balls for a fresher laundry scent.
  2. Use multiple dryer balls: Throw in two to four dryer balls depending on load size.
  3. Start dryer: Once dryer starts, dryer balls will do their thing.
  4. Take them out: After drying cycle, remove dryer balls and store elsewhere.

 

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