Blog

16 Mar

Encompass Response to Coronavirus

Updated April 21, 2020

Message from Encompass President & CEO Robert Coolidge

Encompass has been closely monitoring the global impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic since it first originated in China. Our heartfelt condolences are with all those who have been sickened and died from this terrible illness. Please click here for a helpful pamphlet on Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Diseases from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Internal Response

Although all Encompass facilities are operating regular schedules, we have taken several precautions for the health and well-being of both our associates and business partners. We are following all government guidance and mandates to help contain the pandemic. Some measures we have taken include:

  • Office staff are telecommuting until further notice. Encompass is equipped with cloud-based systems, ensuring continuous communications both internally and with our customers. 
  • Essential on-site staff are required to wear masks and gloves and are also being provided antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer at work stations and common areas. More importantly, they are mandated to frequently wash hands.
  • Staff travel is restricted.

Parts Supply Continuity

Due to the expected closings of factories during the January Chinese New Year, our Purchasing team had procured safety stock for the select brands for which we source directly overseas. At this time, highest demand parts remain in stock across multiple product verticals, including Home Appliance and Consumer Electronics. However, the team is in daily contact with manufacturers to identify any supply disruptions so we can then communicate with our customers.

Encompass has no immediate plans to close facilities and will continue to follow standard preventative guidelines to address the current situation.

Counter Sales Reopened

With additional safety measures in place, counter sales/order pickup has resumed at all locations. The counters at our Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas distribution centers will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4pm. To limit contact, we request that customers first place orders on encompass.com prior to coming to the facility, if possible.

Help for Customers

Encompass is here for you! If we can be of any assistance, please let us know: customercare@encompass.com.  Have you taken advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES)?  CARES enables small businesses and contract workers to obtain a variety of loans to maintain operations and prevent layoffs during this unprecedented crisis. Tax advantages are also available.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Encompass will continue to update this company response statement as conditions warrant to keep you informed.

Robert Coolidge
President & CEO

 

 

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18 Feb

Planning for Unexpected Supply Chain Disruptions

 Hurricanes in the Southeast. Blizzards in the Northeast. Tornadoes in the Midwest. Earthquakes and fires in the West. Natural disasters occur often and mostly without time for planning. Major transportation carriers and routes are usually impacted, which has an immediate, but mostly brief, effect on supply chain continuity.

But what about supply chain disruptions occurring continents away? As the world’s largest manufacturing country, China plays an extremely important role in U.S. commerce. When something momentous happens – like the coronavirus (or COVID-19) or the once looming trade war with the U.S. – effects typically domino across the globe.

Although it’s still somewhat early days, the COVID-19 crisis is already having a major impact on global trade and logistics with Chinese factory closings, workforce quarantines and transportation disruptions. The electronics industry is at particular risk with Shenzhen, a major hub of electronics and parts manufacturing, located about 700 miles from the epicenter of the virus outbreak. While some manufacturing factories have reopened, thousands of workers remain under quarantine or otherwise unable to travel to work.

The situation is mitigated somewhat by the fact that the initial outbreak coincided with the Chinese New Year during which most businesses shut down for about 10 days. Distributors like Encompass typically anticipate this downtime and plan accordingly to purchase extra safety stock. The question becomes whether the additional inventory will keep pace with demand until business returns to normal in China.

Current fulfillment lead times from Chinese factories are 30 days or more, so even the slightest delays could significantly affect supply and complicate purchasing strategies. What can supply chain managers do to try to limit the impact of global supply chain challenges – particularly those affecting the world’s largest manufacturing cluster? This is probably one of the hottest topics of discussion occurring in U.S. board rooms and purchasing departments across the country.

Whether your business is directly affected or not by the current crisis, it’s still an opportunity to review your purchasing strategy. Identify any weaknesses and determine contingencies as part of your overall purchasing strategy going forward. Here are some areas of consideration:

  • Sourcing Partners – Are all your supply sources in one basket – be it a single factory or geographic region? Assess the impact level to your business and customers of any unexpected, potentially lengthy supply disruptions from this source. Just like your financial portfolio, diversification is good. Consider alternatives for a backup supply pipeline in a different geographic area to help mitigate the risk of being cut off from your primary source without warning. For repair service businesses, this can be as simple as establishing accounts with multiple parts vendors for seamless transition if ever necessary. 
  • Safety Stock – Do you stock enough inventory to meet demand for an extended period of time? While purchasing managers are constantly pressured to keep inventory turning, it may be worth stocking at least some high-demand SKUs beyond ordinary levels — particularly if your business is at risk from limited supply sources.
  • Business Continuity Plan – Many business continuity plans are focused internally on steps a company will take to recover from its own unforeseen events. Downstream disruptions in the supply chain should be included in your overall business continuity strategy.  And put the onus on your sourcing partners to provide their detailed plan for business recovery.

While the U.S. and China have reached a trade agreement and COVID-19 is likely to be contained sooner than later, the risk of future impactful events remains as certain as ever.  Don’t forget COVID-19 is not without precedence; in the early 2000s it was the SARS epidemic wreaking havoc on global trade. Sadly, chances are pretty good this isn’t the last time we’ll be dealing with supply chain disruptions, but ensuring you have a Plan B should help minimize harmful consequences to your business and customers.

Regardless of any business impact, we can’t forget that at the core of this epidemic are human lives. Compared to so many people dying, delays in receiving the next generation smart phone seem meaningless.  Above all, we should be focusing on joining together to help all those affected through this horrific ordeal.

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10 Feb

CE Tech Tips — February 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.

JBL Subwoofer, MP418SP
Reason for Service: Motor boating audio
Solution: Checked main filters (8200uF/110V) for bad solder, arcing on board, etc. Cleaned all and resoldered.

JVC TV, LT46AM73
Reason for Service: Set powers on and off, but no picture or backlights
Solution: Replaced Q3817 and Q 381, plus open 1A fuse.

LG TV, 47LK520
Reason for Service: No video, but has backlights and video
Solution: Removed and cleaned LVDS cables on both ends.

Samsung TV, PN64D8000FFXZA
Reason for Service: Shuts down intermittently
Solution: Found bad solder at TS801 and TS802. Resoldering fixed set.

Samsung TV, PN51D6500DFXZA
Reason for Service: Shuts down, or Picture and Splash screen alternate every few seconds
Solution: Replaced main board.

Samsung TV, LN-T5265FXAA
Reason for Service: Set has sound and video but no backlight
Solution: Found bad solder connections on T1801 and resoldered.

Samsung TV, LN46A650A1F
Reason for Service: Dead set
Solution: Found and replaced two 1000uF/25V caps in power supply.

Vizio TV, SV320XVT
Reason for Service: Back lights don’t work
Solution: Replaced Q203 & Q204 on power board, as well as R209, 0.1 ohm/2W.

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10 Feb

How to Replace Oven Door Switch

**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. 

 

While the oven door switch may not seem to mean much for oven functionality, it actually is of some importance. First, it influences how the oven light works. For many ovens, the door switch turns on the light if the oven opens, and turns it off when it closes unless the oven light switch is on. Also, the door switch affects the cleaning function in that the oven won’t self-clean if the door switch has stopped working and doesn’t sense the door is closed when it is.

This post provides detailed instructions on replacing an oven door switch, which is a simple repair with an interesting step.

Gather Supplies

Find the correct replacement door switch for your oven by checking the owner’s manual for the part number.  Other supplies include:

  • Screwdriver – Phillips and flat head
  • Work gloves
  • Prop stick

Safety First

  • Disconnect Power
    Because this repair involves an electrical component, there is risk for dangerous shock. Be sure to cut power to the oven before beginning work. If you can’t reach the plug — very common with built-in ovens — turn it off at the breaker.
  • Put on Gloves
    This repair also involves handling potentially sharp surfaces inside the oven, so it is especially important to wear work gloves for protection.

Open Top

  • Open Oven Door
    Open oven door all the way to access the front of the door switch and the underside of the cooktop lip.
  • Remove Screws Beneath Cooktop Lip
    Underneath the front lip of the cooktop are two screws with heads pointing toward the floor. Unscrew them and set aside.
  • Carefully Pull Cooktop Forward
    Pull cooktop forward to free two hinge tabs at back of cooktop and lift up. It’s okay to wiggle and lift cooktop as you pull it free.
  • Lift and Prop Cooktop
    Once cooktop is free of  hinge tabs, lift up front of cooktop like a box lid. Use piece of wood or sturdy stick to prop it open, bracing on metal. Be careful not to damage oven insulation underneath.

Remove Existing Door Switch

  • Identify Door Switch
    The door switch is a small cylindrical part set into upper right or left corner of oven door aperture with wires through the back.
  • Disconnect Wires
    Remember which color of wire is on top, and then disconnect wires. Take a picture for help when reassembling.
  • Release Locking Tabs
    With flat-head / slot screwdriver, press down on metal locking tabs of door switch, allowing switch to loosen.
  • Pull Out Door Switch
    Pull door switch out through front of oven and set aside. Switch can be thrown away or e-recycled.

Install New Door Switch

  • Push New Switch into Place
    Slide new door switch into place through now-vacant hole in front of oven door aperture. Press until locking tabs click.
  • Connect Wires
    Reconnect wires in same way they were connected to existing door switch.

Reassemble Oven

  • Remove Prop and Lower Oven
    Reverse process to open oven top. Start by removing prop stick and gently lowering cooktop back onto oven body.
  • Fit Hinge Tabs Below Upper Control Panel
    While sliding oven cooktop backward, be sure tabs fit neatly underneath control panel.
  • Line Up Cooktop Sides
    Ensure sides of cooktop settle correctly over top of oven body and are not leaning to left or right.
  • Push Back Firmly
    Now firmly and carefully, push cooktop back into place. You may need to wiggle it and vary force to get firmly into place.
  • Return Mounting Screws
    Now return mounting screws underneath cooktop lip.

Test Repair

  • Restore Power
    Plug oven back in or switch breaker back on.
  • Open and Close Door
    Next, try opening and closing oven door with oven light manually turned off. Check if light comes on when door opened and turns off when closed.
  • Run Self-Cleaning Cycle
    Now, test run self-cleaning cycle. If oven runs complete cycle, repair was a complete success!

 

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

 

 

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03 Feb

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

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16 Jan

Sales Tax Certificate Deadline Extended

DEADLINE EXTENDED

TAKE ACTION BEFORE FEB. 28, 2020

To comply with individual state sales tax regulations, Encompass must collect sales tax certificates for each state in which your business is exempt and to which you have part orders shipped. The deadline to submit your current certificate to Encompass has been extended to
Feb. 28, 2020.  After this date, Encompass must start assessing sales tax on orders placed with us until we receive and verify your certificate.

Additionally, Encompass is unable to refund any sales tax charged during the period between Feb. 28, 2020, and receipt and verification of your sales certificate. To recoup sales tax paid, your business will instead need to claim it on your corporate tax return. As such, the easiest way to avoid this hassle is to immediately email your sales tax certificate(s) to: salestax@encompass.com.If you have any questions, please contact Anita Nash, Encompass Accounts Receivable Manager: 678.405.5380, ext. 1563 or anash@encompass.com.

 

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16 Jan

Comvest Leads Management-Backed Recapitalization of Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

Comvest Partners (“Comvest”) is pleased to announce its investment in Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. (“Encompass” or the “Company”). With distribution facilities located in Lawrenceville, GA, Davie, FL and Las Vegas, NV, Encompass is recognized as a leading supplier of genuine repair parts, primarily serving the home appliance, consumer electronics, computing, personal care and HVAC end markets.The Company serves both business and consumer customers across the U.S. with access to original parts from more than 200 manufacturers.

Its business-to-business customer base largely comprises national retailers, underwriters, dealers, manufacturers, property management companies and distributors. Beyond distribution, Encompass offers a wide range of 4PL parts supply chain services, most notably parts forecasting, procurement & inventory management and accounts receivable services. The Company is also one of the only parts suppliers in the industry to maintain an on-site depot repair facility.

“As the nation’s broadest multi-vertical parts distributor, we believe Encompass is well positioned to maintain our growth trajectory,” said Encompass President and CEO Robert Coolidge.  “With the addition of Comvest’s support, we are excited to continue investing in a variety of innovative initiatives to enhance support to our customers. Technology upgrades and automation are among the key elements of our ongoing strategy to further strengthen Encompass’ standing in the market.”

“Encompass’ diverse product offerings, combined with integrated customer and vendor relationships through their comprehensive 4PL services, make for a compelling investment opportunity,” said Maneesh Chawla, Partner in Comvest Partners’ Strategic Growth strategy. “We are thrilled to partner with Robert and the rest of the leadership team to support their future growth plans.”

Comvest was advised by Akerman LLP.  Encompass was advised by Metronome Partners and Proskauer Rose LLP.

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 services. In addition to consumers, the Company supports an array of B2B customers, including manufacturers, multi-family property management companies, warranty providers, service networks, independent dealers and retailers. For more information, please visit solutions.encompass.com.

 About Comvest Partners

Comvest Partners is a private investment firm providing equity and debt capital to middle-market companies across North America. Since its founding in 2000, Comvest has invested over $4.7 billion. Today, Comvest’s funds have over $3.7 billion of assets under management. Through our extensive capital resources and broad network of industry relationships, we offer our companies financial sponsorship, critical strategic and operational support, and business development assistance. For more information, please visit www.comvest.com.

For more information:

Maneesh Chawla, Partner, Comvest Partners – m.chawla@comvest.com
Carlos Soto, Principal, Comvest Partners – c.soto@comvest.com

 

 

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14 Jan

How to Replace Broken Dryer Buzzer

**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. 

 

Many people rely on dryer buzzer alerts to keep laundry moving efficiently, while others find the sound annoying and keep it turned off.  If you find the alerts more of a help than a hindrance, read on to see how easy it is to replace a broken Whirlpool-style dryer buzzer.

Get It Together

The first step to any appliance repair is to gather all necessary tools and the correct replacement buzzer. Be sure to double check the part number for your dryer’s make and model before placing an order. Here’s what you need:

  • Replacement Buzzer
  • Screwdriver (flat head and Phillips)
  • Hand Towel or Cloth
  • Work Gloves (optional)

Repair Steps

  1. Unplug Dryer — Because this is an electrical repair, start by unplugging the dryer. This prevents shock when changing out the electrical components.
  2. Pull Dryer from Wall — Move the unit away from the wall and/or turn it to have enough room to stand behind it while accessing the upper back panel.
  3. Open Back Panel — Remove the mounting screws attaching the back panel to the control panel housing and set aside. Use the towel to fully pull away the back panel as the edges can be sharp. Work gloves can also keep your hands safe from an accidental cut. Set the panel aside next to the screws.
  4. Remove Broken Dryer Buzzer — Take off the buzzer knob or button. Trace the button to the exact location in the back of the dryer. Different dryer models often place the buzzer in various locations, so this is the most reliable way to find the right part. You can also match it to the appearance of your replacement part.
  5. Disconnect Wiring Clip — Pull wiring clip free from existing, broken buzzer [you may need to press a release catch].
  6. Unfasten Mounting Screw(s) — The existing buzzer should be mounted with one or two screws, which need to be removed and set aside. Now, remove the buzzer and discard, or preferably recycle.
  7. Install New Part — Start by connecting the wiring clip to the back of the new buzzer, just as the previous buzzer was connected. This is easier to do while the buzzer is not yet fastened.
  8. Align New Buzzer — Align the new buzzer into place. There may be a second screw point or a small lip or clip that slots into a hole where the top of the buzzer should go. Make sure that one or both screw holes are aligned with the mounting points inside the control panel. Then, fasten the mounting screws firmly to hold new dryer buzzer in place.
  9. Return Knob & Reassemble Dryer — Finally, if you removed the knob or button, return it to the front of the dryer panel. With the new part installed, close the back panel, aligning it into place and ensuring the mounting screw holes line up with the dryer panel housing. Fasten the back panel mounting screws and push the dryer back toward the wall. Be careful with the dryer duct tubing, which will need to remain uncrumpled while you push the dryer.
  10. Test New Buzzer — Plug the dryer back in and set a short timed drying session to ensure the buzzer sounds.

 

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

 

 

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13 Jan

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.

 

 

 

 

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08 Jan

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!

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