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Diversifying for Business Success

As failure rates and product pricing continue plummeting on today’s most popular gadgets, diversification has become a consistent mantra in the consumer electronics professional service industry. With technology and trends constantly changing, diversifying has become vital to business success and profitability. No company can afford to remain one-dimensional and complacent.
Robert Coolidge President & CEO

Robert Coolidge
President & CEO

A few years ago, Apple dropped “Computer” from its corporate name to become Apple, Inc. The Weather Channel Companies, parent to the Weather Channel, is now simply The Weather Company.  These name changes reflected the aggressive steps both companies have taken to evolve their product and service offerings from their initial beginnings.

The Weather Company is now much more than a television channel – it offers apps, provides consultation to retailers on weather-related buying trends and even manages a robust consumer website. Consequently, most people today probably associate Apple more with the iPhone and other mobile devices rather than the personal computers that launched the brand.
Similarly, Encompass is moving away from our divisional names “Encompass Parts Distribution” and  “Encompass Service Solutions” to emphasize our corporate name “Encompass Supply Chain Solutions.” We no longer consider ourselves just a parts distributor or a depot board repair company; we offer too wide a variety of value-added services and product mix to be pigeon holed.  One of our fastest growing product segments is parts and accessories for high end coffee makers and espresso machines – quite a departure for a 60-year-old company raised on consumer electronics.
Business leaders must seek out and be open to new opportunities wherever they may lie – opportunities they may once have never considered.  Whether it’s a product adjacency or a completely new service solution, consider how your business’ core competencies can be leveraged to expand into new territory.
Always remember that one trick ponies are eventually put out to pasture.

 

CE Tech Tips – June 2016

CE Professional Tech Tip Sharing
June 2016
**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.
Durabrand TV, DU2701
Reason for Service: Dead
Solution: 
Replacing the following fixed the set:  R503 & 511, each 1.2megs, and D509 an 18V
zener.
Hitachi TV, 
60SX2K
Reason for Service:  Hum in the audio
Solution: 
Found two leaky transistors: Q4013 and Q4008.  Replacing them fixed the audio.
JVC TV, LT-32EM20, (Funai made)
Reason for Service: Dead, standby low, 13V supply
was 24V
Solution: D633, 15V supply was shorted.  MUR460
LG TV, 55LV5500
Reason for Service:  Video smearing on all inputs and formats
Solution: 
Replacing the T-con controller board fixed the set.  #6871L-2430D
Mitsubishi TV, 
WS55413
Reason for Service: Shuts down at power on with a
2-1 error.
Solution: 
At power on, check for 12V at connector KH, pin8.  If missing, check IC9C51, #270P990010 and
L9C52, #441D009020, on the signal board.
Pioneer Plasma TV, Pro-434PU
Reason for Service:  Shuts down with 7 blink code.
Solution: Replacing the Y-Main fixed the
set.  Set uses a trap switch; be sure to
tape down before taking the back off and powering up.
RCA TV ITC008
Reason for Service: Shuts down
Solution: Replacing the following fixed the set:  IF001, DI012 & RI012.
Samsung LCD TV, LTN1535
Reason for Service: Dead
Solution: Found C109 bad; replacing fixed the
set.  1000uF/16V
Sony TV, KDL46NX700
Reason for Service:  Dead, relay clicks, gives a two blink code
Solution: 
Replaced the following in the power supply:  Q6101 & Q6102, used NTE2903 and fusible
resistor R6536 open.  0.47ohm/one half W.
Vizio TV, 
SV420XVT1A
Reason for Service: At power on, emblem turns
white, backlight starts to light, then shuts down
Solution: Found 25V line low and bad cap C241,
470uF/35V.

Encompass Now Supplying Spare Parts for Major Pool & Spa Brands

Lawrenceville, Ga., May 3, 2016 — Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of forward and reverse logistics for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts, today announced it expanded parts distribution into the Pool and Spa segment.

Encompass will carry a comprehensive line of parts for top Pool and Spa industry brands, including Hayward, Zodiac, Pentair, Jandy and Raypak. Expanding into this vertical segment is part of Encompass’ strategy to support whole home warranty companies, as well as to provide single source supply for service technicians and other business partners.

“Encompass continues to evolve beyond our roots as a consumer electronics parts supplier to offer a full suite of aftermarket solutions for multiple product categories,” said Delbert Bray, Encompass vice president of Channel Development specializing in the Pool and Spa, Appliance and HVAC verticals. “With the trend toward insuring multiple items within the home versus single products, we are striving to be a convenient one-stop provider for the warranty and repair industry.”

Encompass will supply parts nationwide through its distribution facilities in Georgia and Florida located in the heart of the pool and spa market. Parts will be available through the company’s e-commerce website encompassparts.com.

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 appliance 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 visitencompass.com and encompassparts.com and follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact: Kristin Hurst
Director of Marketing
Ph: 954.474.0325
khurst@encompass.com

Encompass Selected to Manage Parts Supply Chain for Toshiba America Information Systems

Lawrenceville, Ga., June 6, 2016 — Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of forward and reverse logistics for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts, today announced it has finalized an agreement with Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. to distribute original parts to perform repair services for the Visual Products product line.

Encompass will procure, warehouse and distribute replacement parts and accessories for Toshiba America Information Systems. The company will supply authorized service centers, retailers, third-party administrators, other distributors and consumers. To assist end users and others in quickly finding the Toshiba America Information Systems parts they need, Encompass has developed a customized e-commerce web portal: encompassparts.com/Toshiba.

“Encompass has enjoyed a strong relationship with Toshiba America Information Systems for many years,” said Robert Coolidge, Encompass president and CEO. “We appreciate the opportunity to expand our support and help further build loyalty for the renowned mobile computing brand and the leading-edge Visual Products it represents.”

John Pinto, vice president of service operations, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. , said, “We selected Encompass as our exclusive parts provider to further streamline aftermarket service for our customers.”

“Encompass has a long history with Toshiba America Information Systems and has proven to be a highly experienced parts distributor,” said Pinto. “As such, we expect Encompass to provide a more consistent level of service throughout the country to ensure first-class post-sales support for our products and service network.”

About Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. (TAIS)
TAIS is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and has multiple divisions, digital products, services and solutions, including award-winning notebook computers, tablets, branded storage products, digital display solutions and cloud services; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; IP business telephone systems with unified communications, collaboration and mobility applications; and IoT solutions development, data analytics and IT services. TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. For more information on TAIS visit us.toshiba.com.

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 appliance 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 visitencompass.com and encompassparts.com and follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact: Kristin Hurst
Director of Marketing
Ph: 954.474.0325
khurst@encompass.com

Encompass Expands Supply Chain Management Support Services to Sony Electronics

Lawrenceville, Ga., April 27, 2016 — Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of forward and reverse logistics for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts, today announced it has moved into the final phase of implementing a comprehensive spare parts supply chain management program for Sony Electronics.

Encompass will begin as early as June 2016 sourcing parts and accessories directly from Sony factories overseas, assuming responsibility for all inventory, including planning and purchasing. Encompass supplies Sony parts to other distributors, Sony’s authorized service network, service dealers, third-party administrators, international affiliates, and end users through its distribution facilities in Florida and Georgia.

“Encompass is gratified to have gained Sony’s confidence through successful implementation of phase one of our parts supply chain management program,” said Robert Coolidge, Encompass president and CEO. “As we reach the end of the program transition period, we remain firmly committed to providing superior service to the Sony service network and end users.”

Tim McGowan, vice president of the Sony North America Consumer Service, added “Encompass has proven their value as a partner by working with Sony to develop a long-term sustainable strategy to provide the customer support you would expect to see from an industry leader like Sony. Sony is pleased with our decision to leverage Encompass’ capabilities to maintain a strong parts supply chain.”

About Sony Electronics

Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.

Sony is noted for a wide range of consumer audio/visual products, such as the BRAVIA® 4K Ultra HD, 3D and high-definition televisions, Cyber-shot® compact cameras, Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras, Handycam® camcorders, high-resolution audio products and portable audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of audio/video technologies for broadcast, live production and B2B applications, highlighted by the CineAlta™ 4K cameras, SXRD™ 4K digital projectors, XDCAM line of tapeless technologies and a range of A/V professional products and accessories.
For more information, visit Sony.com/News or join the Sony Communities:

 

 

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 appliance 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 visitencompass.com and encompassparts.com and follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact: Kristin Hurst
Director of Marketing
Ph: 954.474.0325
khurst@encompass.com

CE Tech Tips — May 2016

CE Professional Tech Tip Sharing
May 2016
**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, 51UWX20B
Reason for Service: Picture rolls vertically only when cold.  OSD or DCU pattern stable or no pic, OSD OK.
Solution:  Replaced IC401, CP08191U.
Hitachi Plasma, 42HDS52A
Reason for Service: Customer preference settings are lost after turning set
off.
Solution:  In the customer menu under video, reset video, select NO.
Hitachi TV, 57UWX20B
Reason for Service: The picture freezes.
Solution: Added a 28 ga.
Jumper wire from pin one of I007 to the cathode of D019.
LG TV, 47LE5400-UC
Reason for Service: Set intermittently cycles off then back on.  This may repeat a few times.
Solution:  Replaced the switch mode PS.
Mits TV, WS55413
Reason for Service: Shuts down at power on with a 2-1 error.
Solution:  At power on, check for 12V at connector KH, pin8.  If missingm check IC9C51, #270P990010 and
L9C52, #441D009020, on the signal board.
Panasonic TV, TH58PX600U
Reason for Service: Relay starts clicking as soon as set is plugged in.
Solution:  Cleaning the wires from main logic to bottom of C5 board
fixed the set.
RCA TV, F36650, 
ATC113
Reason for Service: Vertical shrinks after the set warms up.
Solution: Replacing the
eprom IR02 fixed the set. #258098
Samsung TV, LN-T4066F
Reason for Service: Set comes on then shuts off almost immediately.
Solution: Before replacing
any boards, check for a bad CCFL.  Remove
the panel, apply HV to one end of each tube. 
If one doesn’t light, replace it to see if it fixes the set.
Sony TV, KDL40S5100
Reason for Service: Dead, pushing power button gives a 2 blink code.
Solution: Replaced the power
supply, A-1660-720-B.
Vizio VX32LHDTV10A
If you determine the main board 3632-0232-0150) is bad, try replacing U-33
before replacing the whole board.

Encompass Opens New Training Facility to Support Major Appliance & HVAC Industry

Lawrenceville, Ga., April 19, 2016 — Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc, a leading provider of forward and reverse logistics for a diverse range of finished goods and replacement parts, today announced it has begun renovations to its 150,000-square-foot headquarters in Georgia to build a state-of-the-art training facility to assist major appliance and HVAC manufacturers in providing comprehensive training to field service technicians.

The new training facility, located within Encompass’ main distribution center just north of Atlanta, will initially accommodate approximately 30 participants. The company recently reconfigured its warehouse to improve operational efficiency and capacity to support its expanding business model. As part of this project, space was carved out specifically to enable Encompass to host on-site training sessions geared toward the major appliance and HVAC industry beginning in June 2016.

“As one of the largest parts distributors and 4PL providers in the U.S., Encompass is very excited to strengthen our partnership with appliance and HVAC manufacturers and servicers by offering this value-added service,” said Robert Coolidge, Encompass president and CEO. “We envision providing free instructional seminars that will run the gamut from standard technical training to more business-related topics such as enhancing customer service and dispatching. Manufacturers may use our facilities for many different purposes, including recruitment efforts to expand existing networks – we are open to ideas and flexible to meet any needs the appliance and HVAC industry may have.”

Encompass currently supplies replacement parts for a number of world-leading appliance and HVAC brands. It also supports verticals such as consumer electronics, mobile device, personal care, computer and printer segments. Coolidge said he expects training will eventually comprise any and all topics relevant to these industries. Video will be taken during training sessions and posted online for the benefit of servicers unable to attend in person.

“This initiative will increase the options currently available to techs needing to stay abreast of all the latest appliance technology, said Coolidge. “While our new training center will be dedicated to the appliance industry at first, we anticipate expanding this capability to those within the other verticals we specialize in. Our ultimate goal is to help all our customers be more successful.”

Delbert Bray, appliance industry veteran and Encompass vice president of Vertical Development for Home Appliance and HVAC, added, “Our training center is a testament to Encompass’ commitment to the Appliance Service Community, and an example of how we offer much more than a typical parts distributor. Having a training facility at the disposal of the appliance industry in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta will be of great benefit to manufacturers, servicers and Encompass.”

Encompass is currently in discussions with major brands to organize training content and schedules. Further announcements including plans for a grand opening will be forthcoming.

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 appliance 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 visitencompass.com and encompassparts.com and follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact: Kristin Hurst
Director of Marketing
Ph: 954.474.0325
khurst@encompass.com

Saving the Environment, Lowering Costs with Green Choice Parts®

Encompass recently announced the appointment of Jim Scarff to the newly-created position of Vice President and General Manager of our Green Choice Parts reclaimed electronics components program. Jim is being tasked with aggressively expanding the program that reintroduces quality, functional spare parts back into the supply chain.

Robert Coolidge
President & CEO

Green Choice Parts are defined as any part that would have been discarded, scrapped or otherwise eliminated from the supply chain, including overstock and core parts. We supply a range of components under the Green Choice Brand, such as printed circuit boards, power supply, motherboards and lamp assemblies. The parts are offered through a dedicated website: greenchoiceparts.com and are also prominently promoted on encompassparts.com when available as an equivalent to an OEM part.

We are dedicating more resources to the program because we recognize its value to servicers, manufacturers, retailers, TPAs ad a way to control parts costs, reduce product replacements, obtain hard-to-find parts and improving the environment by minimizing electronic waste. According to the EPA, more than 2.5 million tons of e-waste is produced each year in the U.S. As prices for consumer electronics continue to plummet and technology advances, more and more working units are bound to be
thrown away as cutting-edge models come on the market. Tearing down these units and harvesting the good working parts helps combat the growing problem of what to do with the mass of unwanted electronics.
Our core business is supplying manufacturer original parts, so offering an alternative may seem like a conflict. But we see reclaimed parts as an opportunity for OEMs to recycle their parts and reduce warranty costs, excess and obsolete inventory
and product replacement. Green Choice Parts can additionally offer OEMs a solution to competing parts currently in the market.
Supplementing the supply chain is the key purpose of reclaimed parts. When OEM parts are not available to repair  products, OEMs, retailers and warranty companies are forced to provide refunds or replacement units to end users. Reclaimed parts extend the life of products, while protecting OEM brand value and lowering costs. OEMs are often the primary customers for reclaimed parts for this reason.
Encompass sources reclaimed parts from a number of channels, including major retailers with whom we partner to market parts as part of a revenue sharing arrangement. We also are increasingly working to tear down units ourselves to further increase parts availability. Quality and performance are guaranteed with a 180-day warranty.
We are excited to be doing our part to provide eco-friendly solutions to e-waste, while serving as a much needed source of cost-effective, hard-to-find replacement parts.
For more information on the Green Choice Parts program or partnering with Encompass, please contact Jim Scarff at 800.432.8542, ext. 1228 or jscarff@encompass.com.

CE Tech Tips — April 2016

CE Professional Tech Tip Sharing
April 2016
**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, P42H401A
Reason for Service: Shuts down intermittently; front LEDs go off and maybe
back on
Solution: Replacing the
power supply fixed this set.  HA02271
LG TV, 47LE5400-UC
Reason for Service: Set intermittently cycles off then back on – may repeat a
few times
Solution:  Replaced the switch mode PS.
Mitsubishi TV, WD-73640
Reason for Service: Picture solarized like index delay wrong
Solution: Mitsubishi said
try new ballast; that fixed the set.
Panasonic DVD Recorder, DMR-ES40V
Reason for Service: Unit starts to boot up, but after a few seconds display
shows error F60
Solution: F code refers to
loss of power supply voltage either at the power supply or regulator on the
main.  Check for 5 and 12 volts to the drive.
Philips TV, 37PFL5322D-37
Reason for Service: 
When using TV input, set would shut down; other
inputs played okay
Solution: Found leaky C955
in the power supply. 2200uF/16V
RCA TV, ATC010
Reason for Service: Flyback and HOT were both bad.  After replacing, the set would not come
on.  Relay clicked then shut down.
Solution: Screen settings
very critical on this set; adjust screen until set stays on and you have a nice
picture.
Sony TV, DA4
Reason for Service: Dead, six blink code
Solution: Replacing the fly
fixed the set.
Sony TV, KF60WE610
Reason for Service: 
Shut down, 6 blink code
Solution: Replacing
MCZ3001DB on the G1 power supply board fixed the set.
Vizio TV, SV470M
Reason for Service: No audio and remote control will not work
Solution: Had to replace the
main board.   #3642-0692-0150
Zenith TV, B25A74R, 
module 9-2066
Reason for Service: Relay clicks, HV starts to come up, then nothing
Solution: Found two bad
caps, CX3205 and CX2110, both 100uF/35V and IC2100, Vert. TDA8174.

E-Waste Regulation and Potential Opportunity for Electronics Service Industry

As manufacturers continue meeting consumer demand for newer, more awe-inspiring electronics featuring the latest technology, the question remains what to do with the last generation of products that have lost their wow factor.  With electronics at price points attainable by more consumers than ever – combined with our throw-away society – millions of tons of toxic electronics are discarded in landfills annually.
Robert Coolidge President & CEO

         Robert Coolidge
         President & CEO

While the federal government has yet to enact any e-recycling mandates, it has designated as “hazardous” various materials that make up electronic devices, such as CRTs. A hazardous designation makes these materials subject to special, more expensive and rigorous handling procedures under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). To avoid or mitigate these regulations, electronics must be reused or recycled.

However, 25 states have implemented some type of regulation that governs the disposal of e-waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, state e-waste regulations can be stricter than the federal requirements. Some states enforce outright bans on certain electronics from being disposed in landfills, while others impose annual impact fees on manufacturers and/or require manufacturers and even retailers to assist in recycling efforts.
E-waste is inevitably going to become a larger and larger concern and focal point for legislation. Environmental activists will only get louder as the problem continues to grow. Although declaring a product “beyond economical repair” is all too common in electronics servicing today, that bar is likely to drop a lot lower in the future.  Repairing a product even when the cost is more than replacing it may one day become a necessity due to high disposal fees and cumbersome regulations. Recycling electronic components to use in repairs will also naturally become more standard.
While many within the electronics supply chain have already taken aggressive steps to effectively limit e-waste impact and become green corporate citizens, we will never be able to let up on the gas. Extending the life of electronics through repair service or parts harvesting will most certainly be a more crucial mainstay of the industry in years to come.
But with Consumer Electronics repair shops closing because they can’t turn a profit or their owners are retiring, what does the future hold? The Consumer Electronics service industry outlook may not actually be as bleak as it appears, but it also may not be able to hang on long enough to see the tide turn.
If manufacturers don’t begin to better support their service networks today, they may be in for a tougher time dealing with end-of-life electronics later as e-waste regulations presumably tighten. As long as the next generation of electronics keeps flooding our markets, we’re going to need eco-friendly disposition of unwanted devices. Repairing, reusing or recycling for parts remain the most viable options to keep old electronics from becoming trash – and ample Consumer Electronics aftermarket support businesses will be needed to handle the continual influx.