Tag - Encompass

Encompass Appointed Exclusive Repair Parts Supplier for Bowers & Wilkins

Deal comprises distribution throughout the U.S. and Canada

Lawrenceville, Ga., November 4, 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 will manage parts distribution for the Bowers & Wilkins line of high-end audio products.

Under an agreement with Bowers & Wilkins, Encompass will handle all aspects of the manufacturer’s parts supply chain from planning and procurement to order fulfillment and returns. The deal covers both warranty and non-warranty parts and accessories for Bowers & Wilkins’ full line of high-performing home and car audio systems and headphones.

Encompass Senior Vice President of Business Development Joe Hurley said the addition of Bowers & Wilkins is an ideal fit for Encompass, which has nearly 70 years of electronics parts experience.

“We have a long history in the Consumer Electronics parts industry and support many other top manufacturers,” said Hurley. “With extensive best practices and expertise in this product vertical, we can offer turnkey, more cost-efficient parts supply chain management service.  Our goal is to free up time and resources for Bowers & Wilkins, enabling them to focus on what they do best: designing top-flight audio systems and accessories.”

Encompass will support the Bowers & Wilkins service network and end users in the U.S. through distribution facilities in Georgia, Nevada, Florida and New York and will leverage in-country partnerships to serve Canadian customers. Parts can be conveniently ordered online through the company’s ecommerce website encompass.com.

“Bowers & Wilkins clearly values superior customer service and is committed to delivering complete support for their products beyond the sale,” said Hurley. “The Encompass team is well-prepared to provide a quality aftersales experience for their customer base to help further reinforce loyalty to the Bowers & Wilkins brand.”

 

About Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins has an unrelenting dedication to audio excellence, delivering breath-taking performance with accuracy and clarity of sound that brings the listener closer to the original recording. We call this True Sound.

Our award-winning headphones, loudspeakers and wireless audio systems combine engineering innovation and harmonious design that delight music lovers around the world. At the forefront of high-performance audio technology for more than 50 years, Bowers & Wilkins has earned countless awards and accolades from some of the most influential and important publications, musicians, recording studios, and music labels including Abbey Road Studios, Skywalker Studios, BMI, and Hollywood Records. Our valued relationships with BMW, McLaren Automotive, Maserati and Volvo Cars, has allowed us to push the boundaries of premium in-car audio systems. We have also delivered award-winning sound performance with Philips TV in their range of OLED+ televisions.

Design excellence and technological innovation run deep in our lifeblood. The research and development laboratory that John Bowers founded in Steyning in 1976 was the first of its kind, hiring only the most talented and inquisitive of engineers in a quest to discover the secrets of acoustic behaviour. Many of the advances made by our engineers – such as the pioneering use of materials like Continuum™ and Diamond – have not only influenced the way we make our speakers, but how all loudspeakers are made.

 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

HVAC Industry Exec Joins Encompass

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

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

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

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

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

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

                             Lynn Tedim

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

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

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

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

About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

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

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

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

Encompass Releases Mobile Inventory Management Application for Field Service Repair Industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Mize

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

 About Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Inc.

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

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

CONTACT: Kristin Hurst, Director of Marketing & Communications

Business Not As Usual

What’s Next for Repair Service Following COVID-19

 After enduring weeks of “stay-at-home” orders to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, most states are reopening businesses previously deemed non-essential. However, with the virus still circulating and causing severe illness and death, business is anything but usual.

Personal protection items like masks and gloves have become standard issue for restaurants, hair salons and other industries where personal contact with customers is the norm. The same goes for service providers who must enter homes to make repairs and interact with customers.

As we continue emerging from this unprecedented event, the long-term impact on the service repair industry is still yet to be realized. Some repair businesses have been forced to shut down permanently. With time on their hands and access to a wealth of “how to” videos online, there has been a sharp increase in consumer DIY repairs.

Adding to the mix of factors driving DIY repairs is an unemployment rate rivaling percentages not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Retail stores are slowly opening across the country, but some powerhouse brands such as J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus and J. Crew have filed for bankruptcy in the midst of the crisis. Industry projections for major appliance and electronics production and sales have dropped for at least the remainder of 2020.

Still, despite this challenging market environment, there is considerable opportunity for service businesses. Numerous complex repairs are way beyond the basic capabilities of a general DIY consumer. Anything to do with electrical wiring and circuitry, for example, is best left to the professionals.

In a down economy, demand for repair typically surges as consumers put off replacing big ticket household items. Plus, as restaurants closed and now operate in some states with capacity restrictions, consumers have been using their major kitchen appliances more than ever, raising the risk of breakdowns. Consumer need for professional repair service could ultimately outpace the availability of service providers – and perhaps enable higher rate charges. However, with decreased model production comes decreased parts production so it may become harder to find some necessary repair components.

Some repair providers have rapidly adjusted to the new normal and are getting creative with such service offerings as virtual estimates and troubleshooting that limit customer contact.  Contactless measures are likely to continue – and expand – even after the current pandemic abates.

If nothing else, COVID-19 has been a dramatic wakeup call to the world and the repair industry. And if the experts are correct, this is not the last time the world will face a similarly impactful pandemic.  Businesses must evaluate their existing response strategy and develop best practices for managing through the next crisis. Those able to adapt under the most challenging conditions will survive, and even thrive, while others risk becoming just another impact statistic.

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

 

 

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.

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

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

 

 

Robert Coolidge Named CEO

Encompass announced today that company President Robert Coolidge will assume the added role of Chief Executive Officer.

Coolidge was appointed President of Encompass in December, taking on the responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations of the entire company, including the Encompass Parts Distribution and Encompass Service Solutions divisions. With the addition of the CEO title, he replaces Robert (Bob) Gowens, who has moved to become an advisor to the Encompass Board of Directors.

“The Board thanks Bob for his leadership of Encompass over the past 18 months and is grateful to have him continuing in a stewardship role,” said Encompass Board Chairman Steve Glick. “We are equally grateful to have a President and CEO of Robert’s caliber. With decades of experience in supply chain management and a clear vision of how the company must evolve to meet ever-changing industry conditions, Robert has the skill and talent to successfully guide
Encompass into the future.”

Gowens added his congratulations to Coolidge on his appointment as CEO, stating “Robert is very deserving of this role. I’m confident he will serve the Company, the shareholders, and the
employees well. I wish him and Encompass all the best.”

In addition to operational and fiduciary responsibility for Encompass Supply Chain Solutions, Coolidge will remain President of the Encompass Parts Distribution division for which he has managed national sales, vendor relations and IT management and development.

“Having the opportunity to continue growing and enhancing Encompass to improve service to our customers and strengthen relationships with our business partners is extremely exciting to me,” said Coolidge. “We are always seeking innovative solutions to help our customers succeed, and I am committed to ensuring we stay on this course.”