There’s no doubt that online demos and webinars are the most efficient, easy, and on-demand way to let CFOs, CEOs and IT executives get a taste of new technology solutions. Whether they’re focused on implementing changes for growth, scalability and improved profit margins, the smart executive knows that part of winning and staying ahead in all industries is to be in the know of all IT developments in your business area. That said, we here at Encompass are delighted to present a new format, A Day In The Life event. This is a more meaningful experience, a way to see beyond what a standard PowerPoint presentation would show. After all, there is no form of communication as effective as face-to-face, in business and in many other aspects of life.

Just last month Encompass had the opportunity to host a new session of our A Day in the Life event series.

An image of a day in the life event taking place

What Is A Day In The Life Event?

A Day in the Life event is an open house format where people can see IT solutions in action and get feedback from the users.

How Does A Day In The Life Event work?

Attendees tour six stations and stay at each one for thirty minutes; each station showcases different “Day in the Life” demos and depicts how employees in multiple departments are empowered to make the right decisions at the right time due to an integrated MES and ERP system. The event offered a 360° view of the Epicor Manufacturing Suite as well as insight into how Encompass works with clients to make system recommendations, business process assessments, and overall IT support.

Encompass Solutions Holds ‘A Day In The Life Event’ At Kaufman Container

For our ‘Day in the Life Event’, local manufacturers in the Cincinnati area were invited to take an up-close, personal, and free tour of one of our Epicor clients, Kaufman Container, to see how they use Epicor ERP to grow and run their business. Being able to network with a leading packaging sourcing center in the United States with over 100 years of experience was an invaluable experience. Kaufman Container is a privately held, family-owned business which operates two key facilities in the Midwest. Prior to their Epicor implementation, Kaufman were running several non-integrated systems, and users were having to do each other’s jobs to keep things running smoothly. Now, they have streamlined their workflow and have reduced overhead cost by 30% with Epicor ERP 10.

With the face-to-face visibility of the Day in the Life event, we’re able to show all of the functionality of our systems, from Sales to Manufacturing, Production/Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Procurement, Finance, Reporting Dashboards, and more. Additionally, we were able to demonstrate the value of using MES and ERP solutions to collaborate with coworkers, connect financials and databases, access reports while remote, and communicate effectively.

Encompass is working to set up another open house event soon. If you’re interested in seeing how a new ERP system can revolutionize your business, checking out A Day in the Life is well worth the trip.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


How Bezlio Adds Predictive Analytics And Machine Learning To ERP

I’ve always been passionate about bringing new technology to companies to help them be more competitive. An exciting emerging technology that’s got the IT/IS crowd buzzing right now is using machine learning to allow for smarter data analyzation. Companies spend a significant amount of money generating data compared to analyzing it. With the technology Bezlio is built on, we allow companies to take emerging technologies, like predictive analytics and machine learning, as they become available and leverage it regardless of the back-end system.

machine learning and predictive analytics with bezlio and epicor erp

In a recent technology article, Forbes tells us that Machine Learning is the ability for computer programs to analyze big data, extract information automatically, and learn from it. 

We are able to run Epicor ERP along with Bezlio to utilize machine learning and predictive analytics. Bezlio’s plugin architecture means that the source data can be from anything, along with a plugin available in Bezlio that utilizes the Accord.NET Framework, a very popular machine learning library.

To get to the golden Promised Land of machine learning, however, we must first walk the dark path of statistics. Seriously though: Most of the machine learning concepts were derived from past statistical analytic techniques. Even applying some simple statistics can be used with ERP data to gain better insights. I have always liked statistics because it takes the gut out of gut decisions based on incomplete data.

To learn more about Bezlio please visit the website.

To read the original blog entry including multimedia and technical details, please click here.

During the 2017 Bezlio Mainspring Developer Conference, Brian Ellis spoke about the subject of predictive analytics and machine learning as it relates to using it with Bezlio and any ERP or CRM.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


The fear’s been around for a long time, definitely longer than your business has been around.

The fear doesn’t look like any one thing. In fact, it can look like anything.

It’s The Fear Of Change

It’s the fear of change. The fear of ‘IT’ and new, stranger things.

Nothing makes an organization cling to old legacy systems—costly, unsupported, outdated, and inefficient as they are—than the fear that there will be issues adapting, learning, and adopting a brand new software system.

an image of a stressed worker collapsed on his laptop. replacing obsolete systems and conquering the fear of change is essential to the success of your business. encompass solutions erp experts can help.

No matter how amazing a new system appears to your organization and your team, no one likes the disruption and stress that comes along with managing an implementation alongside the everyday tasks your team need to accomplish. The scenarios in your mind can get downright nightmarish… Maybe you can’t wait until your staff is fully onboard and trained. Maybe you’ll have to start up your new software with critical components missing, still being written and tested. Maybe your huge investment won’t work at all.

But there’s one thing scarier than all of that: A study by MIT Sloan Management Review and Capgemini Consulting finds that companies now face a digital imperative: Adopt new technologies effectively, or face competitive obsolescence. While there is consensus on the importance of adopting digital technology, most employees find the process complex and slow.

That means, if you’re facing either an upgrade or extinction, you’re going to want Encompass on your side.

Only a few ERP systems in the market incorporate the tools needed from day one so that anyone with the right workbench can get up and running quickly and successfully—and we can implement them for you. Whatever the job function, your new system will come pre-configured with all of the KPIs, reminders, reports, and value-driven dashboards for daily and strategic needs—proven from years of real-world use by thousands of people in similar roles at retail, manufacturing and distribution companies.

Get in contact with Encompass today, and let us put your fears to rest.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


When you love where you work, your company is only half of it. The other half is the building, the place where your desk is, where the work that drives you begins and is built. We’ll leave discussing the finer points of Feng Shui for another day. However, no one can deny that your environment is a huge factor in your behavior, mood, and productivity. That’s why Encompass, Inc. is based in one of the most inspiring places in Greensboro, NC: Revolution Mills. This 120-year-old textile mill was once the home of the future and countless dreams… and now it is once again.

an image of the revolution mills

Image source: Triad Business Journal

About The Revolution Mills

In 1898, the Cone brothers and the Sternberger family partner together to open the 45-acre Revolution Mill. It was the first flannel producing factory in the south. By 1930, Revolution Mill is the largest exclusive flannel-producing factory in the world. Two-thousand looms working two shifts pushed out over 200,000 yards of denim every single day. The massive campus featured not only the production facilities, but four baseball diamonds, two YMCAs, groceries, a drugstore, a doctor’s office, and even a barbershop.

The mill closed in 1982 after the popularity of flannel fell. National Register of Historic Places added the Revolution Mills in 1984. Several ventures to restore the buildings and create multi-use facilities began. The Self-Help Group secured its future with a 100 million dollar redevelopment in 2012.

Why We Chose The Revolution Mills

Now home to more than seventy-five businesses and featuring over a hundred and forty apartments, Revolution Mills has sprung back to life, fostering the creativity and production that helped build America a hundred years ago once again.

That’s why our offices are located in Revolution Mills. The huge industrial space is now an open-style plan. This creates a collaborative environment featuring high ceilings, Manhattan-sized windows made of industrial iron, exposed brick walls and soaring wooden rafters. Within our space, we can see and feel the history of the Mill, even as we work with cutting-edge technology where steam-powered looms used to sit.

Our neighbors have come to this place to feel the same sense of creativity we do. We’re next to art studios, law firms, interior designers, financial services, photography studios, even a radio station. Of course, there is an apparel designer here too… quite fitting, we think.

As the Mill continues to change and expand, fitting in new services, homes and businesses, working here becomes even more inspiring as we see this ongoing project grow and evolve, much in the same way our Epicor systems grow over their development time.

Come on down one day and see our space. We promise you’ll find it just as inspiring as we do.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Re-implementing new software, or even upgrading a system to the latest version may seem like a risky endeavor to most IT executives – why put a company that is “working fine” under the stress of an upgrade?

Let’s look at the return on investment on moving from a typical legacy system, to a modern system like Epicor ERP 10.

A Forrester Total Economic Impact TM Study showed significant productivity savings in invoicing and sales tax administration, and general accounting productivity increases related to creating, processing, and reporting numerous accounting entries using the Epicor ERP 10 Financials (TEI Case Study).  Epicor’s Supply chain suite provided a 15% reduction in average inventory levels, a reduction in headcount, and avoided future hiring associated with supply chain activities.

an image of man considering the cost of doing nothing when it comes to ERP software implementation.

It’s time to upgrade your ERP software and the cost of doing nothing comes at a higher price.

Many people are happy with the software they already have because it just works.  But these people do not know what they are missing out on when they opt out of modern upgrades for their software. For example – in older versions of Epicor, finding data could require navigating through multiple screens, whereas Epicor ERP 10 enjoys the sophisticated Enterprise Search built in, which is like Google for your enterprise.

Laser equipment supplier Access Laser Company recently moved from cloud deployed Epicor ERP 10 to the new version and “The move has been a smooth transition and we are already leveraging the new functionality. We especially like the enhanced Enterprise Search function, which enables us to locate sales orders and other data quickly and easily,” said Andrew Chamberlain, an information technology specialist at Access Laser Company. 

The Cost Of Doing Nothing Comes At A High Price

Concerned about the expense of provisioning hardware for an upgrade?  Leveraging modern Microsoft technologies, deployment for Epicor ERP version 10 will require substantially less (50%) hardware cost compared to earlier Epicor versions, and, of course, the hardware is not needed with SaaS/cloud Epicor ERP.

Once your business is on the latest version of Epicor ERP, whether by implementing it, or upgrading to it, Epicor has made it easier and faster than ever before for customers to take advantage of new release functionality, as evidenced by the hundreds of customers that are already up and running on the newest version of Epicor ERP in the cloud and on premises.

Boers & Co. Fine Metalworking Group, a developer fine mechanical parts, high precision assembly, and sheet metal products, went live on Epicor ERP 10.1 via a process that ICT Manager Jos Greeve characterized as “easy” and “straightforward.”   

“I’d definitely advise customers to upgrade to the latest version of Epicor ERP,” Greeve said. Boers is leveraging new functionality including the powerful new integrated mobile dashboards, which Greeve says are working very well across all mobile devices with good speed and responsiveness, and which are giving Boers the ability to understand vital real-time answers to questions around the status of Jobs, Shipments, Orders, and Shop Floor operations.

Once on the latest release, customers can take advantage of frequent service packs to the software, and, in addition, the ongoing new functionality being added with each new release.  With Epicor’s latest 10.1 release, up to date users have access to more than 300 enhanced features that build on Epicor’s core strengths across key manufacturing and supply chain functionality such as: inventory and material management, purchasing, shipping and receiving, quality assurance, project management and job scheduling, sales and CRM, quoting and order management, to name a few. Chief among these enhancements are expanded global and compliance capabilities. Broadened global capabilities include expanded country-specific functionality to enable companies to operate seamlessly in their geographies of choice. 

“Epicor ERP is architected to flex to easily accommodate and support growth — whether that’s an expanded user base, more product lines, or a broader market or geographic range,” said Malcolm Fox, vice president, product marketing, Epicor. “By providing the right technology, world‐class services and support, and an unwavering focus on driving improved business outcomes, Epicor is helping its customers’ realize their full growth potential.” 

The Cost of Doing Nothing

So what is the cost of doing nothing?  Missing out on swift service packs that can remove day to day headaches. Passing on cutting-edge technology that reduces your hardware footprint (and expenditure) and increases performance.  Losing out on the new functionality your competitors are receiving that will allow your business to compete in today’s ever more challenging environment.

Now is the time for you to stop doing nothing. Encompass is the EPICOR solution your business needs to upgrade or install the tools necessary to stay competitive, cut costs, and increase efficiency. Give us a call today and let’s get started on your next big something!

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Earlier this week, Epicor presented Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner Award recognition at the annual Epicor Partner Awards ceremony, presided over by Epicor Software Corp. We were honored to receive this distinction once again and strive to continue delivering the highest level of service in partnership with Epicor.

Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner

Greensboro, NC, 25 October 2016 – Encompass Solutions, Inc., has achieved Platinum Partner Status in the Epicor Channel Partner Program. Members are selected by Epicor Software Corporation based on contributions to customers, revenue generated to Epicor as well as other considerations that showcased the partners’ abilities in transforming customers to position them to grow by leveraging Epicor solutions. 

Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner

“We are honored to be recognized by Epicor as a Platinum Partner for another consecutive year as we continue to deliver excellence throughout the implementation, technical support, and training of Epicor ERP,” said Sonia Haslam, managing partner, Encompass Solutions, Inc.

Encompass has provided ERP consulting and industry-leading development of mission-critical enterprise solutions for over 15 years. The company’s focus is to be an advocate to customers facing the challenges of the market’s fierce competition and is often chosen as experts in this field to help enterprises achieve a technological advantage.  Encompass’ customer base has expanded to sectors beyond standard manufacturing and distribution to include pharmaceuticals, life sciences and more.

“Congratulations to our Platinum Partner Program member, Encompass Solutions, for enabling business growth by implementing Epicor solutions for another year,” said Joe Cowan, president and chief executive officer, Epicor Software Corporation. “Our partners are an extension of our sales force and we are fortunate to have an elite group of IT professionals aligned with us to support customers to focus on business growth, innovation, and enhanced customer experience.”

Epicor Partner Program Awards

The Epicor Partner Program Awards are designed to reward Epicor Channel Partner Program members who have demonstrated their ability to serve as an extension of Epicor’s own salesforce to help businesses worldwide grow and transform. There are several different categories across different geographies in which partners are awarded, ranging from Global Partner of the Year to specific recognitions such as Customer Advocacy and Marketing Excellence.

About Encompass Solutions, Inc.

Our mission at Encompass is to provide a professional services practice skilled in business consulting, project management, and software implementation that offers clients a complete business solution focused on high levels of customer service, industry expertise, and value available to the North American manufacturing industry and beyond. Encompass Solutions, Inc. is a privately held company. Visit us at encompass-inc.com.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Where To Begin With the Transition To ERP

Few things strike fear deeper into the hearts of people more than change. It doesn’t matter if they know the change will be good—“This system has never worked for us and a new, better one will improve our business,”—or bad—“We need to expand beyond our current system and it’s going to be very expensive and time-consuming.”—it’s still just changing. That means the whisper of the unknown growing louder and louder into a yell of “STOP!” Here’s what you can do to prepare for the transition to ERP.

Of course, the rest of the world isn’t stopping, no matter how loudly you ask it to. Your growing need to expand or improve will only keep you behind the rest of your industry if you don’t get to changing and leaving your legacy system behind. You can’t do too much planning or preparation before the transition, so the sooner you start the smoother your change will be. Here’s a general idea of what you can look forward to.

an image of making the transition to ERP

Examine Needs and Appropriate Software

First things first, ask yourself is the transition to ERP appropriate for you? The larger and more intricate a company is will increase the need for the cohesive organization and company-wide integration. Alternatively, a smaller company may do just fine with standard office software combined with strict processes and organization. Since you’re reading this on our website, we’re guessing you’re going beyond simple and have kicked around the idea of a transition to ERP territory. While we stand by Epicor as a flexible and robust system that can become a tool for any company, you owe it to your company to consider all options available (before you come back to us, of course).

Get Everyone on Board

Many business decisions are unilateral, but when it comes to the software that every one of your employees will be using every day, all day, you’re going to need their opinions. You’ll also need the backing of all of the shareholders as well, and to be blunt, the relationship between the software vendor and the people paying for its implementation can be quite rocky. Many of these partnerships are mediated by a third party project manager, and they can help the shareholders understand the scale of implementation—which can be expensive and take years to complete—and the software developers understand the specific needs of the company, often through employee feedback which a third party can keep anonymous.

Define Goals and Channels of Communication

Now that everyone is ready to move forward, it is time to define exactly where everyone will be moving to and when they should be there. The software vendor will need to work with the company on tempering realistic dates and achievable goals, and the company will need to work with the software vendor on providing information and process transparency, as well as ensuring employees are receptive and ready to be trained. Establishing clear avenues of communication between the project management, the company executives, employees, software vendor, and engineers are of paramount importance.

Expect Chaos

Everyone will be putting forth their best efforts to be clear and concise, to meet deadlines and goals. And despite everyone’s intentions and efforts, things will probably go wrong. It’s stressful and upsetting and the urge to point fingers and yell is going to grow, but it’s important to maintain some perspective: your company is being taken apart and put back together and when it’s over, it won’t look or work the same. It’s a major invasive surgery, it’s a complete overhaul. Be prepared to roll with the punches: the pain won’t last long!

Eliminate all Aspects of the Legacy

No matter how well a preexisting system might have worked beforehand, it has no place in a brand-new ERP system. Information needs to be transferred or archived and every aspect of its usability needs to be transferred to the new system. Having an old system remaining open or employees creating informal workarounds defeats the purpose of an ERP. The solution to any problem should never be having redundant systems, duplicating data entry, or wasting time reconciling the two differing systems. The company needs to make sure all employees are ready for the transition and have hopefully been listening to employee input so that the form and function of the system work for them.

Training, Responsibility, and Refinement

As the system creation and installation draws to a close, the team should look back on their progress and realize how far they’ve come in building and implementing the new system. If everyone has done their part they should feel a sense of ownership in the ERP system and this positive feeling will aid in the training and maintaining of the new system. This extends to the software vendor and the engineers as well, who will be providing a lifetime of IT support and will be aiding in the modification and refinement of systems in the future. Like any system, your ERP will work for you right out of the gate but as it is used over the months, your company will discover the parts that work better than others and processes that can be made more efficient with tweaking.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


The ERP Consultant: Delivering Support And Expertise

When it comes to being an ERP consultant, nothing substitutes for experience and reliable references. At Encompass, our ERP consultants have been delivering solutions in business process improvement, ERP system maintenance and upgrades, and complete ERP implementation projects for a combined 200 years. Our consultants have first-hand experience with an array of systems, including Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, Accumatica, and Oracle+NetSuite. Many of our ERP consultants come directly from these vendors to work at Encompass as ERP consultants, project managers, developers, and managed services professionals. Our experts ERP consultants are certified in their disciplines and maintain the most current training on the products and services they provide.

The Difference An ERP Consultant Makes

Each ERP project is as unique as the business it will transform and our years of experience are what make the difference in each case. It is an ERP consultant’s job to form a practical plan of action that will achieve a client’s goals within the capabilities of their ERP system and business processes. In some cases, this requires a fair amount of customization when it comes time to implement ERP software. Helping businesses to get a grip on organizational change management in the face of often rigid business requirements is another aspect of digital transformation that isn’t brought up enough. Our ERP consulting teams excel in mitigating the potential pitfalls these changes can bring. At Encompass, we offer practical and proven guidance designed to ensure the highest rate of success when it comes to ERP implementation projects of every size and scope.

Here’s What A Day In The Life Of An ERP Consultant Looks Like

It’s 6:47 AM. The hotel shower doesn’t always wake you up all the way so I started the coffee maker going before I was even fully dressed. The warm plastic smell rising from the maker as the hot coffee winds around inside of it reminds me of that one injection molding company I was at last year. That was an impressive operation. They had good coffee, too. You’ll have a lot of insight into good and bad coffee as an ERP consultant.

I pour myself a cup and open up the computer. Technically, the day began about thirty minutes ago, but everything starts now with the morning deluge of emails. I’m totally awake now. There’s plenty for me to respond to, but I flag those requests for follow-up later: I’m on site today, and that is what I’ve got to focus on.

I’m at the client for a training class long before my future students arrive, and I talk with the Project Manager while I set everything up, ticking off the mental checklist as I do so: Projector hooked up and on. PC has access to the Training Database. List of who is attending and their roles is in my hand. So far so good. Time to find the restroom and get rid of the coffee.

This is the peaceful time of the morning when rote and routine gets you up and going and into the rhythm of the day. I finish setting objectives with the Project Manager and soon, the training class begins. I was up late reviewing the details last night; this should go off without a hitch. I’m a bit less confident about the Process Workshop coming up afterwards. I slept on one of their problems last night and a solution didn’t present itself in the morning, so now it’s time to drill down. This is where my fellow team members will lend a hand: technology keeps us ever connected so I am never on my own at a client’s. I feel like I carry our entire company’s knowledge base around in my pocket. It’s good to know we can always work as a team.

In the training class, we review standard, best practices in using the EPICOR software. Since this is our main objective, we listen just as often as we instruct. This is when I identify disconnects—real or imagined—and make connections. Since it’s often that I’m meeting these people for the first time, I need to learn their names and start to really understand them.

After training is lunch. There are a few minutes of respite from the busyness of the day but when I can, I’m responding to my morning emails and filing away even more for later response. Hardly any time seems to pass before the Process Workshop starts up, but this is the part I enjoy the most. We’re working on how to make EPICOR work for them. My questions come first: What are your issues, what information are you capturing, what metrics do you control your business by? If I get a clear answer they’re surrounded by their questions: Can we do this? How do we do that? We need to do this…?

Information spreads out across the meeting, and another consultant offers a solution to that tricky issue I had to sleep on last night, and it’s accepted by the company. Yet work has only just begun: there are a few new gaps in the process that need to be filled, and the working day is already over. I review the activities of the day with the Project manager, and then, as I’m off to the dinner and hotel, there’s just one final checklist: What’s on the agenda for tomorrow, what do I need to do tonight to get ready, and in the coming months, after I’m long gone, who can I expect to be speaking to?

After all, it never ends after the training and process workshops and implementation: I’m now a point of contact for that client and their support. While our implementation and planning and procedures are cutting edge, tailored completely to the customer’s needs, there is always room for more efficiency. Who better to advise them than the person who helped them set up and build their system?

It’s not just a day in the life of an ERP Consultant. It’s the first day of a lifetime of support and teamwork.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Looking for an internship at a job fair can be an overwhelming experience. As a student at North Carolina A&T State University aspiring to kickstart my career, I went to the fall career fair intent on finding a summer internship. Little did I know I would eventually find myself an internship at Encompass that would change the course of my professional career.

I left the career fair without a single business card or an ounce of confidence that I would get a callback. I couldn’t figure out what I did wrong and why none of the employers had shown a true interest in me as they had the previous year. After a couple of days, I weighed out my options for summer employment and knew that I had to keep trying. But enough was enough: I visited the career services website of another local college, and it turned out that they would be hosting a career fair in just a few days.

This couldn’t be just a lucky break. I knew I had to keep up the momentum, really shine and give it another go. I researched all of the visiting companies on the list so that I would be fully prepared, and as I did so one company, in particular, stood out to me. This company was based in Greensboro, NC, where I lived even before college. They promoted a business culture of a start-up feeling with the stability of a long-term company. This was Encompass Solutions, and they offered much of what I was interested in: Project Management, ERP Implementation, Consultation, Customized Solutions. Their focus on really researching their clients, getting to know what they were facing from top to bottom, well, lined up perfectly with my own.

an image of a laptop useras partof their internship at encompass

Finally, the career fair opened and I had my second chance to get it right. Fully prepped with my research beforehand, I approached the booth of Encompass Solutions and I was greeted by a developer from the company. He readily explained to me what type of interns they are looking for and I was immediately excited: he was able to talk about the real technical stuff. The developer’s energy got me even more excited about the company. I had more companies to speak to that day, however, but my few minutes with Encompass were the clear high point of the day.

I left the fair feeling the exact opposite of how I felt at the end of the last one. I felt confident I would be contacted by one of the companies, but when I received a follow-up email asking when I would be available to do a phone interview from Encompass, I was overjoyed. After a week I had my phone interview with both the COO and the CEO of Encompass. The whole time I was thinking, “Wow, they’ve pulled out the top executives to interview me!” It was clear they were invested at every level their company operated in.

The offer email came the next day. I immediately accepted and began my internship at Encompass in November. This was 8 months before summer! I never expected to have the opportunity to start an internship in November.

My Internship At Encompass

Day one of my internship with Encompass Solutions had finally arrived. I put on my best outfit and arrived about 15 minutes early. I was determined to show them that they made a great choice. When I arrived at Encompass I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was very helpful and willing to help me with anything I needed. The atmosphere is truly like a start-up that houses developers, sales, accounting, and operations.

Fast-forward 6 months later and without hesitation I can say that my time at Encompass Solutions was one of the best experiences out of all of my internships. I’ve learned and polished so many great skills during my run there. I’ve enhanced my team building, communication, and problem-solving skills. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn new skills such as Epicor, Microsoft Reporting Services, and C#. During my internship at Encompass, they truly helped me learn industry-standard skills. The CEO and COO are two of the friendliest people I have ever met. I really wouldn’t change a thing about Encompass. Their willingness to bring me on and help craft my skills was a truly humbling experience and I am thankful for them!

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


What does it take to run a marathon? Beyond the shoes designed to perfect a runner’s stride, the clothing that frees movement and creates comfort, a diet of both quick and long-lasting energy, and mental preparation, there’s hours and hours of training, exercise, form drills, cardio, weights and more. All these months and months of hard work build towards an event that lasts just hours. An ERP system can be compared to a marathon runner in many ways.

The ERP System Marathon

Your ERP system is going to be running for more than just hours, yet the marathon runner comparison is worth considering. This is because an Epicor / Encompass ERP system can take things even further. Imagine a runner not only being perfectly trained and prepared for the run ahead but also having the ability to upgrade or change their shoes midstride. Not only this but also clothing that adapts to the weather to protect from rain or temperature. Add the benefit of nourishment to instantaneously energize their body and invigorate their muscles when the miles become tiring.

Planning is just one half of a system built for longevity; adaptation is the other.

Maybe you’re already starting to experience longevity problems with your existing ERP system. Do any of these sound familiar?

  • Your system is no longer supported. The tech is outdated, there are no more upgrades, and IT support is nonexistent.
  • Your company has expanded, grown, merged, or acquired, and your current system can’t scale.
  • Changing costs, goals, or structures necessitate moving funds away from IT systems and into other areas of the business.
  • An inflexible system is not allowing you to offer more or enhanced services or keeps your company from being agile and responsive.

These, in running terms, would be the twisted ankles, the worn-out shoes, the insufficient training, or the bad weather that slows you down. All these detriments can eat away at your personal best time or, even worse, cause you to drop out of the race altogether.

An ERP System To Go The Distance

The tools we create support the business and drive it forward; they don’t serve as a hurdle to be cleared. A solid ERP system with expert implementation will improve your company’s performance across the board with access to accurate data and seamless integration of all of your business’ systems. Combined with flexibility, scalability, and customized solutions, you will be in it for the long haul.

An Epicor / Encompass system is built with both decades worth of experience, bringing the training you need to run the marathon, and the latest technology, pushing you ahead of the competition, over the ever-changing landscape of your business, and across the finish line.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.