Baxter Manufacturing—a subsidiary of ITW Food Equipment Group—is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing quality cookware and baking equipment. One of the advantages of being owned by the ITW consortium is that the company gives subsidiaries like Baxter resources to succeed, yet also lets them choose their technology systems. Several other ITW companies also successfully rely on Epicor ERP to grow their business, but Baxter stands out for staying on the leading edge of the system and being an expert in how to leverage the technology to help its customers create authentic experiences for consumers.

Success Highlights

Challenges

  • The dated ERP system lacked the flexibility to accommodate the business’ fast pace

Solution

  • Epicor® ERP

Benefits

  • Reduced production lead time from 2 months to 1 day
  • Offered out-of-the-box functionality with easy-to-use data mining capabilities
  • Provided real-time information with a 360-degree view of the business
  • Helped identify business opportunities with existing customers through manufacturing resource planning (MRP) and customer relationship management (CRM) modules

 

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 the Industry.


Headquartered in Nappanee, Indiana, Challenger Door is a leading manufacturer of doors for the recreational vehicle (RV) and cargo trailer industries. This includes everything from feeder and entrance to storm and baggage doors for applications such as ambulances, horse trailers, transit buses, and motorhomes.

Success Highlights

Challenges

  • Accommodate ongoing growth by connecting employees in real-time and supplying near-instantaneous access to company-wide data

Solution

  • Epicor® ERP

Benefits

  • Easy review of production schedules, historical data, and project details
  • Automatic calculations for complex project specifications and cut-sizing
  • Streamlined processes from the production floor to accounting, shipping, and billing
  • Growth by 30 percent in each of the past eight years, and 133% from 2012 to 2016

 

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 the Industry.


Solarvest Holdings Berhad is one of the market leaders in Malaysia’s nascent but growing solar photovoltaic energy industry. Since its founding in 2012, the company has established itself as a household name in the residential solar business but has since expanded its commercial/industrial and utility-scale segments. Once a four-man company, Solarvest has grown into an impressive mid-sized business—they currently manage a staff of about 180 people and in 2018, the company raked in RM112 million in revenue.

Solarvest operates in the solar industry’s Engineering, Procurement Construction & Commissioning (EPCC) segment, and has become well-known for its capabilities across a whole range of project sizes. The company’s agile and experienced team has been involved in building not just large-scale infrastructure for commercial clients, but also smaller solar plants for residential homes. Solarvest provides end-to-end expertise in engineering and project managing clients’ projects, as well as round-the-clock customer support.

Success Highlights

Challenges

  • Managing a diverse range of offerings and operations
  • Working with many different market segments, using several different platforms
  • Trying to remain cost-effective, whilst being flexible to keep up with market needs

Benefits

  • Processes are more streamlined, with information easier to communicate
  • The entire companies information databases were digitized and brought onto a single platform
  • Reduce operational bottlenecks and mitigate the risk of human error
  • Boost productivity, resulting in taking on more projects

Solution

  • Epicor® ERP

 

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 the Industry.


You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That’s why The Tool Crib, Inc. decided to leverage the Epicor Integrated Forms Design and provide a personalized touch.

Success Highlights

Challenges

Help a Knoxville, Tennessee-based tools wholesaler offer personalized customer service.

Solution

  • Epicor Integrated Forms Design

Benefits

  • Eliminated printing and programming costs
  • Created high-quality, professional forms
  • Produced customer-specific forms
  • Improved customer service

 

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 the Industry.


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 the Industry.


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 the Industry.


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 the Industry.


Looking for a way to leverage the power of your ERP to deliver higher-quality customer experiences? Encompass Solutions and Bezlio can make that connection through Epicor ERP and a Self-Service Customer Portal. To speak directly with an expert about how you can get started creating a more dynamic and customer-oriented experience, contact us using the link below.

What Is A Self-Service Customer Portal?

Think of these portals as gateways to sharing what content and data you want with a customer, so that they can interact with it on their own time and on their terms to carry out actions. The applications aren’t limited to customers, either. Self-Service Customer Portals can also be created for supply partners and vendors you work with and function in much the same way.

The information shared can include real-time order status updates, invoice history, and much more. by and large, the biggest benefit is found in the fact that, once an initial build-out is completed,  connecting the customer with the information they are looking for requires no additional effort on your end.

The Self-Service Customer portal delivers the customer’s unique data, stored within your ERP, to enhance the relationship you share, deliver mission-critical updates when necessary, and drive loyalty for your brand.

a graphic image of a happy customer utilizing a self--service customer portal

Still not convinced your business needs a self-service customer portal? Here are four reasons why you can’t afford to not have one for your customers.

1. There’s No Reason Not to Build A Self-Service Customer Portal

While we’re sure you can see the benefits a self-service customer portal provides, you may be wondering about the back end. We’re talking about security. It’s a topic that occupies the waking nightmares and sweaty fever dreams of many IT professionals and business owners alike. The Bezlio/Epicor integration that will deliver your self-service customer portal utilizes a unique token-based security process. This process protects all of your enterprise data to the most granular levels, around the clock.

Any information you have designated a customer can access, via a security token from your system administrator, is routed securely behind your firewall. This token is required at several points to ensure that data request comes from the person or persons granted permission for that access. Following verification, a secure channel is opened via Bezlio’s cloud API to link the front-end user and the data they are cleared to access. No data is ever stored on the device, be it desktop or mobile, during or after the information is accessed.

At this point in the security conversation, it should be clear that your sensitive data is safe at all times, which means you can share securely and with peace of mind knowing no one without access will be able to view your enterprise data. Are your customers frequently requesting order and inventory information to view or check? Investing in a self-service customer portal will give them access to the information they need without having to involve your staff in the process. The ERP and self-service customer portal take care of it all for you.

2. Self-Service Customer Portal Permissions Deliver Only What Customers Need

Your Bezlio-developed self-service customer portal is completely customizable, capable of delivering all the information your customers need and nothing they don’t. That’s right, you have all the control when building out your self-service customer portal. There’s no compromising your data policies as you may experience with an off-the-shelf package.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a self-service customer portal, you may be wondering what information should be shared and what should not.

Some common data examples include order histories, tracking details, shipment information, inventory and parts look-up, order entry, and more. Due to the customizable nature of Bezlio, you can share as little or as much as you like, provided that the information you are sharing is relevant to your customers.  Dashboards, search functionality, and many other information tools can all be leveraged when setting up your self-service customer portal.

3. A Self-Service Customer Portal Will Free Your Team

A self-service customer portal pays for itself two-fold. First, it delivers relevant information your customers are looking for via a system that is open to them and secure 24/7. Second, provided you have a platform that facilitates read/write functionality, your customers are granted the ability to modify their data and handle administrative tasks within the scope of their relationship with your business. This relieves your team of certain admin duties, like placing orders, providing status updates, and reviewing inventory levels.

In providing your customers with the ability to control certain aspects of their information within your ERP system, customer data quality and accuracy are improved. Whatsmore beneficial is the fact that your team no longer needs to manage that data. As a result, your organization runs more effectively. Customer satisfaction improves alongside these organizational efficiencies.

4. A Self-Service Customer Portal Increases Customer Satisfaction And Business Performance

Customers don’t like having to wait.  Few have the time it takes to reach out and get updates on orders, invoices, inventory, or service requests. Why not give them the ability to view, update, and interact with their data when they want it, where they want it?

You’ll find that customers who are empowered to make changes and submit requests or data queries on their own time are far more satisfied with their partner relationships. The result is higher customer satisfaction and improved business performance. This is apparent with the increased volume and frequency of order placement from customers who can leverage a self-service customer portal. Handing off the viewing of the status of their repair or service requests in real-time frees your customer service team to tackle more demanding tasks, which saves you time and resources.

when combined, these benefits pave the way for quality data within your organization’s system. So, when the time comes to evaluate employee and business performance, your company leadership has the benefit of more accurate information upon which to base their decisions.

See The Benefits Of A Self-Service Customer Portal For Yourself

There are many reasons for building a self-service customer portal, and at Bezlio, the development platform has been used to create some amazing examples. If you think your organization could benefit from a self-service customer portal, we’d love to show you how this low-code development platform can help you build your own quickly, easily, and at a fraction of the cost of many other software solutions.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, Suite Success Partner, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Empowering your customers to direct their experience will have a positive effect on their perception of your services. Better visibility, better access, and more relevant data ensure clients are satisfied with every step of the customer journey. Bezlio delivers a superior tie-in with existing Epicor ERP systems to empower customers, reduce resource costs, and improve ROI. Read on for more info on our strategic partner, Bezlio.

 

Self Service Portals

Among the many features Bezlio self-service portals provide, order visibility, shipping, and order detail tools rank among the most critical in the eyes of the customer. Here’s how Bezlio addresses these needs to deliver a superior service portal and customer experience.

Open Order Access

By allowing customers to view their full queue of open orders that are ready for processing they can address those that are more time-sensitive, make better forecasting, and drill down into further details on an as-needed basis.

Order Tracking

With a simple and self-explanatory approach to giving customers further visibility into the ordering process, your customers gain better forecasting and turnaround time on orders. This empowers them to deliver on their obligations with better accuracy. As a result, their trust in your dependability increases.

Order History

Providing full visibility into order history allows customers to recreate previous purchases with ease, download and print the necessary details as needed, and maintain cleaner data regarding invoicing, supply on hand, and spending over given periods.

Shipment Tracking

Shipping visibility gives customers access to the full field of details regarding every order, including invoice numbers, dates, quantities, order numbers, PO numbers, part numbers, and much more. Good for both in-process and historical data, shipping visibility is one component of Bezlio’s services everyone agrees is essential.

Parts And Inventory Lookup

General and custom parts look-up facilitates real-time inventory visibility to ensure your customers can get the parts and products they need to be delivered on time and as expected.

Invoice Archives

Convenience invoice sorting and search allows customers to find their invoices by order number and to share essential invoice details with the click of a mouse button.

Autonomous Order Entry

Going one step further than reviewing important order and inventory details, the ability to place orders on their own, without the tedious set-up associated with complicated e-commerce platforms.

About Bezlio

Bezlio is a US-based company with 15 years of experience in customizing and optimizing ERP (enterprise resource management) systems and manipulating data. Specializing in mobile, cloud-based integrations, Bezlio offers many supplemental tool integrations for existing Epicor systems, such as mobile crystal reports, Amazon Seller integration, Salesforce + ERP, tableau write-back, and the recently added self-service customer portals.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing 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 the Industry.


Encompass Solutions’ strategic partner Bezlio has added further enhancements to its mobile dashboard and user interface capabilities within ERP software. The latest feature comes in the form of streamlined and intuitive customer service portals that enhance the overall experience when it comes to providing documentation and service to clients at all hours. An effective ERP solution, with the latest in customer-focused tools, can help differentiate your business from competitors and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

ERP Integrated Self-Service Portals

Customers want access to their essential documents, invoices, and purchase orders, and not just during office hours. Customer portals have fast become a crucial component of the customer experience. As a result, their availability has risen to the top of expected features in any business environment. And why shouldn’t they be?

Bezlio has delivered an attractive and seamlessly integrated answer to customer demand with a customer service portal that can be easily incorporated into an existing EPR system and accessed via desktop or mobile device. Within the ERP integrated self-service portals, customers can:

  • Open orders
  • Review order history
  • Track orders
  • Review shipping records
  • Access inventory in real-time
  • Access invoices

These powerful capabilities are the new normal when it comes to the customers’ experience and businesses must keep up to satisfy an increasingly discerning audience of current and prospective clients. However, reading and displaying data is just the beginning.

An Open Channel Of Communication

Now more than ever, Customers want an open channel of communication available for when questions are asked and answers are needed, on-the-fly. Two-way communication within the customer portal ensures that your customers are empowered to write data and complete transactions directly to your source application. Cut out the complication of modern e-commerce systems and let your customers place orders on their time with the Order Entry functionality of Bezlio’s customer self-service portal.

Security Is Key

As with all digital information exchanges, security is of the utmost importance. Bezlio’s approach ensures you never synchronize a single byte to the cloud, and receive the benefit of top-level encryption and security measures to protect your business and your associated data.

ERP-Integrated Customer Self-Service Portals

The Gauntlet of Bezlio Security Measures Keeping Your Data Safe.

How To Implement The Bezlio Self-Service Center

So, you know you need a functional ERP integrated self-service portal, but don’t know where to begin with integration. Fortunately, the process is made simple and enterprises will only need to follow a few simple steps before they are up and running with this powerful integration from Bezlio.

Initially, the data agent from Bezlio will need to be installed inside of an enterprise’s firewall, be it through Bezlio, a partner, or an ambitious enterprise with a crack IT squad. The agent will be configured to communicate with the sources of data within the enterprise ERP, which can be assigned permissions based on the data to be shared. After that, queries to pull the data are linked up with Bezlio. These can be existing queries or built from scratch to fit a particular purpose within your enterprise. Once the backend is set up, templates and custom HTML/CSS/JavaScript can be utilized to create an attractive interface on the customer-facing end. Once things are set up, all that’s left is to bring your customers into the fold and show them the new and powerful tools at their fingertips. The benefits of more satisfied customers and enhanced ROI are now yours to enjoy.

About Bezlio

Bezlio is a US-based company with 15 years of experience in customizing and optimizing ERP (enterprise resource management) systems and manipulating data. Specializing in mobile, cloud-based integrations, Bezlio offers many supplemental tool integrations for existing Epicor systems, such as mobile crystal reports, Amazon Seller integration, Salesforce + ERP, tableau write-back, and the recently added self-service customer portals.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing 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 the Industry.