Encompass Solutions’ Greensboro office had a great time last night meeting with Avalara, the makers of an amazing automated tax compliance integration, to reconnect after the new year and discuss integration opportunities with clients in need of automated tax compliance in the form of an end-to-end solution.

Update 10/23/2018: We’re hosting a special webinar next week with our partners at Avalara. The South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Supreme Court ruling includes the biggest internet sales tax changes since 1992 and the impacts are being felt by businesses all over the United States. You can find the recording here.

Benefits of Automated Tax Compliance Software

The benefits of automated tax compliance are numerous for businesses across the globe. Encompass and Avalara help integrate this valuable service into business systems of every size that deliver advantages and peace of mind to small and medium businesses every day.

simply put, automating tax compliance and tax processes is essential for increasing accuracy and driving efficiency in today’s competitive marketplace. By incorporating automated tax compliance, your business can improve the level of transparency and conformity to the constantly changing tax laws of your country, state, region, and locality. automated tax compliance will also enable your business to minimize the burdens placed on personnel to keep up with these changing tax rules as well as the labor involved in meeting those requirements for reporting on a rolling basis. This lifted burden frees your teams up to capitalize on improved collaboration and greater creativity in solving more pressing challenges as your business grows and expands.

The savings and extra time provided by implementing automated tax compliance solutions, like those provided by Encompass and Avalara, can link your financial components to the rest of your business in ways that lend greater flexibility, visibility, and accuracy when considering new initiatives and development plans. Get in touch with us to learn more about what this invaluable technology can do for your business.

Automated Tax Compliance Software Meet-up

We make it a point to meet with our partners at least once a year and this time around Melt Kitchen and Bar was the hosting venue, which served up some exceptional appetizers and beverages throughout the evening. The restaurant is known for their crispy Brussels sprouts and decadent hot sandwiches. After ordering a few plates for our own research purposes we can definitely agree they are a must for anyone visiting. Sampling the craft brews on tap alongside good conversation kept the night’s event flowing smoothly at this local hot spot many of us will be revisiting in the future.

A picture of the Encompass Solutions team and Avalara reps sitting down for drinks and food at melt kitchen and bar in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Encompass And Avalara Get Together To Share Drinks And Appetizers While Talking Taxes.

All-around the evening was a success with some great plans discussed on how to further streamline automated tax compliance for mixed mode and make to order manufacturers. Both companies are looking forward to another year of productive collaboration. Cheers to a new year with Avalara!

About Avalara

Offering end-to-end tax compliance solutions to enterprises big and small, Avalara makes automated certificate validation, storage, and management easy. Avalara’s cloud-based sales tax automation software provides accuracy for all of the 12,000+ tax jurisdictions in the United States. Avalara ensures that automating sales, tax calculation, and maintaining compliance are all possible within your existing ERP, POS, or e-commerce system.

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.


Automation trends have experienced a substantial boom over the past several years and things are only gaining momentum. We couldn’t possibly cover all the latest updates and emerging automation trends, so here are the 10 we believe to be the most exciting emerging trends in automation for 2018.

1. Industrial Internet Of Things (IIoT) Technology Bringing Down Overhead

Lower cost and higher-value products with the capability of connecting to existing infrastructure and relaying relevant performance data in real-time will continue to cut automation costs for operations, at scale. Higher-performance processors, detailed sensor equipment, more robust analytics software, ultra-precise vision systems, and cloud computing are only a few examples of IIoT tech that are shaking up automation in Industry 4.0.

a grphics of a series of interconnected devices and how they impact eachother

The Industrial Internet of Things is an interconnected web of devices and processes that help to create the modern “smart factory” in the latest industrial revolution, referred to as Industry 4.0.

2. Automation Architecture Reorganized

The automation industry’s traditionally hierarchal architecture has commonly been represented by a pecking order that consists of several levels, most often referred to using the Purdue Reference Model (PRM) of control hierarchy.

A graphic of The Purdue reference model (PRM) of control hierarchy.

The Purdue reference model (PRM) of control hierarchy.

However, technology has advanced to a degree that operations have permitted the architecture to circumvent entire levels altogether and enable more efficient and streamlined architecture. Using WEB services, among other protocols, controllers can communicate data from levels 0/1 directly to levels 4/5. The result is a leaner, more efficient, and more capable approach to automation, where concrete computing takes place in the cloud to provide power where it’s needed, at the edge. As a result, Operational and Information technologies are growing increasingly intertwined. Machine to machine communication protocols, like OPC Unified Architecture, B2MML, and PLCopen OPC UA, are feeding into the business intelligence loop which could significantly impact Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) in the future.

A graphic of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and associated functionalities.

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) control or influence a selection of enterprise-critical functionalities.

3. Edge Devices On The Rise

Improving performance and efficiency at network entry points, edge devices are the synapses of the IIoT. Including monitors and sensors, as well as a host of other intelligent technologies, these instruments communicate vital information between servers, enterprise systems, and other devices to tackle plant-level analytics, application virtualization, environmental data, and more to deploy services effectively and adjust operations in real-time.

an image of the flow of information though edge gateways to the cloud and enterprise systems.

Edge devices are the synapses of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

4. Open-Source Architectures Will Improve Systems Integration

Adopting an open-source approach to the protocols through which systems intermingle will provide coordinated data exchange between manufacturing I/O, enterprise systems, and robotics to drive performance and improve operational autonomy. Open-source architectures will endeavor to diminish competition between vendors, as well as the use of the term incompatibility, and instead encourage vendors to distinguish themselves in the marketplace by offering the best value to the open-source community.

A picture of two puzzle-pieces made of circuits being connected in a complimentary position.

Open-source architecture improves systems integration.

5. Portable Applications, Mobile Apps, And Multi-Touch Technology

Non-portable applications are a dying paradigm and are most effective at stifling innovation when it comes to automation. The interconnectivity between applications and hardware will take a prominent focus within the industry over the coming years with the call for new standards to be adopted coming from the automation’s research and engineering elites.
Mobility has increasingly become a defining trait of automation applications across industries. Mobile apps are already being relied on as fast and user-friendly means of accessing plant information with the push of a button. Mobile insights can save big on costs in time, labor, and maintenance as well when problems can be identified and addressed remotely.

An image of a manufacturing employee interacting with a multi-touch display at an assembly station.

Multi-touch devices are increasingly being integrated into manufacturing operations with great success. Image: Kistler Group

Beyond interconnectivity between applications and robust programs through which humans interact with automation systems, touch-capable devices add another dimension to industry 4.0. Offering speed and versatility to a workforce’s capability on and off the factory floor, modern touch displays, like those found on smartphones and tablets, are the new norm by which workers interact with machinery.

6. Proliferation Of Intelligent Control Devices

By providing copious amounts of contextual automation data, smart control devices and sensors communicate with enterprise systems in a way that is both enlightening and cost-effective. The intelligence provided will serve an increasingly mobile and remote workforce in identifying inefficiencies, resolving issues before they become problems, and avoiding downtime events. Improved reliability and affordability of wireless network sensors will set a new standard for smart device interconnectivity while remaining largely untethered.

a picture of a tablet display providing essential data to a technician.

The proliferation of intelligent control devices is gaining momentum in manufacturing and other industries. Image: AG Silicon Germany

7. Collaborative, Affordable Robots

Cobots, collaborative, lightweight, and affordable robots, have become increasingly available to manufacturing sectors across a range of industries. With lower costs and more varied applications, these robots are following in the footsteps of the personal computer to bring size, power, and convenience to a broader community of small manufacturers.

a picture of a single arm KUKA-made robot and manufacturing employee working simultaneously as an assembly station.

As innovations in robotics make these tools more user-friendly and affordable, smaller manufacturing operations will benefit from their integration.

Gone are the days when reps had to make a trip to the manufacturing facility and display the latest brochures and pricing for robotics and automation products. Access to the latest innovations in these sectors are increasingly available online, where users of every background can conduct research, compare, and purchase equipment the same as they would a plane ticket.

8. Virtualization

Increased functionality is allowing software-centric operations to be executed on fewer machines. As devices are progressively capable of running multiple operating systems and consolidating functions within one virtual architecture, overhead for manufacturing operations is reduced. Cheaper, more all-encompassing functionality will allow these operators to do more with less at every level of an enterprise.

An visual representation of traditional architecture and modern virtualization.

Virtualization offers cheaper, more comprehensive architectures that allow manufacturing operators to do more with less.

9. Industrial Cybersecurity Management

As manufacturing operations increasingly become targets for cybercriminals and economic terrorists, enterprises of every size will need to take a much closer look at their established security protocols. Advances in cybersecurity are emerging to address industry-specific vulnerabilities and ensure at-risk operations receive the safeguards they require without impacting control system operations.

A graphic of a padlock between two avenues in a virtual space.

As manufacturing operations increasingly become targets for cybercriminals and economic terrorists, cybersecurity will demand more focused attention.

10. The Open Process Automation Forum

A consensus-based group of end-users, suppliers, system integrators, standards organizations, and academia, the Open Process Automation Forum was established by The Open Group to develop a standards-based, open, secure, and interoperable process control architecture. With recent additions of end-users and suppliers, the forum is gaining significant traction as a source of insight into the biggest challenges of process industries, including food and beverage, mining and metals, oil and gas, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and many others.

a picture of the Open Process Automation Forum logo.

Established by The Open Group as a standards-based, open, secure, and interoperable process control architecture, the Open Process Automation Forum is increasingly being relied upon by industry researchers, academics, and professionals.

One More For Good Measure: Integration Of AR/VR Into The Physical World

As Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality make significant strides in quality, user-experience, and affordability, the systems will be further integrated into the physical realm. By supplementing products with digital services, manufacturers are reshaping business models to incorporate these new applications. Virtual representations of physical products give end users a virtual twin with which simulation and predictive analytics can be leveraged to provide valuable and cost-saving insights. These simulated and augmented realities will offer new opportunities for training, maintenance, and problem scenarios to be explored without the physical event needing to take place.

An image of a tablet camera filming a shop floor machine with additional diagrams added via Augmented Reality software.

AR and VR environments are opening up new possibilities in operations for manufacturers to explore.

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.


Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) costs can cripple a manufacturer’s bottom line, especially when the required work compounds problems by impacting production to a significant degree. Implementing a dynamic ERP solution, like Epicor ERP, can address the issue before it becomes a problem. Through an effective mix of Quality Assurance and Asset Management modules, Epicor has built a powerful solution to specifically tackle the tasks associated with maintenance management, from Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) to multinational corporations.

Industry 4.0 – Machine Learning As An Essential Tool

By leveraging the Industrial Internet of Things and modern data analytics, manufacturers are finding that machine learning is the next essential tool in keeping their operations running at peak performance. These tools provide manufacturers with more and better data to ensure impacts that are detrimental to business are circumvented even before becoming roadblocks.

a representation of machine learning using a digital intelligence spreading through circuits a the push of a button.

Manufacturers Are Finding That Machine Learning Is The Next Essential Tool In Keeping Their Operations Running At Peak Performance.

According to John Fryer, senior director of industry solutions at fault-tolerant computer servers and software company Stratus, on his partnership with TransCanada, “data is now being collected from every turbine, pump and compression station, and fed back to a centralized control room. The data is then integrated and analyzed…to identify trends and enable predictive maintenance to be carried out.”

Stratus is currently working in tandem with TransCanada to maintain the operation of the gas company’s 57,000 miles of pipelines. The network often stretches into in rural and remote regions, which makes monitoring and predictive maintenance even more essential.

ROI With ERP Solutions

Because of improved monitoring, quality assurance, and asset management, manufacturers receive significant savings when it comes to MRO costs. By providing a comprehensive and fully-integrated approach to the calibration and upkeep of systems and equipment, manufacturers employing ERP solutions in their facilities can operate at maximum runtime to secure an optimum return on their total costs.

an image of factory automation equipment breaking

Improved Monitoring, Quality Assurance, And Asset Management Allow Manufacturers To Realize Significant Savings When It Comes To MRO Costs.

In the case of TransCanada, savings between $16m and $17m were measured in the first year following implementation alone. That’s just one success story. When an entire industry employs such advancements in how operations are maintained, the savings can compound by an order of magnitude.

How Epicor ERP Addresses Predictive Maintenance

Through the Maintenance Management module of Epicor’s ERP solution, manufacturers gain extensive support for maintenance request processing, planned preventive maintenance (according to predefined schedules), and improvised break/fix maintenance processing for a single piece of equipment. When it comes to the facilities themselves and production equipment housed within, maintenance can be scheduled according to a pre-defined service interval, usage, time or through manual requests. Once these work orders have been identified in the system, the upkeep planner can schedule equipment downtime and exchange resources or materials on the fly. The complete history of these machines, materials, and work orders are tracked using many metrics, including the in-service date, equipment location, warrant expiration date, and preventative maintenance plans based on either time or meter frequencies.

 a picture of factory equipment, technicians, and c-level executives working together.

Epicor ERP Helps Manufacturers Keep Operations Running Smoothly With Predictive Maintenance Tools.

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.


A new industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, is blending automation and data exchange in ways that have never been possible before. The change has strengthened the concept of a “smart factory” that integrates cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing, and cognitive computing to create an increasingly cooperative relationship between man and machine throughout the manufacturing process.

An image of interconnecting beams of light superimposed over a city a night meant to symbolize the connections of devices in industry 4.0.

Industry 4.0 Connects Cyber-physical Systems To Blend Automation And Data Exchange In Ways That Have Never Been Possible Before.

Some fantastic developments regarding the future of employment in this new landscape were revealed in a report released last week by the Association of Advancing Automation (A3). The document detailed how interconnectivity, automation and, more specifically, robots work to create increasingly valuable and necessary work roles. Keep reading to find out how the skills gap is being addressed at home and abroad and how worker wages figure into the equation.

Automation: Replacing The Mundane With The Mechatronic

As advancements in automation and robotics reach a new zenith, individuals and organizations can more effectively and affordably integrate these mechatronic marvels into their manufacturing processes. Able to complete simple tasks with a high degree of quality, these robots enable the current manufacturing workforce, and those entering the field, to approach more complex and demanding roles in the workplace. As a result, new approaches to training and education are required to prepare workers in how best to leverage these technologies and improve productivity. The same is true not just for manufacturing but an array of industries, including hospitality, transportation, and healthcare.

a picture of Disney robot character wall-e holding up a plant in one hand. industry Automation in industry 4.0 brings robots into manufacturing like never before.

The New Wave Of Automation Robotics Will Come Bearing Gifts.

New Careers For An Existing Workforce

The results of automation are far from the sound bites and headlines predicting an end to the job market as we know it. In a sense it’s true, but hardly from a negative standpoint. While automation does eat up the roles charged with repetitive and simple tasks, it enables the workforce to take on more complex responsibilities that lead to further productivity and profitability. A poignant example with a focus on banking was offered at last week’s A3 conference.

A picture of a technician with clipboard inspecting equipment. industry 4.0 presents opportunities for more specialized jobs and more sustainable job growth.

Automation And Robotics Will Give Rise To New Careers And Employment Opportunities.

With the arrival of the ATM, many people thought the role of the bank teller would go the way of the dodo. Long story short: it did not. The number of bank tellers fell by about a third. This presented banks with the opportunity to open more branches, approximately 40% more during that time, with the money saved by allowing machines take over the mundane cash-handling roles. More employees were then hired to fulfill more intellectually-demanding careers, such as relationship banking and credit and finance management. With these new roles came the need for more advanced training to adequately prepare the workforce to fill such positions.

Education, Certification, And Resurrection Of The Apprenticeship

As the number of opportunities in new careers grows because of increased automation, advances in educating and certifying a more talented workforce need to take place.

Based on data from the OECD, the National Bureau of Statistics of China and the University Grants Commission of India, Germany, India, and China have produced the greatest human investment in STEM fields over the last 15 years, with graduates in these sectors rising 170, 110, and 150 percent respectively. The US and South Korea have only increased their number of graduates by 40 and 20 percent in the same timeframe. Japan has foundered and seen a 10 percent reduction in STEM degrees. The top performers have been pushing STEM efforts beginning at the K-12 level, while additionally enhancing vocational training courses, and strengthening community college and university offerings that are attractive to employers in the manufacturing sector.

A picture of an engineer training an apprentice. industry 4.0 gives more room for advancement in manufacturing as menial tasks can be assumed by robots.

Employers Have Been Addressing The Talent Gap By Building From Within Through Apprenticeships And On-The-Job Training.

According to the Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index, executives across the board agree that the biggest hurdle in advancing their operations in manufacturing is talent. It is estimated that 60% of critical positions in manufacturing remain unfilled. Beyond lack of qualified individuals, the time it takes to recruit, interview, and bring hires up to speed in the workplace can take as long as three months for engineering and research positions and two months for skilled production workers.

Employers have been addressing the hurdle by building from within through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. University isn’t appealing to or even practical for everybody, but with quality educational resources at their disposal, employees who find themselves with just a high-school degree can receive relevant, high-level training while at work or be compensated for continuing their education through external institutions. For example, Amazon has created its Career Choice program for hourly employees. Designed to give workers the opportunity to learn skills for in-demand jobs, the program pays for 95% of tuition costs towards robotics, computer science, engineering, and IT courses. Amazon even offers on-site classrooms to make the learning process as convenient as possible for participants. Programs like these make the benefits of automation clear: with labor freed and profits increased, companies can invest in their workforces to scale competently with growth.

Industry 4.0: Competition Breeds Opportunity For Workers

Beyond the opportunities for advancing education, compensation packages have steadily increased for talented workers in manufacturing. From back office to the shop floor, these employees can demand elite-level paychecks with benefits to boot.  According to the National Association of Manufacturers, entry-level positions in manufacturing begin at $20 an hour with the total compensation for manufacturing jobs reaching an average of $81,000 including benefits, compared to the average of $63,000 for all nonfarm workers.

a picture of a man in a suit climbing a staircase into the sky. industry 4.0 will play a large part in how factory workers become more specialized and advance their careers.

Automation Has Paved The Way For More Rewarding Positions And Opportunities Beyond The Assembly Line.

Perhaps it has been true in the past that the world’s manufacturing personnel feared robots would take over the shop floor to the detriment of a human workforce. However, the data reveals they’ve only paved the way for more rewarding positions and opportunities beyond the assembly 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.


Your operations are scaling nicely at HQ, but coordinating with remote resources and even inter-departmentally in real-time is proving to be a significant hurdle. Most of your team is in-house, while any number of employees can be out on the road, on the manufacturing facility floor, or logging in remotely. However, you need everyone connected and on the same page to be functioning at 100%. A robust ERP system fro the likes of Epicor keeps everything in the pipeline and within arm’s reach, but you’ll be pinned to the desktop when making any significant maneuvers that rely on data from your ERP systems.

Bezlio Offers Mobile ERP Solutions To Users On The Move

Developed by Bezlio in 2016 as a response to a workforce that is increasingly on the move, the platform grants remote and secure access to the crucial data you need to reference or readjust, from anywhere.

With an agile approach to utilizing resources remotely, Bezlio delivers a modern solution to operations that provides stability and agility in a constantly shifting environment. Keep your sales team, warehouse procedures, and audits in line and on point with live data your workforce can access on their mobile phones and tablets.

a picture of the Bezlio mobile platform logo

Bezlio is not just a fancy interface for mobile devices. It is exactly what you want it to be, with the capability to take shape according to your needs. Robust and detailed dashboards can be created for every department, putting the data employees and executives have to see right in front of them for a streamlined process from every angle. You gain essential insights from everything, including parts inventory and payroll sheets all the way out to the big picture with quarterly trends, annual projections, and beyond.

A Picture Of Bezlio ERP Sales Module Dashboards On Different Mobile and Desktop Devices.

Up And Running In A Fraction Of The Time

Compared to traditional ERP implementations, which can take months and even years to complete depending on the size of an operation, Bezlio can go from “in box” to “in action” in a day. Don’t know exactly what you want out of a dashboard or how to go about creating one? That’s OK: Bezlio has pre-made templates for your essential divisions to get them started straight away. Each template can be altered as you see fit. These exist for everything from sales to distribution, rapidly mobilizing your data for use in any direction the business day can take you.

Have existing software you need integrated? Bezlio already has direct compatibility with the most widely used enterprise tools. Plugins for Salesforce, Microsoft SQL Server, Epicor ERP, ODBC and Crystal Reports are already available.

Modern Security Without Compromise

Depending on who you’re talking to, ‘cloud’ can be considered a four-letter word. Security is on everyone’s mind, but with Bezlio you never have to compromise the integrity of your sensitive data when working in the cloud.

An infographic of Bezlio's security protocol and process

The platform utilizes a token-based entry system. Meaning, only those users, and their associated devices, that have been specifically granted access to the platform can access the data. Going further, admins can restrict exactly which subsets of data each user can access at any given time.

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.


Following the most recent tax reform legislation passed by the federal government, manufacturers of all sizes have enjoyed success in their sectors. This week, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders delivered a daily press brief that highlighted how policies outlined in the new tax law have had a positive impact on businesses. One such success story came from Pittsburg, PA’s H&K Equipment.

A picture of literature that details economics and taxes.

Recently Passed US Tax Legislation Has Had A Favorable Impact On The Nation’s Manufacturers.

H&K Equipment’s Story

The company was founded in 1983 by three entrepreneurs and run out of a garage. Today the company has grown to include 200 employees providing services in selling, renting, and servicing lift trucks, container handlers, railcar movers, personnel carriers, yard trucks, and industrial sweeping and scrubbing equipment.

According to company representatives, 2017 had been the company’s best year to date. The success has been attributed directly to the White House’s position on economic and job growth. Tax cuts, in particular, allowed the company to expense new equipment they acquired within the same year and return 50% more on investments made into the company when compared to 2016. According to Sanders, “When they buy more trucks and equipment for their rental fleet, they hire more technicians to service them, buy more service vehicles to transport those techs from customer site to customer site, and buy more parts from their suppliers to keep the rental fleet running. All of this economic activity spurred by the tax bill will result in more jobs, higher wages, and a brighter future.”

A picture of H&K Equipment Headquarters

H&K Equipment’s Success Story Is Just One Of Many Following The Recently Passed US Tax Legislation. Photo Provided By: H&K Equipment

There are currently 566,000 employed by the manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania alone, with an average annual salary of $72,500 for workers. The state generates $85.13 billion according to a 2015 report on manufacturing output. These growth- and worker-focused policies coming from the current US Administration are leading to big benefits for manufacturing outfits in Pennsylvania and across the country. Beyond mid-sized operators like H&K, conglomerates, including AT&T, Boeing, and Waste Management, have all attributed increased commerce and benefits to employees as results of tax reform. 2018 is expected to usher in further progress in US manufacturing investment, expansion, and employment.

US Manufacturing And Production Make Gains In Q4 Of 2017

2017 was a booming year for manufacturing with overall production rising for a fourth consecutive month in December. That resulted in a 2.4% increase year-over-year according to the Federal Reserve. December’s gains dripped slightly from November’s numbers, but the trend gleaned optimism from industry experts and professionals alike. The increase in production for 2017 has been the highest gain since 2014.

A picture of workers and equipment in a manufacturing facility

Manufacturers Big And Small Are Reaping The Benefits Of More Favorable Tax Laws that Facilitate Expansion In Investment And Hiring.

The report from the Federal Reserve released this month pulled data from industrial production, manufacturing, durable goods, and nondurable goods. The biggest gains came from industrial production, which jumped 1.6% from September to October, and nondurable goods, which enjoyed the lion’s share of progress in recovering 2.5% from a September low to its highest show in October.

In related news, overall industrial production was up nearly 1% in December, totaling a 3.6% rise for 2017. Peripherally, utilities and mining rose 5.6% and 1.6%, respectively.

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.


Whether you’re adding additional capabilities to your existing structure or have outgrown your former methodology, you are ready to explore a more robust approach to tackling the challenges of growth. ERP software, such as NetSuite ERP, can support your enterprise across all channels and scale your business.

an image of clear glass beverage bottles in a manufacturing plant

Food And Beverage Manufacturers Utilize ERP Consultants to Implement ERP Solutions Successfully

Designed with multi-level functionality, these powerful tools can address the needs of multi-company, multi-division, multi-currency, multi-warehouse, and multi-factory operations. Everything from shipping and receiving to accounting and lot control can be optimized using an ERP solution focused on process manufacturing.

You can be operating at one site or with locations scattered across the globe, ERP solutions are designed to address the essential needs of business structures big and small. Let’s touch on a few key points unique to the food and beverage industry and how ERP brings relief from their burdens.

Recipe-Based Formulation

While your employees on the shop floor and executives in the boardroom may know the difference between formulation and bill of materials, your ERP solution should know the finer points just as well. Your products can’t be disassembled like discrete manufacturers’ can, and so you’ve got to get it right with every batch. Not only this, but you’ve got to have the raw materials on hand to deliver each order’s specifications.

a picture of stainless steel vats in a food and beverage manufacturing facility

ERP Consultants Assist Process Manufacturing Operations Maintain Recipe-Based Formulation Best Practices With Effective ERP Solutions

The easiest way to keep everything running smoothly is to keep your stock at the ready with an ERP solution designed with you and your industry in mind. ERP formulation management capabilities include essential tools, like tracking recipe revisions, processing notes that allow for commenting, and attention sections at every step in the production process with each instance unique to its batch ticket or work order. Not only this, but everyone is on the same page when it comes to historical information, revisions, and amendments to your recipes.

Quality Control

One of the biggest issues facing food and beverage manufacturers is consistency. Delivering your product according to consumer expectations is essential in maintaining your signature taste, experience, and brand. An exceptional ERP solution that addresses quality control for your industry is the only one that will do.

An image shipping containers ready to deliver food and beverages.

Quality Control Is Made Easy With ERP Solutions Specifically Tailored To Address The Needs Of Food And Beverage Manufacturing Operations.

Keeping a reliable supply of your in-brand ingredients ensures that the quality and stores of bulk products and finished products will be addressed with a quality ERP solution, as well. Beyond the QC of product characteristics, maintaining reliable expiration on every batch you produce is essential and nothing makes it easier to deliver a consistent lifespan of your products than an ERP dedicated to consistent quality control.

Lot Traceability

When it comes to where your products are going once they’ve left processing facilities, there’s really no room for error. This is where ERP solutions can be instrumental in catching poor packaging or disreputable shippers early in the supply chain along as well as assist in circumventing many of the common problems in the industry.

an image of signage indicating multiple one-way direction traffic

ERP Solutions Improve The Effectiveness Of Lot Traceability And Distribution Management When It Comes To Food And Beverage Manufacturing Operations.

ERP solutions ensure that you know every stop in the journey of your shipments and are equipped to handle issues before they become problems. Using the data gleaned from ERP solutions will ensure the root of the problem is identified and shut down before it can affect your bottom 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.


Encompass Events

We had a busy year in 2017 and we’re happy to share a recap of Encompass events and highlights with you, in case you missed the big news.

Team retreat – Asheville NC

Our company retreats are as unique as the people on our team.  Hailing from all over the globe, when our team meets up for a company retreat, you know some amazing and exciting things will happen! This past May, our team met just outside of Asheville, NC for our bi-annual team retreat. This year’s retreat was as intense, educational, and fun as every retreat is, and we can hardly wait until the next one!

 

Customer Appreciation Reception at Epicor Insights 2017

Wine and Cheese!

Thank you to all our Customers who attended and stopped by to visit us during the biggest Epicor Customer event of the year. We loved catching up with you and we look forward to seeing you again very soon!

Kaufman Container – A day In The Life

We would like to give thanks again to Kaufman Container for hosting this open house event with us. Prospects took an up-close and personal tour of how one of our client’s, Kaufman Container, uses Epicor ERP to grow their business. 

It was an opportunity to see and speak to individuals utilizing Epicor ERP. 

Attendees toured six stations showcasing “Day in the Life” demos, depicting how employees in multiple departments are empowered to make the right decisions at the right time due to an integrated MES and ERP system.

This open house format mapped out the various ways that Epicor’s Manufacturing Suite inspires co-workers to collaborate, connect financials and databases, access reports while remote, and communicate effectively.

The Launch Of New Epicor 10.2 Was Announced During The Epicor Ignite 2017 Event   

  • E 10.2 includes a new mobile CRM app, that works with both a limited CRM license and standard licenses. 
  • UI… can make calls directly from the app
  • Epicor is folding the salesforce integration into core product with E 10.2 and adding functionality.
  • Hitachi integration is official with E 10.2
  • Built in KPIs to get customers started with the new home page format.
  • “Growth happens one customer at a time” Steve Murphy, new CEO of Epicor
  • Official announcement: https://www.epicor.com/newsroom/epicor-launches-newest-version-of-epicor-erp/

 Encompass Is Honored As Platinum Epicor Partner 2017

Encompass Solutions continues to provide ERP consulting and industry-leading development of mission-critical enterprise solutions.

The company’s focus is to be an advocate for customers facing the challenges of the market’s fierce competition and is often chosen as experts in the IT field to help enterprises achieve a technological advantage.

Encompass Events For 2018

Office Headquarters expansion: As our company grows yet again, we are going to be expanding our footprint here at Revolution Mills to a bigger office suite.

Updates and exciting news on our Encompass website: We are working hard to bring even more new products and services to the website very soon.

 

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.


Encompass, Inc. is honored to announce our selection by the Silicon Review as one of the 50 Best Workplaces for 2017.

50 Best Workplaces For 2017

The Silicon Review has noted that our “dynamic and deeply experienced organization” is well-suited to “provide expertise in ERP and business application systems.” Our employee-centric firm gives workers an open forum for discussion because their input is valuable and constructive to the business as a whole. We invest in the professional advancement of each employee as well as foster a positive workplace community to build the trust and communication necessary to function at the high level we do.

In the fifteen years since our first project, Encompass has grown into a global company, turning its ‘virtual offices’ into a physical headquarters in the historic Revolution Mills district of Greensboro, NC. Over that time, Encompass’ tool box has expanded as well, forging relationships with many technology partners and allowing Encompass to offer any client the perfect solution to their needs.

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.


Siemens Manufacturing, Epicor ERP, Encompass Solutions

There is a common similarity in name and industry to the German conglomerate Siemens, but Siemens Manufacturing is a great company of its own, based in St Louis. In 1963, Siemens Manufacturing Company was founded by John and Jim Siemens to manufacture custom control and test equipment for industrial customers. Today, their team of nearly 200 employees maintains a commitment to advanced technology, innovative product manufacturing and delivering high-quality solutions to customers.

an image of the Siemens Manufacturing logo

Siemens continues to experience tremendous growth, having outgrown an older and no longer supported information system, they started looking for a fully integrated ERP solution with overall newer technology and capabilities to include stronger manufacturing, production, inventory, user-friendliness, and overall ERP. 

During their evaluation of a new software solution, which took a few months, Siemens also considered another high caliber software solution. In the end, Epicor stood out for having solid features such as Project Management, Resource Management, Financials, as well as equally advanced capabilities for choosing on-premise or cloud deployment.

Epicor did an excellent job in the demo and really showed what Epicor ERP was capable of.

“We were all impressed with the demonstration and the fact that you wrote a mini customization in very short time. This showed us that you could solve the problems we had concerns about as it related to the inventory one to many parts master and BOM.”

John Siemens – President

“We are all behind the selection and want to make this a success for the company.”

Jeff Hamma – Director Materials/Planning

Siemens Manufacturing Selects Encompass Solutions

Siemens has chosen Encompass Solutions to help deliver the Epicor solution their business needs to better handle their tremendous growth. We look forward to building a system for them that goes far beyond the potential they saw at the Epicor Insights convention and will allow them to expand beyond what they thought possible.

Epicor annual user and customer convention ‘Epicor Insights’ was also a great opportunity for Siemens to get a close look at what Epicor has to offer. This year’s event was the largest ever, with over 4,000 attendees from across the world joining together to learn, share, and grow alongside Epicor. While there is plenty of technical talk for veteran Epicor power users, the annual Epicor Insights is one of the best ways for potential customers to learn how powerful Epicor is, and how effectively it can improve and enhance their businesses.

In a speech to a large audience of customers and prospects, Himanshu Palsule, Epicor Chief Product and Technology Officer, discussed growth, industry and the cloud. He said “When you think of Epicor, you think about a company that is fixated on the growth of the customers. Growth in your revenue, growth in your profitability, growth in operations.” 

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.