10
Nov 2017
0
an image of the epicor logo for the epicor consultants at encompass solutions, recipient of the epicor platinum partner award

Encompass Solutions Honored as Epicor Platinum Partner

Encompass Solutions, Inc. has won the Epicor Platinum Partner award in the Annual Partner Program Awards event. Epicor

Encompass Solutions Honored as Epicor Platinum Partner

Encompass Solutions , , , , , felixc

Encompass Solutions, Inc. has won the Epicor Platinum Partner award in the Annual Partner Program Awards event.

Epicor Platinum Partner Award

Recipients were 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.

“We are honored to be recognized by Epicor as Platinum Partner for another consecutive year as we continue to deliver excellence throughout the implementation, custom solutions, and training of Epicor ERP,” said Sonia Haslam, managing partner, Encompass Solutions, Inc. Encompass is also proud to integrate value-add products and offer e-business capabilities for specific projects.

Encompass expertise extends from project planning and management through the entire implementation, with a special focus on process improvement. Encompass offers a wide range of services from selection to complete implementation of state-of-the-art ERP systems, to integration and renovation of existing systems as well as analysis and solutions to corporate challenges.

“Congratulations to our Partner Program Award recipient Encompass Solutions, Inc., for enabling business growth through Epicor solutions,” said Steve Murphy, chief executive officer, Epicor Software Corporation. “Our partners are an extension of our salesforce and we are fortunate to have such a talented group of IT professionals aligned with us to support customers with 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 Rookie of the Year and Marketing Excellence.

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.

31
Oct 2017
0
an image of the logo of sunlight supply, the subject of this encompass solutions case study

Case Study: Sunlight Supply Epicor 10.1 Migration, Service Connect, And Automation

The Project For Sunlight Supply One of the most powerful factors of the ERP systems we install are customized solutions

Case Study: Sunlight Supply Epicor 10.1 Migration, Service Connect, And Automation

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The Project For Sunlight Supply

One of the most powerful factors of the ERP systems we install are customized solutions working hand-in-hand with preexisting tools tailor-made for specific industries. Let’s take a look at how we helped one of our clients, Sunlight Supply, further refine their process and increase their efficiency with two solutions.

an image of sunlight meant to depict sunlight supply, the subject of this case study by encompass solutions

Sunlight Supply, Inc., headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, manufactures and distributes gardening supplies. Sunlight implemented Epicor in 2011 and migrated to 10.1 last year, and they have over 150 users.

The Challenge For Sunlight Supply

The first issue we needed to help solve involved Return Material Authorization (RMA). Sunlight was experiencing a large volume of RMAs and the process was bottlenecking because there were too many required Epicor screens for the credit memos to be generated quickly.

The second issue Sunlight was experiencing was with Order Allocation. The standard allocation logic in Epicor was being used differently by just about every user. When orders were not allocated consistently due to staff turnover and training issues, it caused picking problems for the shipping team. Those errors caused customer shipment delays, resulting in dissatisfied customers. Their new headquarters warehouse was more complex, requiring a custom allocation methodology.

Their Customer Service Team used to manually allocate each sales order in the fulfillment workbench and release the picks. This was a two-step process; more steps were necessary if overstock zones were involved. After the changes, the Customer Service Rep ‘reserves’ quantities in the workbench. An automated program then takes over to allocate the orders from appropriate warehouse zones based upon set up for case quantities, pallet quantities, and searching the zones via a prioritized algorithm. The records are then released for picking.

The Solution For Sunlight Supply

Working with us on the first task, Sunlight Supply decided to automate the process using BPMs, Service Connect, and customizations. This is what they accomplished:

  • To create the RMA, it is imported directing from their website or entered manually. Data auto-fills from RMA reason codes, Customer, and Part Master User Defined fields. A UPS return shipping label is generated for customer use.
  • When the product is returned and the receipt is entered, the receiving warehouse and bin are automatically populated. The reason code triggers the disposition as rework, stock, or defective. Service Connect automates the disposition in the background, eliminating data entry.
  • A credit memo is automatically created based on the reason code, pulling in the unit price from the last invoice. Restocking fees are added, and the system reverses the term’s discount. Finally, Epicor posts to the specified GL account.

The changes in the RMA process allowed Sunlight to eliminate data entry errors and simplify workflow. They were able to reduce headcount in RMA and Accounting and respond in a timely manner to their customers. Finally, this automation allowed Sunlight to expand and improve customer service throughout the RMA process.

In the case of tackling the second challenge, Sunlight used user codes, BPMs, and customizations to automate Order Allocation. Automated order allocation saves Customer Service time. It reduced data entry errors and inconsistencies that slow down the entire shipping process. It improves picking & shipping productivity, allowing them to ship orders to customers more quickly. It is expected to increase inventory accuracy and warehouse operations efficiencies as well. The end result is satisfied customers.

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.

06
Sep 2017
0
an image of the blue ridge mountains as part of the enterprise software campaign, take a hike.

Take A Hike!

For most of us in the enterprise software industry, we get tripped up a bit when we see

Take A Hike!

Encompass Solutions , , crussell

For most of us in the enterprise software industry, we get tripped up a bit when we see the word ‘expectations.’ We tend to immediately think of them as ‘deliverables’: dashboards, customizations, reports, roadmaps that chart out tasks or future projects. Tied up into those are considerations of expenses, timelines, due dates, and beyond.

an image of the blue ridge mountains as part of the enterprise software campaign, take a hike.

We see those because software engineers are natural problem solvers, and those are the immediate solutions we see. Yet enterprise software ‘expectations’ go beyond these things. Let me explain.

My Hike and How It Relates To The Enterprise Software Experience

Here in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, last-minute hiking trips seem to happen about every other month; every other weekend if the weather turns especially good. So in prep, I ordered a new pair of boots on a Friday morning. I put my trust in that the two-day priority shipping I had paid. Hopefully, it for would get them to me soon after the weekend ended, and I could leave on Wednesday morning. I was already looking at new places to see–the killer views of Rough Ridge and endless creeks below.

The Prep

So, as Mondays tend to go, I get the bad news first thing in the morning. The company I ordered my boots from sent an email. It read, i so many words, they’d be arriving by the end of the day on Wednesday. Okay, not cool: I paid for two-day shipping which I wouldn’t be getting!

I had a few options. I could shell out more money for overnight shipping or I could repeat the entire process. However, I didn’t have time to find another pair of boots that were of the right style, fit, and capabilities of the terrain I wanted to be on. What’s worse, I couldn’t delay my trip for a day.

Yeah, right.

I contact the company right away and let them know that I was worried about the delivery date, and that we needed to find out the best way to ensure that my boots made it to my doorstep by the end of Tuesday, not Wednesday. The customer service rep told me to call them back if the boots didn’t arrive by Tuesday night, because they couldn’t do anything to help until the order was late.

Last Step? More Like Last Straw!

They failed to offer help by addressing the problem before it occurred. Not only this, but they didn’t seem concerned that something I was depending on would not arrive in time. There was no ownership of the problem, and any urgency to create peace of mind for their customer was nonexistent.

I hung up and sat at my desk, thinking to myself, “I never want to make someone feel the way that customer service rep just made me feel.”

Then I thought, “That’s the very reason why I work here at Encompass, and why I love what I do.”

How I Contribute To The Enterprise Software Journey

My job is to ensure that every one of my customers can make it up their own ‘mountains’. They’ll need more than just the right ‘boots’. They’ll need the right boots at the right time; constant support during the climb; and, once they’ve gotten to the top, they need to know we’ll be there on the way down. That’s when ‘expectations’ goes beyond ‘deliverables’ and becomes ‘trust.’

Recently, I worked with a customer who had several important deadlines to meet and not a lot of time to make them happen. With Encompass’ vast global resources, we were able to pull together the right set of team members to help this company not only meet their urgent goals, but assist them in an implementation and go-live of Epicor 10.

When a client trusts you enough to have expectations that you’ll take them through the roughest terrain their business has ever seen, well, that’s more valuable than a good pair of hiking boots. And that’s worth a lot, take it from me: I never did get those boots on time. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than hiking up a mountain in the wrong pair of shoes.

A well-tuned ERP system delivered on-time is only half of what Encompass has to offer your business. If you’re worried you aren’t on the right ERP path, come meet us at the bottom of the mountain, and come take a hike with us.

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.

16
Aug 2017
0
machine learning and predictive analytics with bezlio and epicor erp

Adding Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning To ERP

How Bezlio Adds Predictive Analytics And Machine Learning To ERP I’ve always been passionate about bringing new technology

Adding Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning To ERP

Automation, Encompass Solutions, Epicor, Helpful Tips, Manufacturing, Production, SMB, Technology , , , , , , bellis

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.

08
Aug 2017
0
image of man pondering the costof doing nothing when its time to upgrade software.

What Are You Afraid Of?

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

What Are You Afraid Of?

Encompass Solutions , , , soniah

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.

27
Jan 2017
0
an image of the production floor at a National Tube Supply facility

National Tube Supply Upgrades To Epicor ERP 10

As the new year begins for National Tube Supply, they look forward to the first full year using

National Tube Supply Upgrades To Epicor ERP 10

Case Studies , , , , , , , , , , , , , felixc

As the new year begins for National Tube Supply, they look forward to the first full year using their brand new Epicor 10 system. It’s been a long haul for them, and us, taking nearly three years to implement.

Epicor delivered a massive update to their system between the beginning of the project and E10 release. Based on the improvements of the system and NTS’ needs, the decision was made by their management team to bypass Epicor 9, going directly to Epicor ERP 10 and the most modern version of the Epicor ERP solution at the time. 

National Tube Supply Epicor 10 Upgrade Goes Live

The ribbon was cut on their new system on November 27, 2016, and NTS was able to start shipping and invoicing on the second day. There were only minor cleanups to take care of and a few hiccups related to the requested customization to their system. NTS has the highest level of customization of any Encompass Solutions partner. After creation, tuning, fine-tuning, and even writing their own staff user manuals, NTS hit the ground running.

an image of the manufacturing floor at a National Tube Supply facility

The driving factor to upgrade NTS’ preexisting Verticent system to Epicor was an effort to remain competitive. National Tube Supply has four different warehouses in North America (in both the US and Canada), and further refining their inventory planning and tracking was their number one priority.

“Several of our standard modules are working very well for NTS, but the true power of an Epicor system lies in the custom features we build into the ERP. Encompass introduced barcoding to the job picking process, vastly reducing the man-hours needed to assemble an order and generate the paperwork needed to track and ship it. Geographic data based on the customer’s location and the availability of product across the network of warehouses allowed us instantly create orders with not only multiple destinations but multiple sources of product. The process finishes with a single-click shipment, which also enables invoicing immediately.”

In 2017, NTS expects that inventory turns will increase as planning moves forward hand-in-hand with automated control of processing, reducing the costs associated with inaccuracy, and expanding their market share through greatly increased efficiency.

Of course, Encompass will be there every step of the way, not only ready to help when IT problems crop up but also to further refine their operations via BPR. Now that the system is up and running, we’re already planning NTS’ Phase II of improvements.

Three years of commitment and one world-class ERP system: Just another day at Encompass!

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.

05
Jan 2017
0
an image of a big ass solutions fan in a warehouse

Case Study: Big Ass Solutions Epicor ERP 10 Upgrade

Big Ass Solutions Upgrade Background Big Ass Solutions were previously running the legacy Vantage system, but it was

Case Study: Big Ass Solutions Epicor ERP 10 Upgrade

Case Studies , , , , , , , , felixc

Big Ass Solutions Upgrade Background

Big Ass Solutions were previously running the legacy Vantage system, but it was showing its age. Encompass Solutions, partnering with Bezlio, worked closely with the BAS team to bring all the valuable custom solutions BAS had invested in over the years to streamline their system, up to date to run on Epicor ERP 10. Leveraging the technology improvements in Epicor ERP 10, BAS was able to bring MRP runs down from almost a business day, to a couple of hours on ERP 10, making the effort put in to bring the customizations onto a single technology stack well worth the effort. Encompass Solutions was proud to be part of the recent Epicor 10 upgrade for Big Ass Solutions.

and image of the big ass solutions warehouse

Big Ass Solutions Epicor ERP 10 Upgrade Results

One example of the streamlining done at BAS includes optimizations to the process of issuing lot and serial tracked parts to jobs. Using one simplified screen, a user at BAS can simply scan the job number, which will then bring up a list of parts needed on the job. Then simply by scanning part numbers and lot number or serial numbers, entries are verified and collected on a grid for review. When the user is done entering items, the issuing of parts is performed automatically in the background allowing the user to move onto their next task without delay. The custom solution also automatically printed labels as needed based on the current operation, freeing up the user to focus on getting their work done, rather than clicking through multiple screens in the system.

Any world class ERP needs fine tuning and that’s what ESI are here for!

Big Ass Solutions’ Epicor Case Study

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.

17
Nov 2016
0

Kaufman Container reduces overhead costs by 30% with Encompass and Epicor ERP

Kaufman Container is a leading packaging sourcing center in the United States. For the past 100 years, the

Kaufman Container reduces overhead costs by 30% with Encompass and Epicor ERP

Case Studies , , , , felixc

Kaufman Container is a leading packaging sourcing center in the United States. For the past 100 years, the company has provided packaging components, custom and stock molds, package development, quality assurance, and technical support to a wide range of customers and markets. Kaufman’s capabilities are endless, offering a variety of products including glass, plastic, aluminum, and metal containers, tubes, closures dispensing systems, celon bands, and more. The Kaufman Container Case Study serves to illustrate how operations and process improvements resulted in a 30 percent reduction of overhead costs, thanks to internal teams and the Encompass Solutions implementation staff.

an image of the kaufman container case study illustrating how operations and process improvements resulted in a 30 percent reduction of overhead costs.

 

Prior to their Epicor implementation, Kaufman was running several non-integrated systems, and users were having to do each other’s jobs—for example, if inventory was needed for a job and one of the systems stated there was inventory on hand, there was no trust in any system of reference, and the material was manually verified to be there.

Larry Keilin, IT director, spearheaded the implementation of Epicor. “The transition from our old system to our new system was less painful than I expected—for many employees, the day you switch from an old system to a new system is the day they love the old system,” Keilin commented. “A large number of our employees got on the Epicor bandwagon and became excited about all the work they can now do that they couldn’t do before. We are truly seeing the benefits, for example for the purchasing department, the Buyers Workbench is such a useful tool that it really stands out, and our customer service department really loves the way they can take an old order, copy it, and create a new one—it’s a huge time saver for them.“

Kaufman initially implemented Epicor ERP to work as closely as possible to existing business processes, as followed with their legacy ERP. While there was a successful transition to Epicor, partnering organization Encompass Solutions identified that Epicor was not being used to its full advantage, and that there were some additional modules that would need the implementation to get maximum functionality from Epicor ERP.

Kaufman contracted Encompass Solutions to perform an end-to-end business process review (BPR) to determine the best business processes to follow and unleash the maximum benefit from the newly implemented Epicor ERP product. This one-week exercise flushed out many areas for improvement, and a recommendations document and go-forward plan were implemented. Kaufman’s key goals from this BPR were to achieve better tracking of sales and gross margin data to salespersons and customers, improve inventory management, and integrate production management.

Every business area was assessed, and recommendations for change were made, particularly in the areas of engineering, production, inventory, purchasing, costing, and accounting.

Some key recommendations were to continue the implementation with some additional modules that were not included in the initial cutover—including CRM and the Epicor Configurator—as well as better implementing production and inventory management. Encompass provided a go-forward path to have everything implemented.

Other key recommendations were changes to costing to allow Kaufman to be more specific in assigning costs for production times, to leverage time-phased material requirements to drive purchasing decisions, and to expand the number of warehouses and bins used to reduce the amount of time staff spend locating inventory. A plan to move Kaufman to the scheduling engine was also produced—typically refinements over a six-month period provide an accurate, trusted model.

“Encompass has done a great job at assessing the situation, with BPR guidance to systematically attack and resolve pain points following the implementation,” concluded Keilin.

Kaufman Container Case Study

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.

25
Oct 2016
0
Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner

Epicor Presents Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner Award

Earlier this week, Epicor presented Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner Award recognition at the annual Epicor Partner Awards

Epicor Presents Encompass Solutions, Inc. Platinum Partner Award

Encompass Solutions , , , , , soniah

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.

30
Sep 2016
0
an image of a hiker conducting their own

Complete ERP Implementation Toolkit – The Business Process Review

Ever been on a hike? A real hike. I’m not talking about a long walk with a bottle

Complete ERP Implementation Toolkit – The Business Process Review

Helpful Tips , , , , felixc

Ever been on a hike? A real hike. I’m not talking about a long walk with a bottle of water, here, I’m talking about carrying thirty pounds of a tent, sleeping bag, food, and equipment in a backpack the size of two small children twenty miles up and down mountains.

Whether you have or not, you know that a whole lot of prep happens before a hike: breaking in the boots, getting the pack fitted, paring weighty equipment down to the barest essentials. If you’re just getting started toward your ERP journey, you may want to consider out free ERP selection strategies ebook. If you’ve just finished your ERP implementation project, you’ll certainly feel as though you’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Just as with a hike, though, your ERP system isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the journey: In the same way that any good hiker will be constantly adjusting their pack, changing their pace and stride, and constantly reorienting themselves via map and compass to keep themselves moving steadily and happily, a good company is going to be constantly reevaluating their system and making upgrades, streamlining processes, and changing to meet market demands.

Encompass will be with you every step of the way in your ERP journey with a BPR: A Business Process Review.

an image of a hiker conducting their own "business process review" overlooking a mountain range

What Is A Business Process Review

A business process review is like a hiker’s gear adjustment: It is an objective look at how your company is currently operating. It involves a review of current business practices and system-user interaction, with a focus on optimization. It includes an analysis of system transaction use and configuration to identify functionality that may better support your operational needs. Although technology application and configuration is a core part of this assessment, your business processes, resource skills, and infrastructure are also evaluated. We also conduct employee interviews to determine ‘pain points’ for the user and management.

Here’s a list of the mountains we often have to climb while getting your ERP system on the right path:

Poor Data Quality – Incomplete or incorrect data creates mistrust in the system, creating the need for offline workarounds, which increases the risk of inaccuracies while creating unneeded workload.

Mismatch Between Roles & Responsibilities – Insufficient training in the case of high employee turnover and lack of proper training creates inefficiencies and inaccurate data, as does ignoring the hierarchy for responsibilities (managers assuming duties meant for their employees, or giving work to employees that are beyond their skill level, for example).

Offline Processes – Employees may perform work off of the ERP because ‘that’s how we’ve always done it,’ or because they ‘don’t trust the system’. This could be through the incorrect implementation of the ERP, through poor training, or the need for a ‘mindset change’.

Growth – Unexpected or aggressive growth may require an expansion of existing infrastructure before operational systems impact and slow growth.

Training – High turnover or increased growth creates staff with less expertise and knowledge. Even with experienced staff, cross-training or advanced training is needed for employees to understand the ‘big picture’ of the ERP process.

The end result: The business process review provides a suite of deliverables that improve your business by refining and upgrading your ERP system. The BPR identifies the ‘Hot Spots’ where efficiency drops, or where lack of training creates problems downstream, or where features are not being used correctly (or at all) and offer solutions to all of them, through new functionality, increased training, or modifying the procedure.

So, break out the boots and the hiking stick: The trail to a better ERP and better business is a steep one, full of rocks and switchbacks, but trust us: when you’re at the top of the mountain, the view is incredible.

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.

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