Avalara will stop providing support for TLS versions 1.0 and 1.1. To ensure a seamless and secure experience, Avalara will only support only TLS 1.2 moving forward. Read on for details regarding system vulnerabilities and important dates relating to the changes in support.

What is TLS?

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide communications security over a computer network. TLS is the successor to the now deprecated Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) as a means of securing data exchanged between parties online.

Like every other software in use today, regular updates ensure its viability and mitigation of vulnerabilities in the face of nefarious actors. The most current version of the technology is TLS 1.2.

Disabling TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 is a prevalent industry approach as documented in the below NSA datasheet. This is a communication protocol that many technical specialists are familiar with, so the rationale behind Avalara disabling these versions should not come as a surprise to customers and should be expected.

For additional context please see the National Security Agency’s (NSA) Cybersecurity Information datasheet.

Avalara TLS 1.2 Service Changes

Effective 15 December 2021, Avalara will support only the secure Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 connection in Sandbox accounts. All Avalara AvaTax for Communications SaaS REST and SOAP customers, Geo customers, and SaaS Standard customers must upgrade their Sandbox accounts from TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 to TLS 1.2 before 15 December 2021. Failing to upgrade will affect the access and connection to your Avalara account.

Effective 15 January 2022, Avalara will support only the secure Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2 connection in Production accounts. All Avalara AvaTax for Communications SaaS REST and SOAP customers, Geo customers, and SaaS Standard customers must upgrade their Production accounts from TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 to TLS 1.2 before 15 January 2022. Failing to upgrade will affect the access and connection to your Avalara account.

Important Dates for Avalara TLS 1.2 Cutover

As Avalara continues to improve our security protocols, we will no longer support TLS 1.0 and 1.1 in our REST v2 API as of March 30, 2022. Continued use of TLS 1.0 and 1.1 poses a security risk, and these protocols will no longer be supported.

Clients using these versions are expected to upgrade to support our new standards of TLS 1.2.

This deprecation will affect non-browser software, APIs, and other internet infrastructure, so partners and customers who are not yet using TLS 1.2 should plan accordingly.

This change will take effect in our REST v2 API on the following dates:

Sandbox: Feb 1, 2022

Production: March 30, 2022

What Do You Need to Do as an Avalara User?

Avalara’s connectors are equipped to auto-negotiate using TLS.  You don’t need to change anything in your systems to use a TLS connector.

NOTE: Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla will disable Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.0 and 1.1 support in their respective browsers in the first half of 2020.

    • The primary AvaTax endpoint supports TLS 1.2, 1.1, and 1.0 (1.1 and 1.0 until deprecation in the first half of 2020).
    • If your connector supports TLS 1.2 they should be able to negotiate over security protocol without any issues. Please use TLS 1.2 as your default.

What happens on March 31, 2022?

Avalara will discontinue support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions 1.0 and 1.1 on our Production RESTv2 API endpoint on 3/31/2022.

What about the older SOAP and RESTv1 API endpoints?

Avalara will continue to support TLS 1.0 and 1.1 in SOAP and REST v1 endpoints until 12/31/22. It is strongly recommended that partners still use these legacy APIs and refactor to Avalara’s REST v2 API as soon as possible. To assist with this transition, Avalara has published a Refactor Guide to provide details on moving existing supported software to Avalara’s RESTv2 API.

The general customer communication was sent out on 1/6/22, and the information is posted here.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this update, please submit a Partner Support Case using the following process:

  • If you have access to an AvaTax account, please follow these instructions. Enter “Partner support” and a description of the Subject.
  • Don’t have access to an AvaTax account? Submit a case here. Include ‘Partner support’ in the ‘What issue are you experiencing?’ field. (Important: Leave the field “Which product are you using” as “None.”)

Avalara has identified the most at-risk partner integrations running on legacy SOAP APIs and SDKs and will be reaching out to impacted partners with specific recommendations to get these integrations TLS 1.2-compliant.

In support of the technical specialists receiving this correspondence please see the table below, which provides SDK-specific details.

SDK Language / Framework Minimum Client Version for TLS 1.2 Support Notes Current SDK TLS 1.2 Status
C# .NET Preferred .NET framework >= 4.7 (TLS 1.2 is default)

Supported in 4.6.2, 4.6.1, and 4.5 with service updates, but 1.1 is the default.

Preferred .NET standard version > 2.0.(TLS 1.2 is the default) Supported in .NET standard version 1.6 and 2.0 (TLS 1.1 is the default)

Preferred .NET framework >= 4.7 / .Net Core >= 2.1 (with default TLS1.2)

For other .NET versions, registry changes (/ Windows update) are required to support TLS 1.2:

(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/network-programming/tls)

SUPPORTED
Java / Scala / JRE Java 8 is recommended.

Java 7 must explicitly enable TLS 1.2.

Java 6 supports TLS 1.2 in versions 6u115 b32 and above.

Scala 2.13.4 is recommended. 2.12.12 is acceptable. These versions are only compatible with Java 8+.

Java 8 is recommended (with default TLS1.2)

Recommended Instructions to enable TLS1.2 in Java 7 and Java 6

SUPPORTED
JavaScript Node12 recommended. It supports OpenSSL 1.1.1, which supports TLS 1.2. Node12 also supports TLS 1.3 and will be maintained until 2022. Node12 and above recommended (EOL 04/2022) SUPPORTED
Python Behavior for Python 2.7 and 3. x is platform-dependent since calls are made to the operating system socket APIs. Both Python versions default to the highest available TLS versions. The installed version of OpenSSL may also cause variations in behavior. For example, TLSv1.1 and TLSv1.2 come with OpenSSL version 1.0.1. Recommended v3.6+, minimum 2.7.

The python community has rejected <TLS 1.2 for several years. Developers must update to TLS 1.2+ compatible versions to download/update python packages from PyPI. It’s possible to enforce TLS1.2+ connects by modifying the request package.

Recommended v3.6+

Recommended OpenSSL version 1.0.1 or higher

SUPPORTED
PHP Depends on curl & OpenSSL (v1.0.1) version of the system. OpenSSL v1.0.1 and above support TLS 1.2. Recommended PHP 5.6+. It uses CURL for making API calls and supports CURL version 7.34.0, which has default support for TLS 1.2. PHP 5.5.19 appears to be the min version. PHP 5.7 defaults to TLS 1.3. Recommended PHP 5.6+

Recommended OpenSSL version 1.0.1 or higher

Recommended cURL version 7.34.0 or higher

SUPPORTED
Ruby Depends on curl & OpenSSL (v1.0.1) version of the system. OpenSSL v1.0.1 and above support TLS 1.2. Ruby 2+, ensure the version of OpenSSL is 1.0.2 or greater, which supports TLS 1.2. The Ruby version is not strictly enforced currently. Recommended Ruby 2+

Recommended OpenSSL version 1.0.1 or higher

Recommended cURL version 7.34.0 or higher

SUPPORTED

As a certified Avalara integration partner, Encompass can help you manage the maintenance of your Avalara solution and unique business processes. For more information on our partner Avalara and Encompass support services, reach out using the contact us button below.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


Manufacturers are quite familiar with feeling the squeeze of constrained talent pools. This can be said for just about every department of a business. When it comes to ERP staff, qualified individuals can be tough to come by even in healthy job markets. This becomes even more apparent when seeking ERP staff with backgrounds that align with the unique needs of manufacturing businesses. Remote Staff Augmentation, also known as Virtual Staff Augmentation, for manufacturers is one answer to the problem of finding qualified staff to keep your manufacturing business running at peak performance.

Whether you’re working on the road, at home, or onsite, Encompass can supplement ERP staff remotely with remote workforce augmentation.

What is Remote Workforce Augmentation?

Remote Workforce Augmentation is the ability to supplement your internal staffing needs with employees, contracted or otherwise, that operate remotely and generally interact with a business by virtual means.

Why use Remote Workforce Augmentation?

There are many reasons why a company would choose to leverage Remote Workforce Augmentation for their ERP needs. This includes everything from simple system checks and reviews to advanced projects and ongoing support.

Some of the most common pain points for manufacturers that lead to leveraging remote workforce augmentation include:

  • Being overburdened with incoming orders or outgoing purchase orders
  • Achieving business goals
  • Running regular reports
  • Adding ERP coverage without bringing on new employees
  • Bridging gaps between office staff and departments

If you are experiencing any of these pain points or have a few that you think may qualify for remote workforce augmentation and IT support, Encompass has the right person for you.

How Encompass Provides Remote Workforce Augmentation

Companies that cannot afford or do not need full-time ERP staff will want to consider Remote Workforce Augmentation. This arrangement is one where the company will contract their ERP work and support requirements out to a third party, in this case, Encompass Solutions, Inc. (ESI).

ESI will provide several levels of support for a business to evaluate when considering remote workforce augmentation, which includes:

  • Supplementing your ERP staff
  • Bridging gaps during personnel turnover
  • Supporting teams with those on Maternity/Paternity leave
  • Quote/Order Entry
  • Job Creation/Closing
  • Purchase Order Entry
  • AR Invoicing
  • Shipping Notifications
  • Manual EDI processing
  • Transitioning back to your team if needed

Depending on your level of requirements, you may choose a basic or more comprehensive offering. Use your procedures – we’ll do the work!

Get started with Encompass Remote Workforce Augmentation

If you are ready to supplement internal operations with ESI staff or would like a review of your internal processes to find the best solution to your needs, we can help you get started.

It all starts with an informal review of your current process, which includes:

  • Order Entry
  • Purchase Order Entry
  • Customer Statements
  • and more

As part of the process, your business will provide Encompass with your procedures and our team will execute this according to your business processes and requirements.

Following that, ESI will document our progress throughout the day, providing regular reports and communications to your team or “next in line” person to make sure you are always kept up to date.

If you are ready to have the conversation about your IT support and remote workforce augmentation needs, contact Encompass today.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


If you don’t already know, Epicor users have access to EpicCare. This is Epicor’s customer self-service portal that enables the submission of issues, tickets, services requests, case creation, and more. As part of this service, there is a useful tool called Wayfinder.

What is Epicor Wayfinder

Epicor Wayfinder is a component of the EpicCare portal that shows Epicor users information about billing, contracts, service requests, and more.

The tool is a great resource for users with questions about their maintenance contract, current license ownership, and supply requests.

Epicor Wayfinder Components

With over 75 unique data points available to users, Epicor Wayfinder can help you find critical information with just a few clicks. You can also modify account information, like business name changes, billing address changes, invoice recipients, and the like.

Here is a list of all the various information you can locate or request using Epicor Wayfinder. Keep in mind, that you will need to be logged into your EpicCare account to access the following links.

ACCOUNT AND BILLING SERVICES

ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE

BILLING REQUESTS

CASE MANAGEMENT

GENERAL

PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

MAINTENANCE INQUIRY

FINANCE

LICENSE AND MEDIA

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

SALES

EPICOR UNIVERSITY

EPICOR USERS GROUP

EPIC WEB

INSIGHTS

SOFTWARE-GENERIC

UPGRADE SERVICES

SUPPORT

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


In an industry like manufacturing that’s remained the backbone of economies all over the world for centuries, change has always been a constant. After all, transformation is at the heart of manufacturing, utilizing the resources and raw materials of the world to create objects that are more valuable than the sum of their parts. But in 2021, the world’s most valuable resource isn’t something that can be formed into a shape. Well, not exactly.

Here’s how Data and Analytics are destined to be one of the most valuable resources for manufacturers moving forward.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


The Automotive Supply Chain for manufacturing cars, trucks, and other vehicles is one of the most complex and demanding in the world. While COVID-19 has disrupted the automotive supply chain, it has created new opportunities to establish a stronger North American footprint, utilizing automation and other new technologies. Going forward, the automotive industry may have to focus on building flexible and resilient supply chains that allow manufacturers to rapidly reorient and respond to disruptions. Risk mitigation, cost, and quality will be key factors moving forward.

With the rise of electric vehicles, new technologies, and tougher fuel standards, the demand for plastics in the automotive space is booming. High-performance plastics will be critical as automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seek to reduce the overall weight of vehicles to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. In the Automotive Supply Chain, a rising preference for high-performance plastics as a substitute for conventional metals is expected to fuel market growth. Attention to improved ergonomics, interior finishes, convenience features, smart technology, driver assist, minimal vibration, and reduced cabin noise are all target areas for OEMs wanting to appeal to discerning consumers. Molded, high-performance plastic parts play a critical role in achieving these goals.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


The Automotive Supply Chain for manufacturing cars, trucks, and other vehicles is one of the most complex and demanding in the world. Automotive parts suppliers have consistently needed to adapt to changes in the automotive manufacturing landscape. While COVID-19 has disrupted the automotive supply chain, it has created new opportunities to establish a stronger North American footprint, utilizing automation and other new technologies. Going forward, the automotive industry may have to focus on building flexible and resilient supply chains that allow manufacturers to rapidly reorient and respond to disruptions. Risk mitigation, cost, and quality will be key factors moving forward. In the metals segment of the Automotive Supply Chain parts are becoming more complex, accuracy requirements are becoming stricter, and visibility and efficiency have never been more important.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


Equipment manufacturers eager to capture more of the lifetime revenue stream generated by their machinery sales know that quality product support is one of the most important after-market success drivers. Product support also represents a major share of equipment dealer personnel investment and revenue.

Field service and product support executives need to look no further than the valuable data their machines are producing for the key to unlocking growth in the after-market. Indeed, access to troves of machine performance, diagnostic and maintenance data hold great promise for positively impacting customer service experiences through a more proactive, preventive approach to product support. But having the data is only the start. Sophisticated machine telematics technology and the data it produces often stand in stark contrast to the largely manual, paper-based means of delivering and tracking field service for many construction equipment manufacturers and dealers.

So what is standing in the way of forward-looking construction equipment firms seeking to translate machine data into field service automation? There are many commonplace problems we hear from manufacturers, each presenting unique challenges. Each of the following common problems we encounter also includes a practical planning consideration.

 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers. 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, or 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.


In the face of growing competition and a challenging business climate, many job shops and manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve the bottom line. Implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a proven solution for running a business efficiently and effectively. Yet, a large percentage of manufacturers have held back from implementing an ERP system due to high initial costs, long implementation times, and competing demands for time and resources.

This paper describes how the Software as a Service (SaaS) model (more commonly known as ‘the cloud’) delivers financial, implementation, and operational benefits to job shops and manufacturers. It also details cloud deployed Epicor ERP meets the needs of job shops and manufacturers. Job shops and manufacturers can leverage Epicor ERP—and cloud technology to ‘punch above their weight—increasing effectiveness.

 

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, or 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.


Over the last few years, Software as a Service (SaaS) has become a compelling and credible delivery model for business applications. SaaS also referred to as “On-Demand” or “Cloud Computing”, eliminates many of the barriers that keep companies from implementing or upgrading their software, and can help you reduce costs. More importantly, it enables you to focus on your core business operations instead of managing IT. So Cloud-based ERP may be right for your business, but where do you start? This white paper contains 10 questions to ask when considering a Cloud-based ERP solution.

 

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, or 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.


In the face of growing competition and a challenging business climate, many job shops and manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce costs, streamline operations, and improve the bottom line. Implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a proven solution for running a business efficiently and effectively. Yet, a large percentage of job shops and manufacturers have held back from implementing an ERP system due to high initial costs, long implementation times, and competing demands for time and resources.

This paper describes how cloud-deployed (sometimes referred to as software as a service, or SaaS ERP) delivers financial, implementation, and operational benefits to job shops and manufacturers. It also describes how cloud-deployed Epicor ERP—a comprehensive ERP system—meets the needs of job shops and manufacturers. With Epicor ERP, job shops and small manufacturers now have the opportunity to implement an ERP solution that can help transform their operations and their business.

 

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, or 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.