When it comes time to seek out Epicor ERP consultants for your next project, you’ll want to partner with certified Epicor consultants that have a long history of successful implementations and quantifiable results. You can find a list of the most distinguished Epicor consultants on the Epicor Partners page, here.

Encompass Solutions Epicor consultants have been a staple feature on this list for years. If you’re ready to bring on an Epicor consultant for full-scale implementation, renovation of existing systems, or other process improvements, we are here to help. While we may be headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, we aren’t just North Carolina ERP consultants. We have resources all over the US and in many locations abroad. If you’re more interested in a demo or are evaluating new technologies and processes for your unique business needs, we’d love the opportunity to show you what we can do. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Benefits of Hiring Epicor Consultants

Your resources are limited. whether you need a complete business system installed and customized for your needs or need routine maintenance, if you lack the capital or in-house talent to take on the project, an Epicor consultant may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

In-house resources lack the expertise. Let’s say have open tasks in Epicor maintenance. You know what needs to get done and you have the capital to invest in the project, but your team doesn’t have the experience in implementation, upgrades, or custom coding you require. This is where a consultant can step in and guide your team to success and then train your staff to the level of operation your business requires.

Learning from the best practices.  There are potentially several ways to achieve your goals in Epicor. However, not every approach to a problem leads to a solution, you may take care of one need and end up causing issues elsewhere in the system. knowing the ins and outs of the Epicor system is where we excel. Our Epicor consultant team has been implementing Epicor best practices for decades in an array of environments. What’s more important is that we’ve seen the consequences when shortcuts are taken. Use our expertise so that you don’t have to learn the hard lessons of what happens when best practices and sound advice are not followed.

Protecting your technology investment. Protecting your technology investment and service satisfaction is our number one goal. Using a non-certified consultant could result in costly modifications that are not supported and jeopardize your ability to upgrade in the future. That is why you should only allow trained Epicor employees or authorized partners to perform Epicor application work.

What Can Encompass Solutions Epicor Consultants Do For You?

Simply put, the Epicor consultants at Encompass Solutions can do just about anything you need when it comes to the Epicor environment. We have experience in full-scale implementations, renovations or upgrades of existing systems, customizations for unique business needs, and even functional and technical IT support if you lack the in-house resources and dedicated staff.

As an Epicor Preferred Partner and Value-added Reseller, Our certified Epicor consultants:

  • Have completed the Epicor Certification Program for the highest level of product knowledge
  • Invest in their customers’ success with Epicor solutions
  • Are fully trained on the most recent product releases
  • Have direct relationships with Epicor product development, services, and support staff
  • Are informed about the latest product roadmaps, promotions, and incentives
  • Adhere to regulations set by Epicor for the protection of your business

Everyone on our Epicor consultant team, from analysts and developers to engineers and sales staff has extensive knowledge of the Epicor framework. We leverage the flexibility and power of the Epicor framework to deliver the right solutions to our customers, at the right time and the right price.  We routinely leverage Epicor’s capabilities to integrate the ERP system with specialized third-party applications or to customize dashboards, reports, and other functions to fit your business processes.

What Is Our Consulting Process?

Our consulting process begins the same in each case, we commit to a deep-dive discovery to identify where your operations are excelling and where they are costing you precious resources. Based on our findings, we’ll complete a thorough business process review (BPR) and deliver the report to you in clear language. The document will outline our findings, our suggestions, and the general cost of those tools and services will be. We proceed with demonstrations of the software in action and address the exact use cases that fit your business needs in detail. Our solution engineers will come in to draw out a plan of action, giving your team a clear direction that will lead to clear results. You can learn more about our approach to consulting and the Epicor signature methodology here.

The Encompass approach doesn’t stop once the plan is in place, when the work is underway, or even after implementation. We are with you every step of the way to ensure your project is a success from discovery to Go-Live and beyond.

Encompass Solutions Epicor Consultants’ Experience

Over 200 cumulative years of Epicor consulting experience going back to Epicor Vantage 4.41.

In-depth and proven experience with:

  • Epicor ERP
  • Epicor Cloud ERP
  • Epicor 10, 9, and Vantage.

Experience with the following vertical markets:

  • Aerospace & Aviation
  • Automotive
  • Electrical
  • Energy
  • Fabricated Metals
  • Fastener Distributors
  • Furniture & Fixtures
  • Medical Devices and Components
  • Medical Distribution
  • Music and Entertainment
  • HVAC Wholesalers
  • Packaging Distributors
  • Paper Distributors
  • Rubber & plastics

Epicor Certifications

  • Certified Epicor Consultant Level I
  • Certified Epicor Consultant Level II
  • Certified Epicor Consultant Level III

Our Epicor Consultants’ Services

Key Areas Of Encompass Certified Epicor Consultant’s Expertise

Epicor Production Methodology

  • Make to Order
  • Make to Stock
  • Engineer to Order
  • Distribution

Epicor Tools

  • Service Connect
  • Configurator
  • Jitterbit
  • Business Process Management (BPM)
  • Business Activity Queries (BAQ)
  • Business Activity Management (BAM)

Epicor Areas of Customization

  • Personalization
  • Dashboards
  • SDK – Software Development Kit
  • Crystal Reports
  • User Interface Customization
  • Third-party Application Integration

Cloud Deployment Advice

  • Epicor public cloud
  • Epicor Private Cloud
  • Epicor Hybrid cloud
  • Customization uplift advice for cloud compliance

Functional Areas of Epicor

  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
  • Quote management
  • Order Management
  • Job Management
  • MRP
  • Material Movement
  • Lot Tracking & Serialization
  • Costing
  • Production Planning
  • Production Scheduling
  • Purchasing
  • Receiving
  • Shipping
  • General Ledger
  • AR – Accounts Receivable
  • AP – Accounts Payable
  • Financial Reporting
  • CRM
  • Barcoding

Upgrade Services

  • Deployment options – cloud, data center, on-premise
  • Fixed price, 3 pass conversions for testing, piloting, and go-live
  • Straightforward upgrade methodology
  • Vantage 8, Epicor 9, and Epicor 10 to the latest version of Epicor
  • Continuous upgrade service available

About Encompass Solutions

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


Gartner recently published its brand new, cloud-focused 2018 Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Midsize Enterprises where Epicor is positioned as a Visionary player based on the evaluation of our Epicor ERP offering. You’ll find the News Release about this great acknowledgement by Gartner and here is a direct link to the News Release.

Epicor In Gartner 2018 Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP

Cloud ERP offers customers improvements in responsiveness, agility, and costs to help businesses digitally transform and get fit for growth Epicor Software Corporation, a global provider of industry-specific enterprise software to promote business growth, today announced it has been positioned in the Visionaries quadrant of the first ”Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Midsize Enterprises” by Gartner Inc1. The position is based on a full evaluation of the global enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Epicor ERP. The Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP focuses on ERP systems that are offered in a cloud services application deployment. It covers midsize enterprises across all geographies with annual revenue between approximately $50 million and $1 billion USD. The full report is available to access from the Epicor website.

“Our mission is to be the cloud vendor of choice in the markets we serve. We believe being positioned
as a visionary in the cloud ERP quadrant validates our strategy. We feel that customers trust us to
deliver solutions that helps them grow in an Industry 4.0 world,” said Steve Murphy, Chief Executive
Officer for Epicor Software. “The strength of Epicor solutions lies in our unique ability to deliver
industry-specific functionality and cloud technology that fit our customers’ distinctive ways of working.
With a deep understanding of the industries we serve, our solutions promote growth while easing
complexity. The result is powerful solutions that do exactly what our customers need and free their
resources so they can profitably grow their businesses. Just log in, and everything from daily sales reports to
product locations was right there for review. It’s the easiest system I ever used.”

Michael Schmitz, Chief Financial Officer, Epicor Software Corp.

1 Report: Magic Quadrant for Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Midsize Enterprises. By Gartner Inc. Analysts: Mike Guay, John
Van Decker, Christian Hestermann, Nigel Montgomery, Duy Nguyen, Denis Torii, Paul Saunders, Paul Schenck, Tim Faith.
Published 31 October 2018.

Gartner Magic Quadrant for Epicor Cloud ERP

In addition to industry-specific capabilities that drive improvements in responsiveness, agility, and costs, the cloud is helping businesses digitally transform and focus on growth. As businesses shift away from traditional on-premises systems to cloud-based ERP they are taking advantage of new capabilities to improve their business and optimize processes. What’s more, it’s enabling teams to access real-time information from across the business and use that data to make better business decisions.

About the Gartner Magic Quadrant

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other
designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Epicor Software Corporation

Epicor Software Corporation drives business growth. We provide flexible, industry-specific software designed to fit the precise needs of our manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service industry
customers. More than 45 years of experience with our customers’ unique business processes and operational requirements are built into every solution―in the cloud or on premises. With this deep understanding of your industry, Epicor solutions dramatically improve performance and profitability while easing complexity.

About Encompass Solutions

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


Epicor Altec Update

Based on the communication regarding Altec support policy from December of 2017, you may be aware that we intended to discontinue the support of Altec for the ERP version 10.1.600 and above from November, 1st, 2018. If you have already migrated or signed an Altec migration order form with your Epicor account manager to migrate your solution from Altec to Epicor advance printing (APR) or to APR with DocStar solution, we greatly appreciate that, However, if you are on ERP version 10.1.600 or above and if you have not had a chance to discuss with your Epicor account manager and sign an Altec migration order form yet, we are pleased to inform you that we are extending the Altec support deadline for ERP versions 10.1.600 and above till October, 31st, 2019 to enable you to have some extra time to plan for the Altec migration. In case you did not see the communication from December of 2017, please see the details of the Altec migration program below. For more information on how this extension of Altec support affects your business, contact the experts at Encompass Solutions.

Altec Document Management And Epicor ERP

In January 2017, Epicor acquired DocStar, a leading enterprise content management (ECM) provider. Founded in 1996, DocStar provides collaborative ECM with automated Accounts Payable (AP) solutions to streamline business processes for organizations of any size. DocStar solutions are available either on-premises or as a cloud hosted service in the SaaS (software as a service) model.

DocStar customers gain control over documents, improve retention and increase efficiency with the ability to capture, store and manage any document, from any location, on any device. DocStar’s experience in providing powerful integrations with various ERP solutions, accounting systems or other lines of business applications gives companies an even better return on investment. Deeper business insights empower users to make smart decisions that positively impact the bottom line.

We are encouraging Epicor ERP customers on releases 10.1.600 or 10.2.x, or moving to 10.1.600 or 10.2.x that are also using Altec to migrate to DocStar for a number of reasons:

The DocStar solution is more comprehensive, providing an all browser-based UI, easy-to-use user experience, well-integrated single platform for capturing, storing, retrieving and collaborating with search engine-like document searching, viewing/annotation, scanning, intelligent data capture, version control, security and retention management along with a drag and drop graphical workflow and electronic form designers.

Why DocStar Over Altec For Epicor ERP

  • Now that DocStar is part of Epicor, there will continue to be coordinated development and innovation with respect to future Epicor ERP releases for tighter integration between the solutions.
  • With DocStar, customers now have the choice between a cloud or on-premises deployment with the same functionality.
  • A tighter integration between ERP and ECM solutions is key for a seamless user experience. DocStar and Epicor ERP 10.1.600/10.2.x (and all subsequent versions of Epicor ERP) are tightly integrated for document attachment management functionality (Epicor APR and Epicor APR with DocStar to store/retrieve documents from Epicor ERP). DocStar AP automation processes invoice through the DocStar workflow to validate and match against Epicor ERP 10.1.600/10.2.x data in real time and raise exceptions when needed before automatically creating invoice records in ERP 10.1.600/10.2.x. Using DocStar workflows, electronic forms, and scanning, various other processes within your organization can be streamlined and automated to continue to expand the usage of the DocStar solution suite.
  • DocStar is Epicor’s only go-forward integrated ECM and AP automation suite for Epicor ERP.

Altec To DocStar Migration FAQ

DocStar, Altec, And APM Document Management In Epicor ERP

About Encompass Solutions

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


Epicor ERP 10.2.300 is now live and generally available to users. Epicor Software Corporation officially announced the release of their latest version of Epicor ERP (10.2.300) earlier this month. It was released to the public last week.

Announced at Epicor Insights earlier this year, the new capabilities provided in 10.2.300 deliver a better employee experience, improves package control, manages electronic (ACH) transactions in finance and leverage the power and agility of the Microsoft Azure platform to enhance the brands ERP cloud offerings. The Epicor Dealer Network Portal has also been released alongside Epicor ERP 10.2.300.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Features

When it comes to overall functionality, Epicor ERP version 10.2.300 brings a lot to the table in terms of capabilities found in the preceding releases of version 10.2. In its latest release, Epicor continues to build on its cloud-first architecture, provides new capabilities for users, strengthens its impact on business objectives, further develops ease of use and overall user experience, and improves visibility with relevant data insights. Leveraging the improved user experience, global capabilities, analytics, deep industry focus, performance and quality, more than 450 companies and 9000 users are utilizing the Epicor ERP 10.2.300 release in the cloud.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Kinetic UX Design And Framework

When it comes to usability and simplicity, Epicor ERP 10.2.300 extends across platforms and devices to drive growth and cultivate positive digital experiences. The workforce of today has come to expect device agnostic access coupled with intuitive interfaces. Epicor ERP 10.2.300 delivers on expectations with the best-in-class UX design and framework provided by Kinetic. Bringing a modern look and feel to the forefront, Kinetic goes further by improving system usability and performance.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Business Intelligence And Analytics

Data visibility and analysis tools continue to draw significant investment from Epicor and, in the ERP 10.2.300 release, Epicor Data Discovery (EDD) brings even more advantages. Leveraging the data you need to make analyses for timely and accurate decisions has never been easier. Enhanced with new dashboards and an advanced version, EDD can be used to provide a standalone security mechanism across multiple solutions—with or without ERP.

Sales and Material Management benefit greatly from empowered Epicor Data Analytics views, as well. A new content pack, making it easier to align financial and operational data, has been released for Financial Statements, too.

Simpler is better When it comes to SRSS reporting and a new SSRS Report Design application delivers enhanced design, preview, and publishing capabilities.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Dealer Network Portal

When it comes to Epicor users’ selling of products and services, a digital experience geared towards dealers is as important as the one provided to their own customers. Attract new levels of loyalty from dealers when leveraging the Epicor Dealer Network Portal, a component of Epicor Commerce Connect. The new Portal includes:

  • The Ability to leverage the Epicor Web Configurator
  • A focus on a dealer-centric experience
  • A dealer-dedicated channel through which to drive growth

“According to Forrester, direct-to-consumer (D2C) commerce is not a new approach to retail, but there is renewed interest for it among branded manufacturers. Epicor can help manufacturers transform the dealer experience through a modern eCommerce interface that dramatically elevates their brands to accelerate business growth. Dealer Network Portal works seamlessly with Epicor ERP and eliminates the cost of manual interactions and duplicate data entry, reducing errors, and overall operational costs.”

Scott Hays, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing, Epicor Software.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Package Control Identification (PCID)

The platform’s Package Control Identification (PCID) component received a significant expansion resulting from Epicor’s investment. PCID is an essential component of ERP for any manufacturer with a requirement for superior traceability, such as medical devices and aerospace and defense. Those manufacturers intent on grouping products together and managing their location and path through the enterprise. This release signifies the largest investment in traceability of Epicor ERP in years.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Field Service Automation (FSA)

Introduced with the initial release of version 10.2, Field Service Automation continues to make great advancements with four new integrations in:

  • Material Requests
  • Returned Material Goods
  • Expense Reporting
  • The Expansion Of Bi-Directional Contract Management

Additionally, enhancements for ease of use and to support international requirements across the product for both FSA Office and Field Mobile users including added functionality for call center, surveys and mobile pricing.

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Global Business Management

The release of Epicor ERP 10.2.300 continues to expand with 20 countries that have been enhanced to stay current with recent updates.

The US and Canada received a major feature update to support wider use of electronic payments through ACH. Further expansion regarding the capabilities of ACH include direct deposits for payroll and automatic withdrawals from customer accounts.

US-based business’ FIPS 140-2 encryption and compliance requirements for U.S. customers is been introduced for companies with ITAR compliance requirements. For international customers, release enhancements include:

  • Automatic matching of AP & AR payments
  • Lower of cost or net realizable value (LCNRV) reporting

Epicor ERP 10.2.300 Cloud And MS Azure

The partnership between Epicor and Microsoft continues to make expand with the Microsoft Azure platform. Epicor 10.2.300 further leverages a range of Azure technologies that include Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to deliver ready-to-use, tailored-to-fit productivity and innovation solutions for midmarket manufacturers and distributors. Regardless of whether Epicor users’ deployment is in the cloud or not, the benefits of the partnership can be readily seen with the release of Epicor ERP 10.2.300. The capabilities of Azure include:

  • Epicor Cloud Upgrade Services is using cloud resources to move Vantage/Vista, Epicor ERP 9, and 10.0 customers to the latest release.
  • In-app messaging is now available to message to cloud users, bringing greater clarity around use of Epicor ERP in the cloud.
  • Online help and education are available to all users in the cloud, simplifying the installation and ongoing management of Epicor ERP for all customers.
  • Azure AD Authentication is used for single sign on (SSO) capabilities for both cloud users and Mobile CRM users.

Epicor ERP 10.3.300 Epicor University

New learning tools, content, and training tools are now available through Epicor University (EU). Users can leverage these new and exciting features to further achieve business goals. Beyond offering comprehensive training options The latest release can be more readily aligned with the different learning styles and needs of employees.

The Epicor ERP 10.3.300 release offers 75+ Upgrade Essentials courses that have been carefully designed to train users on the new functionality available to them. all users on maintenance and support have these courses available to them. Epicor’s Knowledge on Demand (KoD) service has been built directly into Epicor ERP 10.2.300, which includes several new short videos to help solve problems quicker and better understand the new functionality that can be used to great advantage. Ge the answers you need quickly and get back on task with simple search a function in the video library. Alternatively, you can access KoD video content through the Epicor ERP product directly. The Video Help icon on the program toolbar will assist in connecting you with the appropriate video content for your needs.

About Encompass Solutions

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

 


Epicor Tax Connect Certificates need to be updated in order for Epicor Tax Connect to function properly. If you have found your Tax Connect services impacted, please reach out to Encompass Solutions support staff for help in implementing the latest certificates at:

Email: support@oldencompass.sevenagesdesign.com

Phone: +1-336-617-4556

Chat: Support at the bottom right of your screen

For more information, please read the statement from Epicor below.

Epicor Tax Connect Certificates Announcement

ERP 9.XX.XXX, Vantage 8.XX.XXX or Vista 8.XX.XXX customers are asked to read and act on the applicable Tax Connect certification documents before October 15, 2018.  Customers who do not successfully install the new certificates by October 15, 2018, are advised that Epicor Tax Connect will cease to operate on this date.

The .zip file, which contains the new Tax Connect certificates for the respective customer environment, may be downloaded from the Epicor FTP site below using EpicWeb login credentials (as opposed to EpicCare login credentials):

Important Things to Note

  • The ERP system administrator or IT resource will need to review the attached Tax Connect certificate install guides to determine which set of install instructions to use and which Tax Connect Certificates.zip file to obtain and use for the respective Epicor, Vantage or Vista environment.
  • Although the Tax Connect Certificate .zip files are posted to the Vantage folder of the FTP site, it is also the correct FTP site folder to download from for those who have Epicor 9.XX.XXX or Vista 8.XX.XXX.
  • The ERP 9 Tax Connect New SSL Certificates Oct 2018.zip file, for Epicor ERP 9 only, is a small file size and will download quickly. This file can also be sent to an email account which accepts .zip file attachments. Some customers’ business email servers are configured to quarantine email messages received with .zip file attachments. If this applies to the customer’s company, the file can be sent to a personal email address such as gmail.com, for example. The file can also be attached to EpicCare support cases.
  • The Tax Connect New SSL Certificates Oct 2018 OE101B.zip file, for Vantage 8.03.XXX and for Vista 8.03.XXX only, is a large file size of approximately 100MB. It will take an extended period of time to download from the FTP site with total download time required dependent on the speed of the customer’s internet connection. This file is too large to be emailed to customers or to be attached to EpicCare support cases.

If you do not feel comfortable applying the new Tax Connect certificates to their Epicor 9, Vantage 8 or Vista 8 system using the install instructions provided in the available documents, are asked to open a new support case on the EpicCare Customer Portal, select the Asset/Module of Tax Connect, and refer to either Tax Connect or Avalara in the Short Description (summary line) of the case so it will be assigned to the correct Support team (Third Party Products – Financial) without delay. Although Epicor will not install the new certificates for customers, we can provide additional guidance for customers who have obtained the applicable .zip file for their environments.

When opening a new support case with Epicor’s Tax Connect Support team to request Tax Connect certificate installation assistance, customers are asked to provide the following information for their respective company:

  • Your company’s account number (a 5-digit number we formerly referred to as site ID) or company name.
  • The name, phone number, and email address of the IT contact at the respective site whom we may contact to provide guidance.
  • Your company’s version of Epicor ERP, Vantage or Vista, which can be confirmed by logging into the application, opening any screen, and then clicking Help > About.

NoteIf your company uses Epicor ERP version 10.X, the company is all set and does not need to take any action.

  • Your company’s Progress Open Edge version which is used with Epicor ERP, Vantage or Vista.

For additional assistance in the certification process, you can contact your Encompass Solutions CAM directly or Encompass Solutions support via the link below, by phone (336-617-4556), and by live chat.

About Encompass Solutions

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


Kaufman Container has enjoyed substantial returns on its investment in Epicor ERP software thanks to skilled consulting, implementation, and training services provided by Encompass Solutions, Inc. and Epicor Software Corp.

The Project

Kaufman had been running several non-integrated systems before the implementation of Epicor ERP. During that time, these non-integrated platforms led to colleagues having to do each other’s jobs. One example included a lack of confidence in the inventory on hand. with no trust in the system data, users had to manually confirm inventory availability.

The Epicor implementation effort was owned by Kaufman IT Director Larry Keilin. “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 stands out, and our customer service department loves the way they can take an old order, copy it, and create a new one-it’s a huge time saver for them.”

The Details

  • 70 Concurrent Office Users
  • 15 Concurrent Data Collection Users
  • 8 Database Users
  • On-Premise Deployment

The Challenge

Challenges for this project are both substantial and essential to overcome if Kaufman were to make the most of its new ERP system. First, overcoming the lack of visibility for purchasing decisions, which up until this point had been made using days’ worth of research and inventory management via Microsoft® Excel® worksheets, would be essential.

Second, The lack of real-time transaction data gave little insight into how Kaufman was performing at any given point in time. Finally, the organization’s multiple costing methodologies provided inconsistent gross margin calculations.

The Goals

Kaufman Container implemented its Epicor ERP solution with the primary goals of:

  • Better tracking of sales and gross margin data to salespersons and customers.
  • Improve inventory management.
  • Integrate production management.
  • Growing revenue and profitability.

The Results

Encompass Solutions was contracted by Kaufman to perform an end-to-end business process review (BPR) which was critical in helping to determine the optimal business processes to follow. This would yield the maximum benefit from the newly implemented Epicor ERP product. The BRP was completed in just one week and helped outline areas for improvement as well as recommendations for systems and process improvement moving forward into implementation. 

Every business area was taken into account during the assessment and recommendations for changes in engineering, production, inventory, purchasing, costing, and accounting departments were presented. In particular, a go-forward path that included additional modules to offer a substantial benefit to production and inventory management was provided by Encompass

When asked how he felt we performed in our assessment, Keilin offered, “Encompass has done a great job at assessing the situation, with BPR guidance to systematically attack and resolve pain points following the implementation.”

Improvements included:

  • High return on investment that saw overhead costs cut by 30%.
  • System usability improved significantly as a result of easy-to-use dashboards and report generation.
  • Business Process Management (BPM) provided users the ability to set conditions and actions that added functionality to the system, tailoring screens and processes as needed.
  • Reorganization of sites, warehouses, and bins enabled quick and easy product location for issuing to jobs or shipping.
  • Parts purchasing was made easier with the visibility of time phase reporting.
  • The consistent average cost across all product lines.

Full Kaufman Container Case Study

About Kaufman Container

For the past 100 years, Kaufman Container has been a leader in the North American market in providing quality and innovative packaging components and value-added services. From our beginning, our focus has always been on giving our customers exactly what they are looking for. Kaufman Container continues to be your “One Stop Shop” for all your packaging needs.

an image of the case study kaufman container corporate headquarters

Today, Kaufman Container continues to be a privately-held, family-owned business that operates two key facilities in the Midwest. The business offers a wide variety of products and services, warehousing, quality and technical support, logistics assistance, and an in-house decorating facility.

About Encompass Solutions

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


In the era of Industry 4.0, automation has been one of the most effective apparatuses driving efficiency for manufacturers. Leveraging automation in manufacturing alongside advanced technologies, like robotics and robotic process automation through ERP software, is enabling even greater gains in productivity to be made each day.

Want to learn more about process automation for your manufacturing business? Contact Encompass to see how we can improve your performance and profitability today.

 

Modern Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing’s goals can be summarized as an attempt to achieve sustained growth and earnings through building customer loyalty, creating high-value products, and weathering disruption in very dynamic global markets. These are not easy components to juggle all at once. That’s why a basic understanding of the most impactful and accessible aspects of automation currently in use is so important.

Industry 1.0 to Industry 4.0

To talk about automation and modern manufacturing. It’s important to understand how the concepts and practical applications of automation have evolved.

Industry 1.0 introduced mechanization. Also known as the first industrial revolution, Industry 1.0 consisted of water-, steam-, and fossil fuel-powered systems that replaced animal power with machine power.

Industry 2.0 introduced mass production. The second Industrial revolution saw the arrival of Aviation, Radio, and Assembly-line manufacturing, with electricity powering it all.

Industry 3.0 introduced digitization. Industry 3.0 was a massive accomplishment in how productivity was achieved. This was due largely to the invention and adoption of such technologies as computers, the internet, and Information Technology. These tools provided the framework required for modern automation, mass production, and robotics.

Industry 4.0, where we are now, features cyber-physical systems (CPS) in the manufacturing environment. These systems consist of machines, their computer-controlled protocols, and their users working together in unison.

a conceptual graphic representing industry 4.0

Keep in mind that Industry 5.0 is not far off and modern manufacturers can expect exciting new technologies and process improvements to emerge in the coming years.

Connectivity With The IoT And IIoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of connected devices that communicate data to a central system that makes sense of it all.

This network consists of an enterprise’s connected edge devices, terminals, and input/output points. The data captured through this network provides an understanding of what is successful and what is not in terms of operations and processes.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) puts a focus on this interconnectivity and data provided by the terminals, sensors, and other systems on the factory floor.

These data-fueled factories become “intelligent” environments, which are capable of informing enterprises from the top down. They provide visibility regarding the efficiency of factory processes and performance both in real-time and over time.  In short, the data enables manufacturers to refine and improve operations with relevant and up-to-date data.

Types of Automation In Manufacturing Operations

Automation can be thought of as the mechanization of processes in such a way that procedures can be followed and products can be created without human involvement.

There are several types of automation used on the factory floor. The type of automation utilized by a manufacturing operation will be implemented considering the products being produced, the machines required, and the resources available.

In the case of industrial automation, control systems, like computers or robots, and information technologies are utilized to handle different processes and pieces of machinery to complete a task. It can be applied most readily to data collection, data processing, and performing predictable physical work. This includes tasks like welding, soldering, painting, food prep, and packaging.

Fixed (Hard) Automation

In this example, the application is usually simple and will involve a process or assembly that is dictated by programmed commands. It is relatively difficult to accommodate changes in the product design in a fixed automation process, which is set up with one purpose or process per application in mind.

an image of fixed (hard) automation in manufacturing on the factory floor

Examples include:

  • Mechanized assembly
  • Machining transfer lines
  • Automated material handling

Advantages:

  • High production rates
  • Low unit cost

Disadvantages:

  • Relatively inflexible in accommodating product variety
  • The high initial investment for custom-engineered equipment
  • High vulnerability to failure
  • Obsolescence

Programmable Automation

Programmable automation is used most often when manufacturing products in batches. It allows for customization and frequent changes throughout the manufacturing process. In this case, the operation is controlled by a program of instructions that are read and interpreted by the system. New programs can be prepared and entered into the hardware to produce new products at any time.

an image of programmable automation in manufacturing on the factory floor

Examples include:

  • Computer Numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools
  • Industrial robots
  • Programmable logic controllers (PLC)

Advantages:

  • Flexible and able to deal with design variations
  • Suitable for batch production

Disadvantages:

  • High investment in general purpose equipment
  • Lower production rate than fixed automation

Flexible (Soft) Automation

Utilizing multiple tools that are linked by a material handling system, A flexible automation system is capable of producing a variety of parts with virtually no time lost for changeovers from any one part style to the next. The same is true when reprogramming the system or altering the physical setup.

an image of flexible (soft) automation in manufacturing on the factory floor

Examples Include:

Robot arms that can be programmed to assume multiple tasks, such as insert screws, drill holes, sand, weld, insert rivets, and spray paint objects on an assembly line.

Advantages:

  • Continuous production of variable mixtures of products
  • Flexible to deal with product design variation
  • Offers Medium production rate

Disadvantages:

  • Requires a High amount of investment
  • High unit cost relative to fixed automation

Totally Integrated Automation (TIA)

More of a philosophy pioneered by Siemens Automation and Drives, TIA includes three core concepts:

  • A common software environment
  • A common data management system
  • A common communication method

TIA implementation is ideal for many industries, including:

  • Automotive
  • General machine construction
  • Special-purpose machine manufacturing
  • Standard mechanical equipment manufacture, OEMs
  • Plastics processing
  • The packaging industry
  • Food, beverages, and tobacco industries

Defining Characteristics:

  • Facilitates shorter time-to-market
  • Higher productivity
  • Lower life-cycle costs
  • Reduced complexity
  • Greater security of investment

Preventative Maintenance (PM) Versus Predictive Maintenance (PdM)

In Preventive Maintenance, tasks are completed when the machines are shut down. Predictive Maintenance activities are carried out as the machines are running in their normal production modes. Both are essential in saving manufacturers money and maintaining production quality. More recently, special focus has been placed on Predictive Maintenance. Qualities like real-time condition monitoring allow longer periods of operation between preventative maintenance tasks, resulting in less downtime for essential machinery.

Mobile Control Of Automation in Manufacturing

Mobility is the future of your workforce.

This is visible in the increased interconnectivity between applications and hardware we use in our daily lives. Mobile control is flexible, intuitive, and powerful. The concept has taken a prominent focus within manufacturing and a call for new industry-wide standards to be adopted has come from automation research and engineering professionals all over the world.

Mobile apps are already being relied on as fast and user-friendly means of accessing plant information with a tap of the finger or swipe of the hand. Mobile access can save substantially on costs, time, labor, and maintenance. The practice also enables operational problems to be identified and addressed remotely.

The Growing Pains Of Automation In Manufacturing

While it’s true the application of automation upsets work roles and employment demographics within the industries where they are applied, the real pains are felt in the short-term transition process.

“The distinction between work and learning might need to become more amorphous. We currently have a dichotomy where those who work need not learn, and those who learn do not work. We need to think about getting away from the traditional five-day working week to one where I spend 60% of my time doing my job and 40% learning on a regular basis.”

– Bhagwan Chowdhry, professor of finance at the University of California, Los Angeles

In the quote, Bhagwan Chowdhry, a noted professor of finance at the University of California, Los Angeles, explains his reasoning for a shift in thinking when it comes to working and learning.

It’s understood that while robots and automation are being used to scale operations, your workforce and their skillsets need to be scaled alongside to maintain these processes and equipment.

This enables workers to learn about and take ownership of the most technical concepts and roles within a given manufacturing operation.

About Encompass Solutions

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

 

About Encompass Solutions

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


When it comes to factory operations, being reactive only addresses issues after they’ve become problems. If you want to stop issues dead in their tracks before they have an opportunity to snowball into problems, being proactive is the only way to go. Leveraging cutting-edge ERP solutions can give you the insight you need to see hiccups long before they interfere with operations. ERP solutions excel at feeding your trained eyes the data they need to identify anomalies on the fly. Streamline operations and refine your processes with a predictive approach that reduces downtime and boosts your bottom line. Control downtime events, get real-time condition monitoring, and more when leveraging the modern tools available to manufacturers.

Getting Control of Downtime Events

If you’re not leveraging the latest in predictive maintenance practices, you are already behind the pack. Factory floors have flourished with better visibility into how machines perform and more control over downtime events. The latter is an especially significant component of predictive maintenance. Even in the best scenario, poor maintenance practices cost manufacturers significantly in terms of energy, revenue, and component costs. We can’t forget to factor in customer satisfaction, which takes a hit when orders are not delivered on time.

By adopting a whether-or-not approach to maintenance, one that uses time and/or operation count to indicate when maintenance is completed, manufacturing ensures that downtime is determined as they say it is.

Condition Monitoring with ERP

Condition monitoring is an approach to equipment upkeep that is simplified by modern technology and maintenance practices. These practices can be carried out periodically, during scheduled downtime events, or continuously, while machines remain in operation. The efforts are effective in combatting sudden downtime events and equipment failures, which can potentially cost manufacturers millions. Not to mention the resulting reduced confidence consumers have in the ability to keep up with demand.

ERP solutions are one tool you can use to capitalize on condition monitoring and control your maintenance cycles. This will bring downtime events to a minimum and maintain your position as a dependable manufacturer. Customizations and integrations like Epicor ERP’s Mattec MES offer real-time insights into machine performance along with a host of other beneficial tools that include, but are not limited to:

  • Real-Time Production Visibility
  • Increased Schedule Adherence
  • Improved Process Efficiency And Quality
  • Labor And Material Forecasting
  • Increased Production Capacity

Increased Safety And Productivity

Everything from vibration, voltage, temperature and other performance indicators feed into sensing tools attached to machines. By utilizing this modern sensing technology in ERP environments, manufacturers can predict maintenance events, rather than react to them. This much you know by now. However, have you thought of the human component and how these practices benefit your workforce day-to-day? These innovative tools have proven their efficacy in reducing the instances of incidents, accidents, and breakdowns significantly, which saves far more money than it costs.

Beyond that, your systems can even be configured to evaluate your materials on hand and make the necessary arrangements to ensure you are not caught between a rock and a hard place.

These intelligent and connected devices assist in setting data points that indicate when a part is reaching end-of-life.  Automated systems can be directed to order replacement parts if none are on-site and schedule the replacement or repair in such a way that minimizes production downtime.

About Encompass Solutions

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


In the last few years, automation has scaled with technological innovation exceptionally well. Manufacturing industries and consumers both are reaping the benefits every day. Hardware, like industrial robots, and enterprise software, like NetSuite and Epicor ERP, are working together more efficiently than ever before to refine processes for manufacturers and deliver high-quality products to consumers. However, while production process efficiencies are making great strides, profitability control doesn’t receive the attention it should be getting. Expenditures and inefficient resource use are two of the most impactful factors for a business to consider.

Manufacturing Profitability Control

According to Federal Reserve data, Manufacturing in the US has risen for the second consecutive month. Factory production of machinery, vehicles, computers, and electronics all signaled a healthy ecosystem going into the second half of 2018. Some industrial production highlights include an increase in factory output of 0.3% and a total industrial production increase of 0.1%. Factory production was 2.8% higher than the same time last year, as well.

Production has increased because of investment, innovation, and the incorporation of new technologies into operations. While modern tools have been leveraged to improve manufacturing productivity, maintenance practices, safety, and worker wellness are feeling the pressure that comes with the demand for increased throughput. Efforts to improve real-time monitoring, control, and maintenance improve safety and equipment reliability. This helps to take a lot off the plate of factory technicians and operators who bear the stress of stakeholders’ demands.

While automation, equipment, and personnel inch closer to harmony every day, efforts in profitability control can be expanded significantly.

Manufacturing Change Management

Dr. Peter Martin, Vice President and Edison fellow at Schneider Electric, uses the relationship between manufacturers and utility providers as an apt example to illustrate the speed at which change has been adopted directly into operations but forgotten in other areas of the manufacturing process. It is in these areas and relationships that further profitability can be explored.

“Some 20 years ago, you’d negotiate an agreement with your electrical utility supplier to fix the price for, say, a year in advance. Today, with open power grids, the price might change every five to twenty minutes. The cost of other inputs such as natural gas and raw materials can vary just as quickly,” he states. “This variation is equally evident at the consumer end. Thanks to Google and Amazon, the price of a product can change between morning and evening.”

Following a thorough round of interviews with more than 1,000 executives, Dr. Martin and his team agree the pain is being felt across the manufacturing landscape and changes can be made to combat the problem, stating, “We realized that by using sensors in a plant we could model real-time accounting at each cost and value point in the process, and these measurements would allow us to provide profitability control, pulled together with efficiency, safety, and reliability.”

Manufacturing Visibility

In another example of the factors that affect manufacturing operations’ profitability, Dr. Martin explains “Here you have ore and electricity entering the crushing circuit, and ground materials coming out. Three factors affect profitability – energy and material costs at the time consumed, and the value of the final product at the time it is produced,” he adds “You need to calculate these three variables and put them into the control system. The traditional control algorithm will, say, open a valve or manage the speed. But with real-time accounting, an algorithm will calculate the production value at each stage for each particular period and put that value into a historian for storage and future analysis. As a result, you have a day-long list of values at every point where cost is incurred.”

Think of this visibility and data management approach as a stock ticker for the value of a given stock throughout the trading day. Manufacturers already taking advantage of automation on the factory floor or in business processes, with the help of ERP systems, can further supplement their operations with profitability control.

Using these costs and fluctuations throughout the day, managers can more accurately forecast, budget, and negotiate with real-time accounting tools. The focus shifts from a month-to-month approach to analysis that’s long outdated in favor of a second-to-second one. This provides superior control in terms of a manufacturing operation’s profitability and automation efforts already in place.

Profitability Control With ERP

Beyond offering invaluable insight into expenditures of capital and resources, ERP solutions bring a lot to the table.

One of the biggest game changers for discrete manufacturers and process manufacturers is the ability to reduce waste significantly. The waste of time, money, materials, and labor can all be addressed with better visibility of demand and quicker communication. This ensures that the right amount of products are being produced to fill orders and changes are taken into account. Error reduction fits hand-in-hand with unnecessary waste. Identifying process and material issues can reduce the cost of scrap or reworking orders, which controls costs and increases profitability.

Communication throughout the ERP system is fast and efficient, as well. This ensures the right information is on hand and users have access to the information they need. As a result, time wasted in tracking down order details, erroneous data, and miscommunications are less likely to occur. When the entire organization is on the same system and working cooperatively, better productivity is the result. Consistency and reliability ensure higher customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, which further increases profits over time as the business grows.

Improving productivity and controlling costs should be among the highest priorities for a business. With ERP solutions, important delivery in full and on time (DIFOT) metrics inform your organization of delivery performance in a supply chain. It also measures how often your customers get what they want at the time they want it. Stronger performance impacts your bottom line and ERP can help streamline all the processes involved.

About Encompass Solutions

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


There’s never a dull moment when you spend a night out with the Encompass team. Last night, Encompass Solutions’ ERP consultants, business analysts, and IT support professionals had a field trip. We went to Sip and Stroke in Greensboro, NC for a paint night and had an amazing time. There was no shortage of smiles and laughter. However, there were a few furrowed brows during the event. Our ERP consultants, sales staff, and IT support team demand perfection of themselves. That’s why we’re so proud to have them as part of the Encompass family. Every one of them is knowledgeable, dependable, and a joy to be around. Here’s looking forward to the next outing with these awesome individuals that make up Encompass Solutions, inc.

North Carolina ERP Consultants And East Coast Reps Unite

Our North Carolina ERP consultants, North Carolina ERP consultants, Georgia ERP consultants, and New York ERP consultants came together for a great time. Our talented team showcased their artistic sides with precision and impressive detail. Everyone took the time to create a brilliant interpretation of the event’s subject and we’re proud to have several of their works on display here at the Encompass Solutions, Inc Greensboro, NC offices. Our team of ERP professionals never ceases to amaze us and we’re sure you’ll agree that they are never short of surprises when it comes to tackling the challenges our customers face. If you’re in the Piedmont-Triad area of North Carolina, stop in our offices to have a look at the great artwork up close. Our staff is always happy to shake hands and learn more about our customers and the community.

An image of Encompass Solutions, Inc. North Carolina ERP Consultants at Paint Night In Greensboro, NC.

Joe couldn’t help having an educational moment with a bit of help from Google.

An image of Encompass Solutions, Inc. East Coast ERP Consultants at Paint Night In Greensboro, NC.

All of our Rembrandts are hard at work. Except for Dave and Sherri.

An image of Encompass Solutions, Inc. New York ERP Consultants at Paint Night In Greensboro, NC.

Joe has a great sense of design along with first-rate execution.

An image of Encompass Solutions, Inc. North Carolina ERP Consultants at Paint Night In Greensboro, NC.

Even out of the office the Greensboro crew insists on sitting together.

An image of Encompass Solutions, Inc. North Carolina ERP Consultants at Paint Night In Greensboro, NC.

TOP: Dave and Melanie are cool and concentrated, both in color and countenance. BOTTOM: The Sales team and top brass on a level playing field. Everyone is looking to create a masterpiece on canvas.

 

An image of Encompass Solutions, Inc. North Carolina ERP Consultants showing off their work at Paint Night In Greensboro, NC.

Our team shows off their work. Their results are always top-quality, whether for business or pleasure.

About Encompass Solutions

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

1 16 17 18 19 20 26