Updates and Enhancements to Features for 21.1 Major Release

This section discusses the updates and enhancements to existing forms, features, services, or settings that are provided in this release.

New React Web Framework

Task Based Workflow Updates

With the 21.1 release, administrators can configure workflows to automate their process. This forms the foundation for an exception-based workflow. The focus of this initial version is to automate the creation and completion of Workflow Tasks.

The Task-Based Workflow feature, which was introduced in the LO Connect December SP provides a way to configure your tasks and sub-tasks in Encompass LO Connect and manage them more effectively. More information about configuring Task-Based Workflows is available here. You can also get a quick overview of the Task-Based Workflow from the video below.

Task-based Workflow in Encompass LO Connect Overview

The Workflow Rules feature provides for an event driven automation mechanism to automate your processes. See the figure below for a high-level overview of how the automation works. The administrator can define “Workflow Rules” to configure this automation; this can be configured from the Encompass Admin Portal. A guide on configuring the Workflow Rules feature will be available soon.

Figure 1 - Event Driven Automation - High Level Overview

As outlined in figure 1, events and actions are the key building blocks for automation. The figure below shows the events and actions that are available with this initial release.

Figure 2 - Events and Actions Initially Supported

As this feature continues to evolve, additional events and actions will be available to automate more than the creation and completion of tasks. The figure below shows additional events and actions that will be available in future releases.

Figure 3 - Events and Actions That Will Be Available In a Future Release

For more information, see the video below:

How to configure Automated Workflows in LO Connect

ENCW-45267, ENCW-54175

(Updated on 2/11/2021)

The task based workflow workspace is now available for users in Encompass LO Connect. Once the new feature has been configured and enabled by Administrators, users will have access to the new Task Workspace from a loan file in Encompass LO Connect. This configurable workspace provides a one-stop shop to complete tasks. This feature limits the need to navigate between forms, tools, and documents to complete a task. Users work in a tailored workspace for each task that enables the user to perform the task efficiently. The new Workflow Tasks feature enables users to access tasks assigned to them, while tracking the status of the tasks. Multiple users across different roles are able to work on tasks in parallel across milestones. This feature is a change from the milestone-based sequential workflow in Encompass.

When a loan team member works on a task in the task workspace, they can view the task, sub-tasks, and the forms and documents related to the task in one place. As the user completes each sub-task, the system takes the user to the next sub-task and the workspace is refreshed to show what is relevant to the sub-task.

For information on configuring tasks and workspaces for users, see the Working with Task-Based Workflows Setup Guide.or view the Task-based Worflow videos here.

Workflow Tasks

When a user select the Workflow Tasks tool from a loan, the Workflow Tasks page displays. If there are sub-tasks assigned to the tasks, the first sub-task displays. When no sub-tasks are associated with a task, the task details display.

To View the Workflow Tasks Tool:

Open a loan file, and then select Tools from the left navigation menu.
Select Workflow Tasks. The Workflow Tasks tool displays.

Note: The position of the Workflow Tasks option in the Tools list will move to the top of the Tools section after March 6th.

Features

From this tool, users can access a number of features

Ability to view a list of ‘All Tasks’ and ‘My Tasks’ based on the users' persona settings - 'All Tasks' display all of the tasks that the user has access to. 'My Tasks' displays the tasks specifically assigned to the user or the user group that the user belongs to.
Add Task Groups & Tasks via Templates - If the user has access, they can add task groups or standalone tasks to the loan file. Additionally, if the user has been authorized (via their persona settings) to add all tasks, they are able to add any task group or standalone tasks regardless of the configuration defined by the administrator.
- Any task that is set to auto-create within the task group is automatically added when the task group is created.
- Any sub-task that is set to auto-create within the task is automatically added when the task is created.
To Add a Task:
1. From the Workflow Tasks tool, select the Add Task button.
2. On the Add Tasks window, select the arrow next to Task Groups or Standalone Tasks to expand the list of tasks.
3. Select the Arrow next to Task Group or Standalone Task to move it to the Added Tasks section.
4. Select Add.

Task Detail

The task details section provides users with a one-stop view to complete their tasks while viewing the workspace at the same time. Users are able to review the details and status of the tasks. Users can also view the list of sub-tasks as well as the supporting documents and forms associated with the sub-tasks.

To View Task Details:

From the Workflow Tasks page, select a task from the list. Once it is selected, the task details screen displays.

The task details screen provide information about the task. For example, the task name, task description, the status, due date, and more.

When the loan team member comes to this page for the first time, the first open sub-task and its details are displayed. As the user completes each sub-task, the system takes the user to the next sub-task and the workspace is refreshed to show what is relevant to the sub-task.

Sub-tasks provide a checklist of supporting requirements for the task. Sub-tasks are the steps that a user performs to complete a task and should be defined in such a way that the user assigned to the task can complete them.
Selecting a sub-task displays a tailor-made workspace with content configured by the administrator. This enables quick access to documents and forms from the top bar, as well as the content that is displayed on the right pane.
The Sub-Task Filter icon enables users to display a filtered list of sub-tasks as follows: All, Not Started, In Progress, and Completed.
When the sub-task is completed, the user can enter comments and select a pre-defined disposition, or selects the check box in the top right corner of the sub task, to indicate that the sub-task is complete. The dispositions shown are configured by the administrator. Selecting a disposition completes the sub-task. The administrator may require a comment before selecting a disposition.
As you review the sub-task, you can add conditions from within the workspace using the Add conditions button on the top right. This functionality works with the Enhanced Conditions feature. For more information on Enhanced Conditions, refer to the Working with Enhanced Conditions guide.

ENCW-55085

(Added on 2/11/2021)

A new Workflow Tasks Pipeline feature has been added to enable users to quickly identify, sort, and access their tasks from one central location. Users can view all tasks assigned to the user or assigned to a user group that the user belongs to. Only tasks that are not completed display on the Workflow Tasks Pipeline. By default, the Workflow Tasks Pipeline Assigned View page displays tasks in order of priority followed by the created date within that priority.

Note: Access to the Workflow Tasks Pipeline is controlled by a persona setting in Encompass. For more information, see the Personas help topic in the Encompass help.

To Use the Workflow Tasks Pipeline:

After logging into Encompass LO Connect, select the Workflow Tasks tab.
On the Assigned View page, select the Search icon on the column header to filter the list by a search term.
Enter the search criteria, and then press Enter. The pipeline is filtered to show loans that match the search criteria.
To hide the filter options, select the Filters icon.
Tap the column header to sort loans by that column in ascending order. Tap the column again to sort in descending order.
To view or add comments for a task, select the number in the tasks column.
To add a comment, enter the comment in the comment field and then select Add Comment.
To view a task, tap the task in the Workflow Tasks Pipeline. The loan opens and the specific task displays.

Note: This feature will be available after March 6th, 2021.

ENCW-56606

New Encompass LO Connect Forms and Tools

Support for the new URLA forms has been added to the mobile view of Encompass LO Connect. The mobile version of these forms is very similar to the new URLA forms in the Desktop/Tablet view. Due to screen size limitations, some forms are broken up into several pages, but the structure of these pages remains the same as the Desktop/Tablet versions.

Application View

The Application View page displays a series of 17 cards that are available for accessing data entry pages for different sections of the URLA 2020 form. Select a card to navigate to a data entry page.

As a result of this change, users are now brought to the Application View when they view a loan using the new URLA forms. Users can still view the Loan Summary page by selecting the Menu icon, and then selecting Loan Summary.

To Open the Application View Page:

From the Pipeline, select a loan using the new URLA forms.
When the loan opens, the Application View page displays.
To view a form, select a card, such as Borrower Information.
- Some longer forms have been split into smaller forms for ease of use. For example: The Borrower Information form is split into three forms - Borrower Information, Current/Mailing/Previous Address, and Borrower Credit Information. Select one of these to view the related fields.
To select a different page to view, select the Application View link at the top of the page, or select the Blue Arrow at the top-right of the right panel.

Currently, only some of the forms are editable with this first release of the mobile versions. The remaining forms are read only.

Editable	Read Only
Borrower Information	Employment & Income
Credit Information & Ordering	Assets, Other Assets, Gifts, & Grants
Property, Title & Trust Information	Liabilities
Loan Information	Financial Information
Qualifying the Borrower
Declarations
Demographics Information
Military Service & Language Preference
Loan Originator Information
Continuation Information
Homeownership Education & Housing Counseling
Acknowledgments and Agreements
Rate & Registration Information

For more information on the new URLA forms in Encompass LO Connect, see the URLA 2020 Application Forms help topic in the Encompass LO Connect help.

ENCW-46846

A new Home Counseling Providers form has been added to Encompass LO Connect. Users can use the Home Counseling Providers input form to generate the list of home counselors to be included in the initial disclosure package and to indicate when home counseling is required, and if so, which service was used and when home counseling was completed. You can manually add one or more home counseling providers to the form or you can use the Get Agency List button to electronically import a list of Home Counseling providers (provided by US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)).

To Add home Counselors to the Form via the Get Agency List Button:

In the Agency Search Criteria section, enter the search criteria and select the services you want to use for the search.
Select Get Agency List.
A list of providers displays in the Home Counseling Provider List section. Select the check box for each provider that you want to include in the list of counseling agencies.
- By default, the first 10 agencies that display when the users selects Get Agency List are applied to the loan. If there are less than 10 agencies displayed, then all of the listed agencies are applied.
To edit an entry, select the Menu icon next to the entry and then select the Edit icon.
- Make any changes needed on the Add or Edit Agency Information screen, and then select OK.
To delete an entry, select the Menu icon next to the entry and then select the Delete icon.
- On the Delete Home Counseling Provider message, select Yes to delete the provider or No to return to the previous screen.

To Manually Add Home Counselors to the Form:

In the Home Counseling Provider List section in the middle of the form, click the New Agency button
Enter the housing counseling agency’s contact details and then select OK.
To enter additional agencies, repeat steps 1-2.
Select the check box for each provider that you want to indicate as an agency used.

ENCW-51492

Support for the Construction Management forms has been added to Encompass LO Connect. The Construction Management form provides an efficient, centralized location for entering and viewing construction-related loan data and dates, as well as contact information for the construction loan. The linked loan functionality used for linking a construction loan to an existing permanent loan file will come in a future release.

To Access the Construction Management Forms:

From a loan in Encompass LO Connect, select Construction Management from the Forms list in the left navigation menu.
Select Basic Information, Loan Information, or Project Data to view the specific forms that are part of Construction Management.

Basic Information - Use the Basic Info form to enter or view basic borrower information and property information. The Basic Info tab contains basic borrower information and property information. Most of the fields are populated from data entered on other Encompass input forms such as the Borrower Summary – Origination or the 1003 Page 1.

Loan Information - Use the Loan Info form to enter or view basic loan information and construction-specific fields. Many of the fields on this tab are populated based on data entered in other forms, but users may need to complete some of the construction-specific fields. When one of the construction options has been selected for the Purpose of Loan, additional content is populated dynamically below the Additional Details section, based on the option selected. When an option is not selected for the Purpose of Loan, the area below the Additional Details section is blank.

Project Data - Use the Project Data form to track important construction dates and pre-closing requirements, to enter disbursement terms and vendor information, and to identify and enter the name and contact information for the borrower’s designee.

ENCW-46849

Updates to Features and Enhancements

Updates for Administrators

In the Encompass LO Connect 20.2 December Service Pack, the Automated Service Ordering feature was introduced. With this release, the configuration options have changed to provide additional functionality. In the initial release, when multiple automation configurations were enabled for a service category the system would evaluate the order options from the first configuration at the top of the list and then move to the next in the list until a match was made. Now, an option has been added to enable the system to evaluate all configurations and then run any matching configurations automatically. The new service automation rules enable an administrator to define logic to trigger service orders. These service rules are contained inside the automation rule and can be set to execute all orders that meet the criteria, or to execute one order based on the rank of the rule. To accommodate this change, the setup process has been updated.

Note: All active Automated Ordering rules are evaluated in parallel. Only the rules within a specific Automated Ordering rule have the option to be evaluated by either the first match in the list or by all matched rules. All active rules are evaluated when a loan is saved and there is a five minute cool-down between saves before the rules are evaluated again. If a loan is saved during the cool-down period, the five minute cool-down is restarted.

Updates to Services Management:

The Services Management configuration tabs have been updated to provide a separate tab for Automated Ordering configuration. The Order Options tab has been renamed to Interactive Ordering and contains the setup options for One-Click and Manual ordering configurations. The automated ordering options are only available for the Underwriting and Flood categories at this tie. The new directions on adding an automated service order setup can be found below:

To Add a New Automated Service Order Setup:

From the Encompass Admin Portal, select Company/User Setup.

Select Services Management.
Expand a service category to view the new Automated Ordering section. Select the Automated Ordering tab.
To add a new service rule, select Add.
On the Add Rule page, enter the Rule Name and Rule Description.
In the If the following conditions are met section, define the conditions that, when met, enable the rule to trigger.
- Note: The conditions syntax utilizes the Visual Basic .NET programming language. For information on how this syntax works, see the Advanced Coding for Business Rules guide.
To ensure that the syntax doesn't result in an error, select Validate to check your automated readiness conditions.
- Note: A message displays on a successful or failed validation. If the validation fails, the error message indicates where the error occurred.
  Example:
In the Then try the following service orders section select Run the first matched order to indicate that the first service order that meets the criteria should be the one triggered, or select Run any matched orders to trigger an order for all service orders that meet the criteria.

Note: When using the Run any matched orders option, only one order will be placed per provider to prevent multiple orders to the same provider.
To add a service order, select Add.
On the Add New Automated Setup window, select a provider.
Select Create. The Add Order Options window displays.
Enter a Service Setup Name and Service Setup Description.
Add any additional conditions that, when met, enabled the system to place the service order.
- Note: The conditions syntax utilizes the Visual Basic .NET programming language. For information on how this syntax works, see the Advanced Coding for Business Rules guide.
To ensure that the syntax doesn't result in an error, select Validate to check your automated readiness conditions.
In the Additional Required Fields section, enter any Encompass field IDs that are required before ordering. To add additional fields, select +Add Another.
To save this provider, select Save
To add another service order, select Add and repeat steps 10-16.
To activate the rule, select Activate located in the top right corner.

Note: The credential configuration has not changed for Automated Service Ordering. For more information on configuring credentials for Automated Service Ordering, see the Service Management help topic in the LO Connect online help.

ASO-7154

Two new tabs have been added to the Email Templates page under the Opportunities Setup section in the Encompass Admin Portal. These two new tabs enable Administrators to configure email templates that can be used by Encompass LO Connect users to initiate communication with an opportunity via Consumer Connect.

To Add Invite and Remind Email Templates:

From the Encompass Admin Portal, select Opportunities Setup.
Select Email Templates.
On the Email Templates page, select the Invite tab to edit the invitation email template or the Remind tab to edit the reminder email template.
Select the Create Invitation Email Template link or the Create Reminder Email Template link to add a template.
In the Email Template Name field, enter a name for the template. This is an internal name used to identify the email template. The template name displays to the LO Connect user when the user selects a template for the email.
In the Subject field, enter the subject for your letter.
Use the editor to create an email for the Eligibility Letter or Scenarios Comparison that is emailed to borrowers when an eligibility letter or scenario comparison is sent from the Scenario Comparison Tool.
To add a custom field to the letter, select Insert Custom Field <>. This option is used to automatically populate the message with specific fields from the scenario data.
- For Invite and Remind emails, you must insert the Invite/Remind URL field where you want the URL to display to the emailed opportunity
Select a field name to insert into the letter, and then select Add. When the letter is sent, these fields display the details from the specific scenario.
When you are finished editing the letter. Select Save.

ENCS-9459

Enhancements to Services

Two new options have been added to the Opportunities feature which enables users to communicate with a potential lead by sending them a pre-populated application to be completed in Encompass Consumer Connect and submitted back to the LO Connect pipeline. When an opportunity is at a point where the user wants to send an invite to the lead, they can now select the Invite to Apply option from the Opportunity Dashboard. After completing a few steps, an email is sent to the potential borrower that leads them to Encompass Consumer Connect. If the borrower doesn't complete the loan, the menu option dynamically updates and the user can then send a reminder email to the borrower using the Remind to Apply option.

To Send an Invite Email:

From the Opportunities tab in Encompass, open an opportunity to view the Opportunity Dashboard.
Select the Menu icon, and then select Invite to Apply.
The Invite to Apply window displays. Select an invitation email template from the Template field.
Select the Encompass Consumer Connect loan application workflow in the Encompass Consumer Connect Workflow field.
Select Send to send the invitation to apply.

To Send a Reminder Email:

From the Opportunities tab in Encompass, open an opportunity to view the Opportunity Dashboard.
Select the Menu icon, and then select Remind to Apply.
The Remind to Apply window displays. Select an reminder email template from the Template field.
Select Send to send the invitation to apply.

Note: Once an invite or remind email as been sent, the link within the email is valid for 24 hours. If the user does not use the link to create an account on the Consumer Connect site within 24 hours, the LO Connect user will need to send another email. Once the opportunity submits their application in the Consumer Connect site, the invite and remind options are no longer available.

ENCW-53142

Additional Features and Enhancements

Fixed Issues

Why we made these updates: The following issues were fixed to improve usability and to help ensure Encompass LO Connect is operating as expected. The issues that are chosen to be fixed are based on the severity of their impact to clients and client feedback.

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