In today’s fast-evolving US mortgage industry, lenders face constant pressure to close loans faster, reduce operational costs, and maintain strict compliance. Encompass Partner Connect (EPC), developed by ICE Mortgage Technology®, is a modern integration platform designed to streamline connections between the Encompass® Loan Origination System (LOS) and third-party service providers, including appraisal management companies (AMCs), credit verification firms, and mortgage insurers.
Understanding Encompass: The Core of Mortgage Automation
Encompass® is ICE Mortgage Technology’s flagship LOS, designed to unify the entire lending lifecycle, from borrower application to post-closing, within a single, intelligent platform. For lenders, it centralizes data, compliance, and vendor connectivity, eliminating fragmented workflows and reducing errors. Built-in automation, audit trails, and business rules help maintain data accuracy and compliance across all loans.
With EPC replacing legacy integrations, lenders gain bi-directional, real-time connectivity with third-party providers without leaving Encompass. This improves operational efficiency, shortens cycle times, and enhances borrower experience, offering a strategic advantage in a highly regulated and competitive market.
What Is Encompass Partner Connect?
Encompass Partner Connect (EPC) is a next-generation integration platform that modernizes how lenders connect with service providers within the Encompass LOS. Replacing the legacy Partner Network, EPC uses a cloud-native, API-first architecture to enable real-time, bi-directional data flow between lenders and partners, including AMCs, credit verification providers, title agencies, and mortgage insurers.
Whereas, older integrations relied on manual exchanges or multiple portals, EPC ensures all orders, updates, and documents move automatically within the LOS. This framework simplifies workflows, improves speed and flexibility, and maintains long-term compatibility with ICE’s evolving digital lending ecosystem. Thus, EPC transforms Encompass into a connected, intelligent lending hub with automation, compliance, and partner collaboration built in.
How EPC Works Behind the Scenes
EPC operates on a cloud-native, API-driven architecture, enabling secure, automated, and real-time data exchange. Whereas, manual uploads, local installations, and fragmented workflows are eliminated, as appraisal orders, verifications, and disclosures flow through encrypted connections within Encompass.
EPC Under the Hood
Build Once, Use Everywhere: Partner integrations developed once are instantly accessible across the ICE Digital Lending Platform, including Encompass, Consumer Connect, and TPO Connect.
Automated Workflows: Orders can be placed, tracked, and updated within Encompass without redundant configurations.
Security & Compliance: OAuth 2.0 authentication and token-based access control ensure all exchanges meet industry privacy and regulatory standards.
This architecture creates a scalable, future-ready integration model that allows lenders to operate with speed, control, and reliability.
Key Benefits of EPC for Lenders and Service Providers
EPC standardizes and automates appraisal, credit, and title workflows within Encompass.
Reduced Manual Work and Increased Productivity
Repetitive tasks such as appraisal ordering, report delivery, and data synchronization are automated. Teams manage workflows directly in Encompass, reducing administrative effort and allowing focus on borrowers and underwriting decisions.
Real-Time Ordering, Tracking, and Communication
Status updates and document transfers occur instantly. Lenders monitor appraisal progress, while service providers receive accurate, up-to-date information without emails or manual intervention, minimizing errors and delays.
Enhanced Borrower Experience
Faster, more accurate processing reduces closing times and ensures transparent communication, helping lenders set realistic expectations and build borrower trust.
Automatic Updates and Maintenance-Free Operations
EPC evolves with Encompass updates and ICE API changes, eliminating manual maintenance or compatibility issues and ensuring uninterrupted service.
Simplified Partner Integrations and Data Accuracy
Standardized API connections simplify onboarding new service providers. Built-in field mapping, milestone syncing, and document organization maintain data integrity across every transaction.
Streamlined User Experience
Single Sign-On (SSO) and centralized dashboards provide a unified interface for all users. Teams gain visibility into pipeline stages, vendor performance, and key metrics without leaving the LOS.
Why EPC Migration Matters in 2025 and Beyond
ICE Mortgage Technology has set November 1, 2025 as the cutoff for legacy service ordering and SDK integration updates, with full retirement scheduled for December 31, 2026. Without migration, lenders risk service disruption, integration instability, and lost access to new features.
To prepare, lenders should:
Inventory current legacy integrations
Prioritize EPC-ready partners
Test workflows in EPC
Align IT, operations, and compliance teams for a clean cutover
Early migration ensures uninterrupted operations, improved automation, and faster adoption of new features.
Transition to EPC with ValueLink Today! →
ValueLink’s Integration with Encompass Partner Connect
ValueLink Software EPC integration is backed by their ICE Mortgage Technology® partnership partnership allows lenders to automate appraisal workflows entirely within Encompass. Real-time, bi-directional data synchronization ensures orders, status updates, and reports flow instantly and securely. Lenders experience 25–35% faster appraisal cycles with ValueLink through reduced turn times improving borrower satisfaction.
End-to-end automation eliminates redundant data entry, enforces compliance with custom fields, milestones, and business rules, and supports appraisal ordering, vendor selection, QC review, and document uploads. Thus, the result is a smoother, scalable, and efficient valuation process aligned with today’s digital mortgage demands.
How Lenders and AMCs Benefit with ValueLink on EPC
ValueLink creates a unified platform for both lenders and AMCs:
- For Lenders: Simplified workflows, automated status updates, and consistent, compliant processes.
Explore the ValueLink Encompass integration for Lenders → - For AMCs: Real-time visibility, reduced manual touchpoints, and adherence to regulatory and quality standards. Learn More.
Embedding compliance, communication, and quality control within Encompass enables faster, more accurate operations, resulting in shorter turn times, cleaner data, and improved borrower experience.
Conclusion
EPC and ValueLink together enable lenders and AMCs to streamline mortgage workflows, maintain compliance, and improve borrower experiences—delivering faster, smarter, and more reliable digital lending operations.