Ace Hardware optimization effort spans warehouse, pricing, operations
An ongoing digital transformation initiative at the world’s largest hardware co-op has expanded to include warehouse management and enterprise pricing.
Ace Hardware has been involved in a 25-year technology innovation effort with Cognizant that has included migrating from legacy platforms to SAP and continuing with enhancements to e-commerce, supply chain and retailer-facing solutions.
Most recently, Ace and Cognizant partnered to roll out the Manhattan Warehouse Management for Open Systems solution to more than 10 Ace distribution centers across the U.S. during the last two years, with the goal of helping improve warehouse efficiency.
[READ MORE: Ace Hardware supports store fulfillment with new facility]
"Ace's partnership with Cognizant has been an important part of our modernization journey," said Rick Williams, CIO, Ace Hardware. "Their ability to flex with our business, co-develop solutions and help us explore business-focused innovation has strengthened our operations and supported the continued growth of our e-commerce channel—all while preserving the personal, helpful experience our retailers deliver every day."
The partnership also encompasses building an enterprise pricing solution, as well as ongoing digitization initiatives designed to improve speed, reliability and operational efficiency in key areas of Ace's operations. According to Ace, the initiative has helped develop e-commerce capabilities that have supported growth of more than 450% in its e-commerce operation since 2019.
"Our 25-year partnership with Ace Hardware is built on trust, delivery excellence and a shared vision for what modern retail experiences can be," said Sushant Warikoo, senior VP and retail business unit head, Cognizant. "By combining our deep retail expertise with next-generation technologies, such as agentic AI and advanced automation, we're proud to be partnering with Ace on their journey to accelerate innovation while strengthening the resilient, community-focused experience that their customers expect."
Ace Hardware is the largest hardware cooperative in the world, serving more than 8,900 locally-owned and operated stores and providing the products, services, and operating methods to more than 5,900 Ace retail stores in approximately 60 countries. Ace Hardware's portfolio of brands includes Ace Hardware, Emery Jensen Distribution (EJD), and independent retailers worldwide. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace operates an expansive network of U.S. distribution centers, along with international capabilities in Ningbo, China, and Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico.
