Ace Hardware is extending its long-running digital transformation to include warehouse management and enterprise pricing as it looks to improve efficiency across its supply chain and operations.
The world’s largest hardware cooperative said it has rolled out Manhattan Warehouse Management for Open Systems to more than 10 U.S. distribution centers over the past two years, in partnership with IT services firm Cognizant.
The deployment is aimed at improving warehouse efficiency and supporting the continued growth of Ace’s e-commerce business.
Ace’s relationship with Cognizant spans roughly 25 years and has included migrating off legacy systems to SAP, along with ongoing enhancements across e-commerce, supply chain and retailer-facing technology.
“Ace’s partnership with Cognizant has been an important part of our modernization journey,” said Rick Williams, chief information officer at 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.”
Beyond warehouse management, the collaboration also includes development of an enterprise pricing solution and broader digitization efforts designed to improve speed, reliability and operational efficiency.
Ace said these initiatives have helped drive more than 450% growth in e-commerce since 2019.
Cognizant said it is supporting Ace with next-generation technologies, including advanced automation and agentic AI, while helping preserve the co-op’s locally focused retail model.
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