Case Study: Ace Hardware Corporation achieves a 16.5% inventory reduction and 40% fewer stock-outs with Blue Ridge

Ace Hardware Using technology to reduce inventory and stock-outs

Ace Hardware Corporation faced the challenge of improving fill rates for its international retailers and cutting stock-outs while avoiding the cost and complexity of large planning tools. In 2017 the Oak Brook, Ill.–based retailer implemented an inventory optimization solution from Blue Ridge Supply Chain Planning Solutions to better manage “lumpy” demand across its international distribution centers.

Blue Ridge’s cloud-native planning tool gave Ace Hardware Corporation a user-friendly forecasting engine and simplified PO creation, eliminating about 80% of the time previously spent on creating vendor POs and enabling analysts to take a more proactive approach. As a result, Ace is on pace to cut inventory levels by 16.5% and reduce stock-outs by 40%, exceeding its original goals.

Ace Hardware Corporation

Brian Cronenwett

VP International Distribution & Logistics