Fort Worth, TX (MMD Newswire) July 24, 2012 -- Advantage Business Computer Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of ECi Software Solutions (www.ECiSolutions.com), a leader in industry-specific information technology solutions, today announced that Ace Hardware has given its final certification to their ECi Advantage™ business system software for integration with the Ace Rewards program. The integration is a significant milestone for ECi, allowing them to fully service the entire spectrum of Ace Hardware customers. Both of ECi's LBMH solutions are now certified. ECi RockSolid received its final certification in October, 2011.
"This is an exciting day for ECi," said Scott Stanford, President of ECi's LBMH Division. "It extends our reach by allowing Ace dealers using an ECi solution to offer a valuable benefit to their customers. A rewards program is a great customer retention tool. The feedback from dealers following the RockSolid Ace Rewards integration was that benefits were seen almost immediately."
ECi Advantage is a full-spectrum business system developed specifically for lumber, building materials and hardware dealers. It is specific to mid-to-large-sized dealers who have a need to automate almost every aspect of their business--from quoting to invoice to point of sale and beyond. Ace Rewards is a retail incentive program that awards points based on dollars spent, provides members advanced notice of sales, members-only coupons, and allows members to submit rebates online rather than having to mail them in. Members also receive in-store discounts.
"Offering Ace Rewards to the consumer is very important to Ace Hardware dealers," continues Stanford. "With the Ace Rewards program now available in our RockSolid and Advantage products, we are offering all Ace dealers--from the small, single location to the large multi-store center--a complete choice in business systems."
Ace Hardware is a retail cooperative that allows its dealers to remain independent and community based, and ECi Advantage and RockSolid specializes in serving the independent LBMH dealer.
About Ace Hardware
For more than 85 years, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store in thousands of communities across America. Customers depend on Ace to help them take care of their homes quickly and easily so they can get on with their lives. In 2011, Ace ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Home Improvement Stores for the Fifth Consecutive Year," according to J.D. Power and Associates. With 4,500 locally owned and operated hardware stores, Ace is the largest hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. It also has distribution capabilities in Shanghai, China; Panama City, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit www.acehardware.com.
About ECi
ECi Software Solutions provides best-in-industry business and e-commerce software solutions for growing companies. For more than 30 years, ECi has served the manufacturing, business intelligence, office equipment, MPS, office supplies, contract office furniture, lumber and building materials, hardware and jan/san sectors. Privately held, ECi is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, with offices throughout the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and the Netherlands. For more information, email info@ecisolutions.com, visit www.ECiSolutions.com, or call (800) 959-3367.