How We Reduced Order Processing Time by 80% for a Top U.S. Furniture Supplier
ACE was juggling orders from Lowe’s, Home Depot, and more—manually. We replaced their slow, error-prone process with automation and a custom ERP that fit their workflow. Read how we did it.
About the Company (ACE)
ACE is a U.S.-based furniture supplier that has been delivering products to major retail chains like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other large stores for over two decades.
Their core business was built around B2B wholesale distribution to retail warehouses and physical stores. Until recently, they did not need a direct-to-consumer channel or modernized digital operations.
The Challenge + Goal
ACE approached us with a clear problem:
Their internal operations couldn’t keep up with the volume and complexity of modern retail demands.
The company was relying on manual processes to manage orders from each retail partner. This meant:
- Manually downloading purchase orders from portals like Lowe’s and Home Depot
- Reformatting those orders by hand to match ACE’s internal systems
- Manually verifying inventory, pricing, and product availability
- Copying and pasting shipping details into UPS/FedEx portals to generate labels
- Entering tracking numbers manually to close out the order
This process wasn’t just time-consuming—it introduced frequent errors and slowed down the company’s ability to respond quickly to large orders. It also left no room for scaling into eCommerce or handling higher order volumes without hiring more staff.
Not to mention, one mistake, one missed order, one mislabeled shipment, and trust with retail partners could be jeopardized.
The goal was clear:
Turn a brittle, manual process into a stable, scalable fulfillment system.
But we knew it had to be done in a way that respected ACE’s existing operations and team—not bulldoze them.
What We Did (The Strategy)
We didn’t start with software. We started with a conversation.
We mapped ACE’s full operational flow, understanding not just what tasks were being done, but why and where the friction lived.
Only then did we begin designing a custom ERP layer built to wrap around their current workflow—but make it faster, smarter, and cleaner.
We focused on four key areas:
- Automated Order Ingestion:
We connected directly to retail portals like Lowe’s and Home Depot, building custom workflows for each one. Instead of downloading and reformatting orders manually, the system now pulls in orders automatically and translates them into a consistent format for internal processing.
- Error Prevention Layer
To reduce mistakes before they happen, we implemented checks for pricing mismatches, incorrect inventory levels, invalid shipping addresses, and quantity errors. This validation happens automatically as each order is ingested, eliminating the need for manual double-checking.
- Logistics Integration
We integrated directly with UPS and FedEx APIs, enabling the system to generate shipping labels instantly and assign tracking numbers automatically—removing the need for ACE staff to manually copy and paste information into external carrier portals.
- Streamlined Workflow Interface
We built a clean, step-by-step process that allows a single team member to review order data, confirm its accuracy, and click “Next” to move the order through each stage—up to final fulfillment. No spreadsheets, no email threads, and no multiple logins required.
This wasn’t just automation. It was thoughtful system design tailored to the way ACE works, not how a generic ERP thinks they should.
The Results
Once the new system was fully implemented and operational, ACE saw immediate, measurable improvements:
- Order processing time dropped by over 80%
- Error rates in pricing and shipping were nearly eliminated
- Shipping label creation was instant and automated
- Only one person was needed to handle the full daily workflow
- ACE is now ready to add eCommerce channels with no major system changes required
Key Takeaway
By automating a complex B2B retail supply chain operation with our ERP system, we helped a traditional furniture supplier eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs, and prepare for future growth in the digital space.
ACE’s success shows that even long-established suppliers can modernize in weeks/months, not years—without increasing headcount or overhauling their business model.