Another acquisition for Descartes

The logistics software company acquired Cleveland-based BearWare, a provider of mobile solutions that help retailers and their logistics partners track inventory on a carton level.    The logistics and trade compliance software provider Descartes Systems Group said Wednesday that it has acquired BearWare, an Ohio-based provider of mobile solutions that connect logistics companies with retailers.
   BearWare’s solutions help retailers and their logistics service providers collaborate on store shipments, using mobile technologies to scan cartons at points from distribution centers to storefronts.
   “This carton-level tracking complements shipment-level tracking and helps pro-actively identify potential inventory replenishment for each store, reduces theft and claims for lost cartons, and streamlines shipment payment,” Descartes said in a statement. “It also supports pool distribution, which helps retailers to reduce logistics costs and minimize store disruptions by eliminating unconsolidated direct shipments from suppliers and retailer distribution centers into the stores.”
   Among BearWare’s existing customers are the retailers L Brands, Restoration Hardware and GNC.
   “Traditional retail distribution systems are not set up to handle plan versus actual tracking at the carton level,” said Ken Wood, executive vice president, product management at Descartes.
   “BearWare’s platform and team of domain experts is unique in the market, helping its customers track more than 120 million cartons a year. The combination complements Descartes’ recent investment in Airclic and further strengthens our Routing, Mobile and Telematics platform,” Wood added.
   Descartes paid $11.3 million in cash for Cleveland-based BearWare. The company said it would provide further information about the acquisition when it releases its second quarter fiscal year results in September.
   The deal is Descartes’ second in just the last few days, as it acquired denied party screening technology provider MK Data earlier this week to bolster its trade compliance solutions.