Aberdeen Benchmark Correlates Software Adoption for Lean

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - June 5, 2007) - Through the analysis of over 400 manufacturing enterprises, the latest benchmark report, "Lean Scheduling and Execution," by Aberdeen -- a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS) has correlated specific business capabilities and technology enablers to Best-in-Class operational performance. For the purposes of this study, Aberdeen has evaluated and classified manufacturers based on three key performance indicators: on time delivery, throughput, and reductions in manufacturing cycle times. Best-in-Class manufacturers are defined as the top 20% of performers in a weighted average across the aforementioned three KPIs and results show that Best-in-Class performance is:

--  95% On Time Delivery
--  91% Throughput
--  79% Reduction in Manufacturing Cycle Time

Putting these findings in context, Matthew Littlefield, a Manufacturing Research Analyst with Aberdeen, states, "Best-in-Class manufacturers are 15% more likely to use ERP and two times more likely to use applications for Lean scheduling linked with execution systems than other manufacturers." Additionally, "Best-in-Class manufacturers are 91% more likely to provide factory floor data as actionable intelligence to Lean decision-makers and are over five times more likely to measure on time delivery in real-time."

Based on the above findings Littlefield adds the following recommendations to achieve Best-in-Class performance:

--  Measure Throughput and Manufacturing Cycle Time at least daily.
--  Measure On Time Delivery, WIP, and Scrap in real-time.
--  Deliver factory floor data as actionable intelligence to Lean
    scheduling and execution decision-makers.
--  Implement Lean Software Applications.
--  Integrate Lean Software Applications with ERP and automate Lean tools.

More than 400 manufacturers participated in the study, including: Bombardier, Panasonic, Bayer Healthcare, Unilever, GE, IBM, Xerox (Europe) Ltd, Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., and Biogen Idec, among others.

This study is made available to the public through the underwriting of: Infor, Preactor International Ltd, and SAP.

To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=3989

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen is a leading provider of fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having benchmarked more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is uniquely positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to AberdeenTM for insights that drive decisions.

As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information - Opportunity - Insight - Engagement - Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen http://www.aberdeen.com or call (617) 723-7890, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748 or go to http://www.harte-hanks.com.

260 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts  02110-3112
Telephone: (617)723-7890
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www.aberdeen.com

Contact Information: Media Contact: Matthew Littlefield Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5204 Matthew.littlefield@aberdeen.com:

Aberdeen Benchmark Correlates Software Adoption for Lean Scheduling Techniques With Improved On Time Delivery

Best-in-Class Manufacturers Are Over Two Times More Likely to Adopt Lean Software Applications and Automate Traditional Lean Tools