Aberdeen Publishes HCM, Service Management, Retail and Consumer Markets, and Manufacturing Research

Research Examines Workforce Management, HR Shared Services, Service Supply Chain Optimization, Retail Store Automation, and Sustainable Production


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Jul 17, 2012) - Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), today announced the publication of new research reports from its Human Capital Management, Service Management, Retail and Consumer Markets, and Manufacturing research practices.

"Workforce Management 2012: Efficiency, Effectiveness and Engagement," authored by Mollie Lombardi, Research Director for Aberdeen's Human Capital Management research practice, finds that top-performing companies shared several common characteristics, including the presence of automated and integrated workforce management solutions such as time and attendance, scheduling, and absence management; the use of dashboard and analytics to deliver workforce data to the business to drive better decision-making; and the presence of manager and employee self-service access to critical workforce management data and processes. Organizations with strong workforce management practices improved organizational efficiency, increased revenue per full-time employee, raised the level of employee and customer engagement, and achieved improved customer retention rates. To obtain a complimentary copy of this report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=7505&camp=2.

Also authored by Ms. Lombardi, "The Next Frontier of HR Shared Services: Understanding the Who and the What," addresses the rapidly evolving makeup of the modern HR Shared Services model. As organizations work to reduce operational costs and improve employee experience and HR service delivery, the idea of a shared services model is gaining traction. 73% of organizations surveyed in Aberdeen's Integrated Human Capital Management research have a full or partial HR Shared Services model in place today. The definition of a shared services model can be broad, ranging from a benefits call-center to a global virtual service center providing end-to-end HR functionality. But all organizations hoping to take advantage of centralized centers of HR expertise need to consider what is included in their shared services model, and who is served by the model, from current employees to contractors, retirees, spouses, and families. This report looks at how a wide range of organizations have implemented shared services, and the impact it has had on their business. To obtain a complimentary copy of this report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=8040&camp=2.

"Optimizing the Service Supply Chain: Managing the Network to Link the Customer to Satisfaction" authored by Aly Pinder, Senior Research Associate for Aberdeen's Service Management research practice, highlighted how top performing service organizations have shown a heightened level of visibility throughout the service supply chain through process enhancements and technology. These top performers have been able to also connect an ever more complex (and global) service network to drive increased spare part inventory turns, improved SLA compliance and higher customer retention / satisfaction levels. As a result of a more efficient service supply chain, the leading enterprises have been able to cut costs and, more importantly, exceed customer expectations. To obtain a complimentary copy of this report, made available in part by OnProcess Technology™ and ServiceMax, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=7519&camp=2.

"The Automated Store: The Key to Customer Engagement" research study, authored by Deena Amato-McCoy, Research Analyst for the Aberdeen Retail & Consumer Markets research practice assess the factors that are shaping enterprises' store automation decisions and the role of systems integration that are revitalizing the physical retail store. According to the new study, 26% of retailers are building efficiencies into automated customer touch points and streamlining navigation and access to information. This report details how automation at a store level can revitalize the retail environment to increase sales and customer loyalty. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, made possible in part by OneView Commerce and ECRS, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=7611&camp=2.

"Energy and Carbon Management: A Roadmap for Sustainable Production" prepared by Nuris Ismail, Research Analyst for the Manufacturing research practice at the Aberdeen Group, highlights the advancements made by top-performing organizations in managing energy and carbon across enterprise. With the increasing prices of energy, manufacturing executives can no longer ignore the impact energy reductions can have on an organization's bottom line. It is now more important than ever to understand a plant's energy's needs and cut out wasteful energy consumption wherever possible. Indeed, sustainability has evolved from a social expectation to an economic imperative. This new study identifies the strategies, business processes and technology enablers that are key to supporting an enterprise energy and carbon management initiative. Readers of this report will receive a roadmap for implementing an enterprise-wide sustainability program to foster tangible business gains. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, made possible in part by Enviance and Entegreat visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=7608&camp=2.

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), is a global, full-service, multi-channel marketing services firm with deep expertise in developing research-based technology marketing content. Enabled by its team of 40 analysts covering 17 industry-sector categories, Aberdeen provides B2B marketers with relevant content assets available in multiple formats that target each stage of the customer buying cycle. 

Aberdeen has offices in Boston and London. Harte-Hanks operates 25 offices in the United States, and has locations throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.

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