Better PLM Implementations Yield Better Bottom Lines

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - August 7, 2007) - Findings from the latest Aberdeen report, "Profiting from PLM: Successful Strategies for Implementing PLM," indicate that manufacturers who employ a "PLM Program" approach to product lifecycle management (PLM) implementations achieve double the ROI and 2.5 times higher ROI on subsequent PLM extensions. Aberdeen, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), found that Best-in-Class averaged 28% improvement on product margins, on average 5.6 times greater improvement than other companies. These companies averaged 67% ROI on initial PLM projects, and 85% ROI for subsequent PLM enhancements -- more than twice the ROI seen by other companies.

"Companies that deploy PLM-related technologies have recognized significant top and bottom-line benefits, increasing product revenue by 19%, decreasing product cost 15%, and reducing development costs by 16% on average," comments Jim Brown, VP of Product Innovation and Engineering Research at Aberdeen. "What is clear from this benchmark is that companies that implement PLM well are receiving more than their fair share of these benefits."

The report offers the following recommendations for companies seeking the highest return on their PLM implementations:

--  Develop a firm vision for PLM that is tied to the business strategy.
--  Approach the PLM implementation as a business transformation as
    opposed to a technology installation.
    

The report is made available in part through the underwriting of Agile Software, Integware, Kalypso, Linx/AS, and Siemens UGS PLM Solutions. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=4161

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 Aberdeen™ 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.

© 2007 Aberdeen Group, Inc., a Harte-Hanks Company
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Boston, Massachusetts  02110-3112
Telephone: (617)723-7890
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www.aberdeen.com

Contact Information: Media Contact: Jim Brown Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (610) 565-6302 jim.brown@aberdeen.com