Source: Aberdeen Group - Boston

Aberdeen Announces Publication of Retail, Product Innovation, and Financial Management Research

Research Examines Retail Learning Management, Engineering Simulation Tools, Accounts Payable Automation,Accounting Platform Integration

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2013) - Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), today announced the publication of new research from its Retail and Consumer Markets, Product Innovation & Engineering, and Financial Management & GRC research practices.

"The Online Learning Journey: Where We Stand, Where We're Going," prepared by Deena M. Amato-McCoy, analyst for the Aberdeen Retail and Consumer Markets research practice, examines the role of learning management systems (LMS), to create more brand consistency enterprise-wide, and deliver more value and personalization to shoppers during their store visits. In fact, 72% of retailers report either already using these solutions or planning to integrate LMS into their training operations in the next 12 months. To obtain a complimentary copy, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/Aberdeen-Library/8684/AI-online-learning-management.aspx.

"Enhance Engineering: Reduce Time and Optimize Products with Simulation Best Practices," by Michelle Boucher, Senior Research Analyst in the Product Innovation & Engineering practice at the Aberdeen Group, examines ongoing trends in simulation that lead to optimal product profitability. As companies struggle to competitively differentiate their products, as well as beat their competitors to market, quick decisions within engineering have become increasingly critical to product success. Many have turned to simulation tools for support. However, the expertise required to conduct accurate simulations, combined with increasing product complexity, leaves companies struggling to expand simulation knowledge to a growing pool of users. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/Aberdeen-Library/8480/RB-simulation-product-development.aspx.

"From the Shadows to the Forefront: AP Automation and the Strategic Vision", authored by Ankita Tyagi, Research Analyst for the Aberdeen Group Financial Management & GRC research practice, acknowledges the payments department as the custodian of an organization when it comes to cash flow which, in turn, is the lifeline of liquidity. If either one of the two core functions within the payables realm -- Accounts Payable (AP) or Accounts Receivable (AR) -- is inefficient, an organization's ability to accurately forecast its financial position is also compromised. This report shows how leading organizations bridge the gap between AP automation and strategic vision, streamlining and enhancing their current AP operations to achieve lower invoice processing cost, reduce the time to process an invoice, and realize greater incremental savings over their peers. To obtain a complimentary copy of this report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410182&cid=8671&camp=PRES

Also from Ankita Tyagi, "Integrated Accounting Platform: Achieving Accuracy and Efficiency at a Lower Cost" explores the current state of technology integration across organizations, the impact of fragmented feeder systems on business productivity, and the challenges resulting from disparate systems. Fragmented systems and processes obstruct decision-making and compliance; and drain resources in terms of cost, human capital, and time. According to this report the average cost of custom development per feeder system is $259,189, and the average cost to integrate this system into the core accounting system is $287,613. This document sheds light on the monetary and productivity implications of disparate systems in terms of reporting delays, inaccuracy, and lack of visibility, making a case for an integrated accounting platform. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, please visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/Aberdeen-Library/8638/RA-accounting-reporting-accuracy.aspx

About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company

Enabled by its team of 40 research analysts covering 16 industry-sector categories, access to 35,000+ benchmarked enterprise decision makers, and 2.5 million research readers, Aberdeen Group -- a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS) -- is the trusted advisor to global technology markets, providing corporations with insights that drive IT decisions. Aberdeen's independent, fact-based research and market intelligence is used by the Fortune 1000, Global 500, and Software 500.

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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