Secrets to Successfully Managing a Network of Distribution Centers

Multi-Site Warehouse and Order Management


BOSTON, MA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 10, 2007 -- Managing a network of distribution centers can be a daunting challenge. Orders must be filled complete, on-time, and without carrying excessive amounts of inventory. In April, Aberdeen -- a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS) -- executed a comprehensive survey of multi-site distributors to uncover the secrets that allow top-performing companies to excel in all of these areas and grow their businesses.

Some of the more compelling findings in the survey were:

--  Companies that have reduced their order fulfillment costs year-over-
    year are 82% more likely to have sales order splitting capabilities.
--  Companies have reduced their inventory carrying costs year-over-year
    are almost TWICE as likely to practice order distribution by inventory
    level.
--  Companies that have 99% or more complete shipments are 54% more likely
    to practice Vendor Order Splitting.
    
The report uncovers the ways in which Best-in-Class companies are able to successfully manage a variety of pressures, and leverage technology to overcome them. A number of technology-related issues are discussed in detail, including:
--  What is Distributed Order Management, and how do top companies use it?
--  How do successful companies gain visibility of multiple distribution
    centers without costly "rip-and-replace" software projects?
--  How can a company extend the value of their Warehouse Management
    Software (WMS) investments by leveraging the technology across multiple
    facilities?
    
"Executing order fulfillment across a network of distribution centers is a delicate balancing act," says Ian Hobkirk, Senior Analyst with Aberdeen's logistics group. "Top companies have found out how to meet their customer demands while at the same time containing costs and growing their enterprise."

The research study was underwritten by Infor, Manhattan Associates, Cadre Technologies, IMI Supply Chain, Navis, and Sterling Commerce.

To download a complimentary copy of this report please visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=3980

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.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Jeff O'Neill Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5264 Jeff.oneill@aberdeen.com