Best-in-Class Process Manufacturers Demand More Industry-Specific Functionality in Selecting ERP Solutions

Manufacturers in process-related industries (such as chemicals, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals) require special features in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and the complementary applications, which extend core ERP functionality. The recently published "ERP Plus in Process Industries: Pushing Beyond Traditional Boundaries" benchmark report, announced by Aberdeen, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), is a roadmap for process manufacturers seeking growth while effectively controlling costs and meeting the rigid regulations and compliance requirements imposed on these industries. It found:

--  Best-in-Class are 40% more likely to have implemented forward and
    backward traceability functionality available in their ERP solution
--  Best-in-Class are 39% more likely to achieve 100% compliance with
    regulatory requirements through automated queries and reporting
--  Best-in-Class produce 400% more improvement in order cycle times than
    Laggards through ERP implementation

"ERP provides the necessary infrastructure, along with the transactional detail and system of record, which any manufacturer needs to run its business. However, process manufacturers face some unique challenges and as a result require specialized features and functions. These specialized manufacturers are well advised to seek specialized solutions. Best-in-Class process manufacturers demand more industry-specific functionality in selecting ERP solutions, yet some features are more important than others. Top performers universally reject ERP solutions that do not provide full traceability, recipe formulation, actual costing, and Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS), but are willing to forego other features such as RFID functionality, and may look to point solutions for promotion management, compliance management or supplier collaboration, and other extensions," said Cindy Jutras, Vice President & Group Director, Aberdeen. "Even as ERP solution providers continue to expand their breadth and depth of coverage in process manufacturing, it is a rare ERP solution which satisfies every requirement. As a result, many of them turn to partners to form ecosystems to drive collaboration and innovation for specific vertical markets, including the process related industries."

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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.

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Media Contact: Cindy Jutras Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5347 Cindy.Jutras@aberdeen.com