Best Practices for Migrating From 2D to 3D CAD

Market Wire, June, 2008

Recent research by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), finds that users of 3D CAD report product profit margins that are 21% higher than users of 2D CAD. However, getting the most value from 3D means getting the software deployed and engineering departments ramped up as effectively as possible. The recent research report entitled "Best Practices for Migrating from 2D to 3D" finds that, the Best-in-Class, on average, report that they meet or exceed timeframe expectations for 3D CAD implementations 28% more often than the Industry Average and employee training timeframes 32% more often than the Industry Average. They are reaping greater benefits of 3D as a result, with 92% of these performers reporting that the ROI of 3D CAD meets or exceeds their expectations. What are they doing differently? Research responses from over 600 enterprises, compiled in this May report, sheds light on this intriguing question.

"3D CAD changes the way companies design products, with substantial impact on both product development schedules and budgets. However, there are many issues that must be considered in order to realize the maximum benefit of 3D," observes Michelle Boucher, Research Analyst in Aberdeen's Product Innovation & Engineering practice. "A clear theme emerging from the capabilities and enablers the Best-in-Class have adopted is that 'it's not about what you do, but when.'"

The research findings enabled Aberdeen to build a timeline for a Best-in-Class 3D CAD implementation. This is an approach to the implementation of 3D design tools that have a wider impact on the effectiveness of their product development processes. Among other benefits, they are 22% more likely than the Industry Average and nearly twice as likely as Laggard organizations to meet product launch targets.

A complimentary copy of this report is made available due in part by the following underwriters: Autodesk, PTC, and Siemens PLM Software. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=5055 .

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(TM) 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 .

(c) 2008 Aberdeen Group, Inc., a Harte-Hanks Company
260 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-3112
Telephone: (617) 723-7890
Fax: (617) 723-7897
 www.aberdeen.com 

Media Contact: Michelle Boucher Aberdeen Harte-Hanks (617) 854-5345 Michelle.Boucher@aberdeen.com