Plexus Systems, Inc. Announces Availability of Globalization Strategies Report

Market Wire, December, 2008

Plexus Systems , Inc., providers of Plexus Online, on-demand software for the manufacturing enterprise, today announced availability of the newly published "Shifting Sands of Globalization Strategies: Building a Firm Foundation with Enterprise Applications" benchmark report by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS). Plexus Systems sponsored the report now available as a free download for a limited time at www.plex.com .

"There are two predominant approaches to globalization that seem contradictory on the surface, but are actually not mutually exclusive," says Cindy Jutras, VP and Group Director, Aberdeen. "One approach in response to increased complexity of the supply chain, coupled with rising transportation costs, is to regionalize. The other approach is to centrally manage in order to reduce costs and to be more flexible and responsive. The ultimate in agility combines both approaches, and results in the ability to make anything, anywhere, while still sharing selected services and costs. Less than 5% of all survey respondents selected both of these options as their top two strategic actions, however, both are among the top three strategic actions of the Best-in-Class."

Said Mark Symonds, President and CEO, Plexus Systems, Inc., "This timely report demonstrates the results of effective ERP implementations for those manufacturers operating on a global basis. With robust functionality along with globalization features, seamlessly linking suppliers and customers, Plexus Online Software as a Service offers manufacturing companies unparalleled levels of visibility, connectivity and integration wherever in the world they do business."

The report makes specific recommendations to improve performance of global operations, including standardizing implementation of enterprise applications; centralizing selected functions using shared services; aligning ERP strategy with globalization strategy; and automating workflows between operating locations and with suppliers and partners.

A free copy of the report is available until Jan. 2, 2009 at www.plex.com/knowledgecenter/whitepapers.asp .

Plexus Online builds on the " software as a service " ( SaaS ) model with over 350 functional modules, providing companies instant access to vital information and management functions using a simple web browser. The on-demand solution features enterprise resource planning (ERP) functions such as accounting and finance modules, customer relationship management (CRM) features such as order entry and tracking, manufacturing execution systems (MES) functions such as production scheduling and machine integration, and supply chain management (SCM) functions such as supplier quality and traceability.

About Plexus Systems, Inc.

Since 1995, Plexus Systems, Inc. (Auburn Hills, Mich.) has maintained a singular vision -- to drive significant cost, quality and productivity improvements for manufacturers, from the shop floor to the top floor. Today, Plexus Online also enables manufacturers to manage accounting, financials, regulatory compliance, human resources and other critical priorities, based on real-time, highly accurate data from their manufacturing operations. Plexus Systems serves a global cross section of manufacturing industries (OEM and suppliers), particularly automotive, medical device and aerospace and defense companies. In 2006, Apax Partners made a strategic investment in Plexus Systems, joining the founding investment group as stakeholders in Plexus. For more information, visit www.plex.com .

Contact: Peggy Fenwick Plexus Systems, Inc. Telephone: 248-391-8000 Cell: 734-516-6490 pr@plex.com