Zebra Study Finds Workflow Automation Boosts Productivity

24 Sep 2025 CW Team

Study Highlights

Retailers reported a 21% improvement in customer satisfaction through workflow enhancements.
Manufacturers saw a 19% increase in employee productivity by optimising quality control and assurance.
T&L leaders experienced a 21% productivity increase from improved delivery and inventory workflows.

Oxford Economics estimates that if the top 20 Forbes Global 2000 firms in each industry adopted similar improvements, each could realise US$3 billion in additional revenue and US$120 million in added profit annually.

Technology Driving Intelligent Operations

The study, Impact of Intelligent Operations, underscores how AI and advanced tools like RFID and machine vision help organisations gain real-time visibility, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Key findings include:

Retailers piloting AI for loss prevention, risk detection, and inventory optimisation.
Over two-thirds of T&L firms and nearly half of manufacturers using AI for forecasting and predictive analytics.
Workflow improvements delivering up to 3.4 percentage points of revenue growth and similar increases in profitability.

Executive Insights

“Retail, manufacturing, and logistics are being redefined at the workflow level, where speed, visibility, and precision drive growth,” said Joe White, Chief Product & Solutions Officer, Zebra Technologies. “Intelligent operations combine advanced technologies with human expertise to simplify complexity and help businesses thrive.”

“With our refreshed brand identity, Zebra is strengthening its commitment to India by modernising frontline processes with automation and AI,” added Subramaniam Tiruppathi, Director, Sales, India & Sub-Continent, Zebra Technologies.

Zebra’s Commitment

Through its new brand platform, “Better Every Day”, Zebra reaffirms its mission to deliver intelligent, connected solutions that enhance productivity, agility, and responsiveness. From retail aisles to warehouses, production floors to logistics hubs, Zebra helps organisations overcome labour challenges and meet rising consumer expectations.

Key Takeaways

Workflow automation drives significant revenue and profit growth.
AI, RFID, and machine vision are central to operational efficiency.
Zebra’s Better Every Day brand narrative highlights its focus on continuous innovation at the frontline.

Methodology

The study surveyed 1,000 senior leaders across retail (400), manufacturing (400), and T&L (200) sectors in the U.S., Mexico, U.K., Germany, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. A regression analysis correlated workflow improvements with financial performance outcomes.

Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitalising and automating workflows, has unveiled new research with Oxford Economics highlighting the financial and operational benefits of modernising frontline workflows. The study, which surveyed 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, and transportation & logistics (T&L) in eight markets including India, found that organisations leveraging automation, AI, and data are achieving significant productivity gains and enhanced customer experiences.Study HighlightsRetailers reported a 21% improvement in customer satisfaction through workflow enhancements.Manufacturers saw a 19% increase in employee productivity by optimising quality control and assurance.T&L leaders experienced a 21% productivity increase from improved delivery and inventory workflows.Oxford Economics estimates that if the top 20 Forbes Global 2000 firms in each industry adopted similar improvements, each could realise US$3 billion in additional revenue and US$120 million in added profit annually.Technology Driving Intelligent OperationsThe study, Impact of Intelligent Operations, underscores how AI and advanced tools like RFID and machine vision help organisations gain real-time visibility, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Key findings include:Retailers piloting AI for loss prevention, risk detection, and inventory optimisation.Over two-thirds of T&L firms and nearly half of manufacturers using AI for forecasting and predictive analytics.Workflow improvements delivering up to 3.4 percentage points of revenue growth and similar increases in profitability.Executive Insights“Retail, manufacturing, and logistics are being redefined at the workflow level, where speed, visibility, and precision drive growth,” said Joe White, Chief Product & Solutions Officer, Zebra Technologies. “Intelligent operations combine advanced technologies with human expertise to simplify complexity and help businesses thrive.”“With our refreshed brand identity, Zebra is strengthening its commitment to India by modernising frontline processes with automation and AI,” added Subramaniam Tiruppathi, Director, Sales, India & Sub-Continent, Zebra Technologies.Zebra’s CommitmentThrough its new brand platform, “Better Every Day”, Zebra reaffirms its mission to deliver intelligent, connected solutions that enhance productivity, agility, and responsiveness. From retail aisles to warehouses, production floors to logistics hubs, Zebra helps organisations overcome labour challenges and meet rising consumer expectations.Key TakeawaysWorkflow automation drives significant revenue and profit growth.AI, RFID, and machine vision are central to operational efficiency.Zebra’s Better Every Day brand narrative highlights its focus on continuous innovation at the frontline.MethodologyThe study surveyed 1,000 senior leaders across retail (400), manufacturing (400), and T&L (200) sectors in the U.S., Mexico, U.K., Germany, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. A regression analysis correlated workflow improvements with financial performance outcomes.

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