Product recalls represent a massive threat to food and beverage manufacturers. One industry financial analysis estimates the average direct cost of a single incident at $10 million.
As leaders, we constantly pursue new ways to improve operational efficiency and empower our people. We invest in digital tools to make work simpler and more productive. Yet, when I connect with frontline workers in retail, logistics, and manufacturing, I often witness a disconnect between our intentions and their reality.
At Zebra Technologies, we believe in the power of collaboration to create a more inclusive world. We have made a commitment to improving accessibility, and we are proud to work with third parties to ensure our hardware and our partner’s software applications
I am drawn to extraordinary people. People that do things above and beyond the call of duty. My friendship group comprises sports champions, business entrepreneurs and adventurers. Intelligent, confident people that excel in a multitude of outlets, and rarely follow the norm. Which is why I felt so at home. I was surrounded by a room full of people I felt in awe of. Not sports heroes or boardroom execs but people that show up every day and make the world a better place. People that deal with the deprived, those with complex health issues - physical and mental. They operate calmly in situations that would fill me with fear. The most unsung of heroes. Community nurses.
If you’ve ever wrestled with outdated workstations, limited connectivity, or technology that feels more like a barrier than a tool, you’re not alone. Across industries, from retail and healthcare to logistics and manufacturing, the need for smarter, more flexible solutions is clear. The ZEC500 Enterprise Computer isn’t just another device. It’s a way to untangle the complexities of modern workflows and create a seamless, efficient experience for businesses, their employees and customers alike.
I’ve spent over four decades working on technology solutions that support businesses, and I can confidently say there’s never been a more exciting or challenging time to innovate for the frontline. Recently, I joined a webinar with guest speaker Denise Lund, Research Vice President, Worldwide Telecom and Unified Communications at IDC and my Zebra colleague Bethany Wiegand. The discussion centered on the mounting pressures of the retail frontline and how Unified Communication and Collaboration (UC&C) solutions, like Zebra Workcloud Sync, are stepping in to help.
Discover how hospitals are navigating the complex landscape of artificial intelligence in “Are Hospitals Taking a Gamble on AI? Part One” by Lorna Hopkin, Marketing Lead, Healthcare EMEA at Zebra Technologies. Set against the backdrop of the HIMSS 2025 conference in Las Vegas, the article explores the role of AI in healthcare, from streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing clinical practices like radiology and patient predictions. Dive into discussions on AI governance, digital maturity, and the challenges and opportunities AI presents in transforming healthcare efficiency. Stay tuned for part two, which delves deeper into overcoming data and connectivity hurdles.
As we mark the last day of National Nurses Week in the U.S., Zebra’s Chief Nursing Information Officer and Healthcare Industry Principal, Kassaundra McKnight-Young offers an inspiring glimpse into the evolving role of technology in healthcare. Transitioning from over 31 years on the frontline, she remains dedicated to enhancing patient care by integrating innovative solutions that empower clinicians. Kassaundra passionately discusses her mission to alleviate the burden on nurses, allowing them to focus more on patient care. She also shares her insights on how healthcare professionals can cultivate skills that drive better outcomes and satisfaction. In addition, Kassaundra provides strategic advice on how to leverage technology effectively, emphasizing the importance of choosing solutions that truly enhance clinical practices and align with broader organizational goals.
Warehouses, factories, and other supply chain facilities have become host to some intense competition and big prizes lately. Who would have thought? (Apparently, the people who understand how to modify behavior and started building gamification apps.) Learn more about how gamification works and how it can help motivate your workers.
As a communications strategist, I live for a great story. I recently had the distinct pleasure of hearing five incredible ones during a special CRN Women of the Channel podcast.
In today’s fast-paced industries, ranging from logistics to retail and manufacturing, the need for precision, efficiency, and real-time visibility into assets has become a critical factor for success. Organizations under constant pressure to streamline operations want to cut costs and maintain agility, making it essential to adopt tools that enhance productivity and simplify complex workflows.
AI, robots and other automation technologies will help you drive operational improvements sometime in the future. But, today, you need to be using voice-command automation (which is not the same thing as the voice-directed picking “solutions” you’re struggling with today.) Find out how voice-command automation differs from the other ways your frontline workers are using voice technology today.
When an ambulance is dispatched to a call, the assumption is that it will be fully stocked with the right equipment and medicines for EMTs to stabilize patients or perform life-saving measures in the field. But with the increased number of calls for service, it’s becoming more difficult for EMTs to maintain proper stock in their ambulances – and that has patient care implications. Why is such a fundamental task so hard to manage? That’s one of the questions we asked two public safety experts. The other question? Is there anything that can be done to reduce the wait times for ambulance services where the calls for service are exceeding EMTs’ capacity? These experts have some thoughts.
Hear how T&L companies, utilities, government agencies, and other service providers are using the tablets currently installed as ELDs to inject more automation and intelligence onboard their fleet vehicles. Our guest, Michael Inglima from Ram Mounts, explains how these mobile devices are working with AI software, cameras, RFID and more to assist workers in and out of the cab as well as those coordinating goods transport and service call response.
What are the little things you wish you could change about your current barcode scanners? Do you wish they were physically smaller and easier to install and manage? Easier on the eye? Something else? Well, don't compromise when you're choosing barcode scanners for your business. Why? You don't have to anymore. Read this blog post to learn how the issues you've had with your scanners were recently solved.
Unlike most clinicians, nurses at Hull University Teaching Hospitals don’t have to worry that patient care will be compromised due to missing equipment or medical supplies shortages. Why? They’ve found an unconventional but effective ‘cure’ using RFID. Hear about the inventory management solution that is helping clinicians focus on patient care.
The traditional 1D barcode scanner isn’t going to help you see and intervene when losses occur at the point of sale (POS). Nor will it reduce the number of interventions required by retail store associates or restaurant workers. But retail leader Mark Thomson has seen something that will. He explains in his latest blog post.
We’ve found a way to package many of our products without using plastic…and without compromising their quality in transit. Check this out.
There's a lot more to consider than just the temperature rating when choosing a handheld mobile computer or tablet – or even an RFID reader, barcode scanner, printer, or wearable – for use in cold chains (or cold weather). So, Andre Luecht took the time to detail what other factors influence the performance of technology devices, accessories and supplies in different types of cold settings so that you always make the right choice for your operation the first time.
The faster your store teams can process inbound goods and get ingredients, supplies, and other items put away, the faster they can turn their attention back to revenue-generating activities, like serving guests.
Two AI experts explain how exactly you can maximize your margins by integrating, adopting, and executing AI-powered solutions.
Shoppers expect the same things from retailers they always have, including convenience and quality. But it’s seemingly more difficult for retailers to deliver those things now. Why is that? And what can they do to fix it? Here's one retail strategist's perspective.
Kristen Ludwig is taking a different approach to customer experience design, advocating for technology customers and end-users of all abilities to have representation in business decisions and are fully supported in their work. See if it could help your organization, too.
Many frontline jobs have become harder to do over the last decade. That’s why we have further accelerated our innovative approach at Zebra since making our largest acquisition 10 years ago. We want to create new ways of working to help make frontline jobs more efficient, impactful, and fulfilling. Learn more about how we're driving advancements that help frontline workers.
Bob Bova, President and CEO of AccuspeechMobile, sits down with Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead for Transport, Logistics, and Warehouse at Zebra, to provide his honest take on why you may be struggling with your voice technology.
The food wasted annually – the ~1.3 billion tons of food that ends up in the landfill – contains enough calories to feed approximately three billion people for a year! So, why is even a single person experiencing food insecurity or hunger right now? There is clearly enough food being produced to feed everyone on the planet today and then some. In this blog post, Leo Lowy takes a closer look at the root causes of food waste and loss as well as the technology tools that could be applied right now to stop food waste in its tracks at a global level. Read his recommendations.
If you're planning to use machine vision to assist with quality control or automate other visual inspections, there are some things you need to account for when designing your system. In the latest episode of the Industrial Automation Insider podcast, two engineers from Tri-Phase Automation explain what you should think about when spec'ing out your vision system to avoid headaches later on and make sure you get the results (and return on investment) you want.
If you're a healthcare provider or administrator who wants to reduce the shocks and stress felt when the world seems to shatter - or just simply grows bigger - you need to make one simple change today then repeat tomorrow. Don't wait "for the money to come in" or a policy push to make the changes needed to improve care capacity or quality. The team at Hull University Hospital didn't. It took a pragmatic approach to modernization and has made great progress with Scan4Safety and strategic RFID implementations in a short period of time. So, if you're not sure what to do first (or next), the story and advice shared in this blog post might help you get the answers you need...or at least know the right questions to ask of the right people.
Do you know exactly when, where and why losses are happening within your operations? If not, it will be hard to figure out how to prevent them, fix inventory distortion, and eliminate friction within your operations. So, let’s talk about loss detection.
There’s no doubt the GUI will remain a staple in our daily life. But will the GUI forever be as we know it today? Find out why one UI/UX designer doesn’t think so.
From concerts to chili cook-offs, Super Bowls to youth sports tournaments, monster truck shows to motorsport races, there’s a lot that must happen to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Here’s how Zebra tech helps.
AI does not start and end with ChatGPT (or whatever other generative AI is creating the most buzz). So, let’s talk about what AI means for your business, including your workers.
Just because a Wi-Fi network is “available” doesn’t mean that it’s the right network to connect to at this moment. It’s a matter of productivity and whether or not your workers can actually get anything done. That’s why you're going to want to check out the Enhanced Connection Manager, which is going to let you decide whether WWAN (i.e., cellular) networks should be the first/automatic connection for your workers’ Android devices or whether to stick with WLAN (i.e., Wi-Fi).
Some say now’s the time to take the road less traveled. We say it’s now or never. If you keep doing the same things you’ve always done, especially if you’ve typically avoided AI, you’re going to keep feeling the grind.
Not sure how to accelerate digitalization or meet efficiency standards in your hospital? Find out what one healthcare volunteer suggests after working in National Health Service (NHS) wards for a while and understanding what it really takes to take good care of patients – and take care of all patients that need consultations.
While every retailer must respond to inflation, upward wage pressure, and more, you have a unique opportunity to stand out amongst the competition and win customers for life. Here’s what you need to do.
Our experts explain the cost of giving your front-line workers the wrong type of mobile device for barcode scanning applications
The RFID tag is not the next evolution of the barcode. It is technology you should treat as complementary to barcodes. Here’s why.
These veteran technology industry experts say you probably need barcode, RFID and vision systems to achieve your business objectives. Hear why.
When you're traveling, you shouldn't have to spend hours in line trying to get into the country. That's why you might want to visit Cyprus, where government officials have found a way to accelerate visitor documentation checks and reduce queues to get into the country.
If it feels inconvenient to have to buy all new reusable bins or recyclable serving utensils, find out what one global QSR chain is doing to conveniently maintain operations, meet sustainability goals and comply with multiple plastics bans.
Consumers and retail associates who participated in Zebra's 16th Annual Global Shopper Study hope AI will change the retail experience, and top AI engineers think gen AI will change the retail experience. But how? That's what Zebra's EMEA Retail Industry Leader, Mark Thomson, and Zebra's Senior Director of AI and Advanced Applications, Stuart Hubbard, share in this latest blog post, which includes a very candid video chat about where the greatest potential for gen AI is proving to be in retail right now.
Shoppers want more autonomy. They also want more on-demand associate assistance (when needed), along with faster payment experiences. Here are some easy ways to give them everything they want.
Let’s talk about why enterprise mobility solutions are better suited than consumer market offerings in retail, hospitality and other business applications based on what we've learned the past two-plus decades.
Optimizing operations and enhancing customer service can be easy if you’re using the right key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess schedule quality in workforce management software. But how can you be certain you’re using the right KPIs?
Store managers say there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, but there are – if you can make it easier for them to schedule retail associates.
Hear all about the technological feat – and strategic execution by multiple teams inside and outside stadiums – that must happen every game day to give you the detailed play-by-play NFL Next Gen stats on your devices.
While equality is the main goal of societal I&D efforts, equity is the means to get there. Find out what equity looks like and how it can be used to help ensure equal opportunity access to historically marginalised communities, not just women.
How long will humans outnumber the machine workforce? And is there a way to extract more value from their current co-existence? Those are two questions answered by a warehouse automation expert in this blog post.
New Zealand grocery company, Foodstuffs South Island, takes a unique approach in finding a new mobile technology solution.
If you’re wondering, “How is deep learning already at work in the real world (i.e., my world)?” or “How could deep learning help me work in new, more efficient ways?” then you’ve come to the right place. This blog post serves as a primer to deep learning, explaining what it really is, how it works, and how you can make it work for your business for inspections, quality control and more.
Marcin Kowalski from Avicon Vision Systems in Poland pulls the veil back on some very cool ways machine vision technology is being used to track ball movements, confirm the quality of a chicken’s life, and more.
Part of the third largest retail operator in Northern Europe, Kesko found a way to reduce costs and boost efficiency in its warehouse with…wait for it…a printer! Find out how exactly they accomplished this feat.
Though meant to reduce theft, locking up products in your stores may be causing losses by deterring impatient shoppers from completing their purchase or complicating inventory management. Consider this instead.
There’s far more to consider than the “total cost of ownership" when deciding whether to set up a private wireless or Wi-Fi network, and consistency is worth more than anything when it comes to wireless connectivity in the workplace, says one mobility expert.
Chris Sullivan, Global Healthcare Lead for Zebra, explains how everything from robots and AI to RFID and machine vision is being used from the point of production to the point of care to improve patient experiences.
Jim Nagy explains why it's like to be an NFL scout and shares what scouts are really looking for in recruits at each level. He also explains why the Reese’s Senior Bowl has become a top NFL recruiting event.
It could be a win-win to let employees use personal devices on the clock. However, more businesses are starting to backtrack on BYOD. Why? Hear both sides of the story.
Bimbo Bakeries USA has shown us how data-driven insights from AI can transform demand planning for CPGs and help keep fresh food on our tables without anything going to waste - even during a global pandemic.
As UNESCO calls out, “Literacy empowers and liberates people.” And there are millions of people around the world whose lives could be vastly improved if they just had access to one book. That's why Zebra's Therese Van Ryne sat down with Kristen Daniels, Executive Director, Bernie's Book Bank, to talk about ways we can all make books more accessible to those who need them.
When Zebra mobile devices are accidentally left at workers’ favorite lunch spot, a customer site or on a pallet in the yard, Device Tracker can now pinpoint their last known locations on a map.