Winning Together: A Pragmatic Guide to AI for Your Frontline Workforce
The energy at our recent Channel Partner Summit in Orlando felt palpable. Everywhere you turned, conversations buzzed with the potential of AI.
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The energy at our recent Channel Partner Summit in Orlando felt palpable. Everywhere you turned, conversations buzzed with the potential of AI.
Enterprise operations run on precision, yet a single unreadable barcode label threatens to halt your entire workflow. You rely on printers to keep products moving, but choosing cheap, non-certified supplies often introduces unexpected chaos into your daily processes.
In today’s demanding business environment, challenges like labor shortages and supply chain disruptions test the resilience of every organization as the pressure to deliver better results with fewer resources is constant.
Across the transportation and logistics industry, AI continues its transformation from a future concept to a daily reality. In the back office, leaders successfully leverage AI and intelligent software solutions to refine demand forecasting and optimise asset visibility.
The first half of 2026 has been a period of rapid technological evolution, but our core mission at Zebra remains unchanged: ensuring that every frontline worker is visible, connected, and fully optimized.
Retail associates often face overwhelming app fatigue. Disjointed communication tools and isolated point solution applications cause unnecessary friction during their daily shifts.
A striking paradox is unfolding in boardrooms worldwide. Companies are investing heavily in AI, yet a recent Hoover Institution study found over 80% of them report no meaningful productivity impact.
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
The air at a FIRST® Robotics competition crackles with a unique energy. You feel a powerful mix of excitement, intense focus, and pure ingenuity.
Each January, the tech world converges on Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), offering a preview of the future. We see smarter homes, next-generation gadgets, and brilliant displays.
Earlier this year, at our Channel Partner Summit, the buzz of excitement was unmistakable. The conversations with our partners, the lifeblood of our ecosystem, consistently circled back to a significant evolution in our industry.
As leaders in the manufacturing industry, we constantly navigate a landscape of disruption. From volatile supply chains and fluctuating market demands to persistent labor shortages, the pressure to perform is immense. Many of us have turned to digital transformation as the answer, and rightly so.
The idea of a fully autonomous warehouse - a "dark facility" running on its own - is an inspiring vision for the logistics industry. However, the path to achieving it is filled with immense practical challenges.
AI-driven frontline operations will require companies to develop new capabilities that augment their current approach. Previously we explored how Asset Visibility delivers a complete, real-time view of the entire frontline environment, critical to provide AI models with knowledge of the current situation.
In my conversations with customers and manufacturing leaders across Vietnam, there is a palpable energy right now. As global supply chains diversify, our local manufacturing sector is experiencing breathtaking growth.
Food and beverage facility leaders face a difficult reality. A significant labor crisis continues to challenge the manufacturing sector, creating immense pressure to hit production forecasts and reduce downtime.
Manufacturing and logistics leaders face a complex, shifting landscape. The relentless pace of e-commerce, persistent labor shortages, and rising consumer expectations demand a new approach to operational strategy.
Speed gets all the headlines in fulfillment centers. Warehouses and distribution hubs across the globe are facing immense pressure from tighter service-level agreements built on continually rising consumer expectations.
In a dynamic business environment, stability, reliability, and a clear path forward are not just beneficial – they are essential for success. As you navigate your technology investments, we want to reaffirm Zebra's unwavering commitment to being the partner you can trust, both now and in the future.
Recognition feels good, but it seldom comes from solitary effort. It grows from a shared purpose and collective dedication.
That depends on how you want to use your system and who you want to be able to operate and maintain it.
The world is changing fast, and so is your frontline. Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics (T&L), or healthcare, you’ve likely felt the pressure to do more with less.
Today is an important day for Zebra as the company unveils its brand refresh. While our logo hasn’t changed, our new brand platform, “Better Every Day” represents a strategic evolution and tighter alignment with modern technology trends which recognize the impact that automation and AI are having on frontline workflows.
It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that we remember Edward Donald Barkan, Senior Fellow at Zebra Technologies and a true pioneer in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). While we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life defined by innovation, inspiration, and humanity.
The challenges facing AI today, such as data scarcity and quality concerns, might seem daunting, but they also present an opportunity. By turning to the wealth of data generated on the frontline, businesses can create more intelligent, efficient, and adaptive systems.
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.
If you’ve ever managed a team on the frontline, whether in a warehouse, a hospital, or a retail store, you know how challenging the work can be.
Before a pair of shoes reaches your doorstep, it may pass through up to 30 touchpoints where Zebra products, solutions, or workers using Zebra devices play a critical role in its journey.
In the fast-paced world of technology, we know that achieving milestones is all about teamwork. Here at Zebra Technologies, we’re fortunate to have a strong culture driven by our employees and incredible customers and partners whose collaboration inspires us to achieve more every day.
Manufacturers today are under more pressure than ever to operate smarter, faster, and leaner. In fact, a recent study conducted by Zebra Technologies in collaboration with Oxford Economics shows that organizations implementing intelligent operations have seen a 19% boost in employee productivity.
The way we work is changing, and it’s happening fast. Across industries like manufacturing, retail, and transportation and logistics (T&L), businesses are embracing smarter, faster, and more connected ways of working. Why? Because the world demands it. Customers expect flawless service, employees want meaningful roles, and companies need to stay resilient in the face of constant change. But how do we get there? The answer lies in intelligent operations.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Enter 3D imaging technology—a game-changer that is transforming manufacturing, logistics, and industrial operations by offering unprecedented precision and efficiency. As industries strive to enhance their competitiveness, understanding the capabilities and applications of 3D imaging is crucial.
In the ever-evolving landscape of intelligent automation and manufacturing, smart cameras have emerged as pivotal tools transforming machine vision technology. With advancements in edge processing and seamless integration capabilities, these devices are redefining the way industries approach efficiency and precision. As manufacturers, logistics operators, and warehouse professionals seek to optimize operations, smart cameras offer a promising solution for intelligent automation. By delivering real-time insights, and automated decision-making capabilities, robust, scalable, and adaptable smart cameras are ideal for a diverse range of industrial applications.
Last month, Zebra and Clearview, a Zebra industrial automation distributor, hosted a launch event to officially open our new Industrial Automation Center of Excellence. The two-day launch event underscored our commitment to collaboration and innovation in fixed industrial scanning and machine vision. Today, I want to share with you the story behind this initiative. The center is more than just a facility; it represents our vision for the future of industrial operations—a future where technology serves people and empowers organizations to thrive.
In part one of the series, I shared my experience attending Zebra’s inaugural RFID Forum in Prague. As we continue our journey through our first-ever RFID Forum, it’s evident that RFID is not just a buzzword but a pivotal technology driving tangible change across industries.
In the fast-paced world of retail, staying ahead of changing consumer demands is more challenging than ever. As retailers strive to enhance customer experiences and maintain competitiveness, many are turning to the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). Zebra Technologies is at the forefront of this movement, offering AI solutions that unlock the potential of frontline operations, allowing retailers to make smarter business decisions.
A new survey indicates that while bank branch employees are eager for more digital tools, they still aren’t getting what they need. So, the question is: Are you ready to bring your bank into the digital age?
If you want to know exactly where your Zebra Android mobile devices are within your facilities, the you'll want to find out how the 802.11mc fine time measurement (FTM) locating feature works. You'll also want to turn it on across your Wi-Fi network and Zebra devices. (There's no extra cost.) Learn more.
These are the questions to ask every time you’re assessing a new machine vision project for a production or distribution environment, if you want to get it right the first time and save money in the process.
The features and functionality of the cameras, sensors, and scanners used across your vision system won’t matter if you don’t have the right software underneath. Software is the glue. So, I'm curious: Did you closely inspect the software needed to run each of those pieces of hardware before buying them? Did you consider how easy (or difficult) it would be to get all the software platforms to work together as part of "one system"? Or have you found the software complicating things since putting those new hardware components in place? No matter your answer, you need to read this post.
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.
Identity Guardian uses face biometrics and an encrypted barcode to prevent unauthorized users from seeing sensitive business data – and help authorized users access that data faster. Here’s how it works.
There is so much that can be done on planes, in airports, and on the tarmac to make the air travel experience so much smoother. Fortunately, it sounds like some very smart tech upgrades are going to be made by airlines to improve the passenger experience amidst competing priorities and regulatory pressures. Find out what will likely be changing soon (and what changes are already starting to land).
Would they be able to communicate with first responders, customers, and each other in real time…even when they couldn’t talk?
Technology, like medicine, is only effective if the right formula/dose is prescribed and “taken as directed.” Here are the three habits you need to adopt now if you want to avoid the side effects of “wrong” technology decisions and ultimately get relief from the "triple squeeze" choking your business.
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.
While AI is certainly proving helpful with quality control during the electric battery production and electric vehicle assembly processes, AI isn’t the only thing that improves inspection results. Find out what can help automotive suppliers, manufacturers, and integrators even more.
Traditions may offer comfort, but they often deter the changes required for greater fulfillment and success – especially in business. So, how do you move past them without too much discomfort? Zebra's Chief People Officer, Jeff Schmitz, has some recommendations based on personal experience.
They say there’s two sides to every story. Well, now there’s at least two viable machine vision solutions to every problem when you invite both seasoned and early career vision system engineers to the table, and that’s making it easier to see the right path forward. These two engineers (from different generations) explain why.
Zebra’s inclusive, innovative culture ensures our employees are empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. Find out how.
Security-minded solution architects from Google Cloud and Qualcomm explain how far you’re going to have to go – and the lengths to which they’re going – to help protect your organization’s data.
AI must fail over and over to succeed. But there are several mistakes you want to avoid making when teaching an AI-driven application how to look for anomalies on a product, component, or label using deep learning.
Are you a military service member or veteran? Don’t let your current or past affiliations define who you are or who you want to be. And don’t let your career history define your current self-worth, say these two Marines-turned-Zebras. Find out why they warn you not to attach your military experience to your identity.
A strong (wireless) connection is often missing in factories, plants, and warehouses. But there’s an easy solution to that, as two wireless technology experts pointed out in my recent discussion with them. Here are their recommendations.
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.
From multiple substrate applications to automated compliance checks, the team at Cobalt Systems has come up with some interesting techniques to affix and validate labels on almost anything using common technology such as industrial printers and industrial scanners. Hear what they've done (and you can do) to the benefit of manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment operations.
Responsible AI development, training, testing, and use require ongoing engagement and foundational practices to ensure long-term success and ethical implementation. Here is what you need to do to get started, whether you're an AI model developer, tester, or user.
Were exactly should RFID, machine vision and other automation technologies be used within the reverse logistics chain? Alex Whiting, founder of MiTEQ, reveals what he’s found to work best.
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.
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.
If you used machine vision years ago, you may be hesitant to go there again. But modern AI-based systems are giving many manufacturers and warehouse operators significant competitive advantages. Here’s how.
I’m often asked this question, along with two more: ‘What training format is best?’ and ‘Do I need to train them on every little change or new feature?’ Here’s my advice (based on some regrets other business leaders have expressed.)
You need to know everything there is to know about deep learning OCR, a new AI-based text reading tool, mainly because it’ll tell you what you need to know about so many things – such as your products’ quality and status.
Zebra CEO Bill Burns highlights some notable accomplishments of Zebra employees, partners, and customers in his latest blog post about the impact of culture on a company.
If your employees transition between multiple roles each day, you need to consolidate their “profiles” onto a single device so they can flip between tasks and teams faster. Here’s how.
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.
With it becoming more challenging than ever to make money in retail, it’s crucial to streamline your store operations in line with the new “Modern Store” framework introduced at NRF.
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.
Here are some calculations to run and often overlooked factors to consider before you think that a consumer mobile device is going to be “cheaper" than one purpose-built for business or industrial use cases.
How much memory do you really need to keep your mobile device from crashing? We ask a mobility expert to explain the (semi-simple) math you should do before buying a device that you’ll be using for business purposes.
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.
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.
The more we lean into technology, the more valuable human talent becomes, for technology would have no impact if not for people’s creativity, curiosity and compassion.
These veteran technology industry experts say you probably need barcode, RFID and vision systems to achieve your business objectives. Hear why.
Between the expanding capabilities of machine vision systems, maturity of deep learning OCR, and modularity of industrial automation systems, you have an opportunity to de-risk your operations and meet SLAs with ease.
Software requires technical support and feature optimisation (just like hardware). So, unless you have access to experts via ongoing consulting services, the business impact of your software investment may disappoint.
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.
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.
We are asked a lot of questions about why enterprise mobile devices should be the only type of devices used for business applications when consumer devices are being marketed for business use, too. Technology Solutions Engineering Fellow Bruce Willins attempts to answer them all now.
The more mainstream AI becomes in business, the more important it becomes for developers and engineers to adopt best practices – and for technology buyers and IT managers to understand those practices. So, we asked an AI expert to share the practices he and his team use to bring AI into production, including the use of ML Ops.
Just because you’re getting by with a fixed dimensioning system or a measuring tape today doesn’t mean you’ll be able to sustain your workflow as parcel volumes increase. Here's why you should take a look at mobile dimensioning.
No one should normalize pain. But Kelly Melideo did because others did. That’s why she wants to share her story. She hopes you’ll see how important it is to speak up when you’re in pain and believe those who say they’re in pain.
As only the third CEO in Zebra’s history, Bill Burns' vision is to maintain continuity and drive change. Here’s how he plans to do both – with the help of employees, partners and customers.
Erv Comer is an engineer who has spent the last 35 years focused on security. This is what he wants you to ask (and) know before you buy another mobile computer or tablet, especially if you plan to use it for business purposes.
With a little AI assistance, you’ll be able to get the right people on the schedule at your bank branches at the right time to fully support customers and convert sales. Learn what "a little" means..
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.
Privacy isn’t born out of traditional cybersecurity tactics. It must be treated as a separate but equal action, according to Dr. Ann Cavoukian, creator of the international “Privacy by Design” framework. Find out what you should be doing differently to protect your customers and reduce your company's liability when handling customer data..
After 15 years, I am still amazed at the incredible things our employees, partners and customers accomplish each day. I have also learned a few things as CEO that I believe can benefit everyone.
Your in-house team may struggle to manage a software implementation project because they don't work for the software provider. They only know how the application should work, not how to make it work as it should. Find out what it really takes to define MVP, keep the project on schedule, and ensure software acceptance of end users.
No matter how much technology enables to run your business more efficiently, people are still the ones responsible for your success (and developing the technology that allows you to work in new, better ways so that success becomes possible). So, it's time to give credit where credit is due - and make sure we're thinking about technology in the context of human impact.
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.
You may need to change how you think about, choose, and implement technology for your healthcare system to make progress against these your patient care, compliance and telehealth priorities. Here's why.
As customer and employee demands continue to evolve, the banks that invest in digital transformation will continue to thrive. Here's where to focus
Ericsson and Zebra mobility experts answer important questions in this new roundtable discussion, including where private wireless technology delivers the most value and the ROI you can expect.
Banking is going through changes at every level – especially at bank branches. But it’s important you make a few very specific (and controlled) changes if you want to retain staff and customers.
No one wants a dead battery, but that’s what you’ll end up with if you keep charging your battery too much or too often. So, let’s talk about the right way to extend your battery life.
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?
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.
Google and Zebra are pulling out all the stops around mobility (and AI and AR) so you and your employees can source the info needed to more confidently do your jobs and secure more wins. Hear what’s unfolding.
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.