Zebra Technologies Corporation has released new findings from its joint research with Oxford Economics, highlighting how investments in artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital workflows are helping businesses improve profitability, operational efficiency and employee engagement. The global study shows that organisations across retail, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics (T&L) are achieving measurable business gains by modernising frontline operations with intelligent technologies.
The research, based on responses from senior business leaders across multiple countries, found that companies adopting AI-powered workflow solutions are improving productivity, strengthening workforce satisfaction and delivering better customer experiences. The findings underline the growing role of intelligent automation in helping organisations simplify operations while generating stronger financial returns.
According to the study, manufacturers that modernised supply chain and inventory management reported a potential profit increase of US$6.6 million for a typical organisation. Improvements in maintenance operations generated an estimated US$6.2 million uplift, while modernised production lines delivered potential profit gains of US$3.5 million. These improvements were supported by better asset visibility, real-time operational insights and greater process efficiency.
Retail businesses also recorded significant benefits. Organisations upgrading point-of-sale operations reported potential profit gains of US$4 million, while transportation and logistics companies modernising shipping and loading workflows saw potential profit improvements of US$2.8 million. The research suggests that equipping frontline employees with connected digital tools enables faster decision-making and more efficient operations.
The study also found that workflow modernisation contributes to a better workplace experience. Among transportation and logistics companies that improved picking and packing operations, 34% reported higher employee satisfaction and retention, while 54% experienced faster operational performance. In manufacturing, 56% of respondents reported higher productivity after upgrading production line operations.
Commenting on the findings, Subramaniam Thiruppathi, Country Lead, India and Subcontinent, Zebra Technologies, said, “Businesses across India are increasingly focused on achieving measurable value from their technology investments. The study demonstrates that AI, automation and real-time visibility help organisations simplify frontline operations, improve workforce productivity and deliver meaningful financial results. By enabling frontline teams with intelligent technologies, businesses are becoming more agile, resilient and prepared for long-term growth.”
The research also highlights the rapid growth in AI adoption across industries. While many organisations are already using AI in daily operations, even more view it as a strategic priority for future transformation. In manufacturing, 50% of surveyed leaders looking to improve production operations identified AI as their highest priority. In transportation and logistics, interest in applying AI to shipping and loading operations has nearly tripled among organisations planning future upgrades.
Tom Bianculli, Chief Technology Officer, Zebra Technologies, said, “The findings confirm that intelligent operations create measurable business and workforce benefits. Embedding AI directly into frontline workflows helps organisations simplify complex processes, improve employee productivity and convert data into meaningful business outcomes.”
The study was conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of Zebra Technologies through surveys and econometric analysis involving 1,000 senior executives across retail, manufacturing and transportation and logistics sectors in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The research examined critical frontline activities including inventory management, production, material handling, delivery operations and quality control.
The latest findings reinforce Zebra Technologies’ commitment to helping organisations build intelligent operations through AI-powered automation, connected frontline solutions and real-time visibility. By enabling businesses to modernise everyday workflows, the company aims to support higher productivity, improved customer service and sustainable long-term growth across industries.
