AI and automation drive 20% productivity gains, finds Zebra report
Retail, manufacturing and logistics firms in India gain efficiency, visibility and customer satisfaction with AI workflows.;
A new study by Zebra Technologies Corporation, in partnership with Oxford Economics, has revealed that automation and modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can increase productivity by 20%. The research included responses from India alongside seven other markets and highlighted strong benefits for retail, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics (T&L) industries.
The study showed that retailers reported a 21% improvement in customer satisfaction, manufacturers cited a 19% rise in employee productivity, and T&L leaders saw a 21% increase in productivity by improving workflows. It also noted that AI investments enable real-time visibility, actionable insights, and greater efficiency.
Oxford Economics estimated that if the top 20 companies from the Forbes Global 2000 list in these sectors optimised their frontline workflows, each could potentially gain an average of $3 billion in additional revenue and $120 million in profit.
In India, Zebra Technologies is reinforcing its commitment to the market by focusing on modernising manual processes. “With our refreshed brand identity, Zebra is strengthening its commitment to India by empowering frontline workers,” said Subramaniam Tiruppathi, Director, Sales, India & Sub-Continent, Zebra Technologies. He added that automation and AI-driven workflows are helping Indian businesses improve asset visibility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
The report, Impact of Intelligent Operations, pointed out that retailers improved revenue and profitability by enhancing inventory management, manufacturers gained by strengthening quality control, and T&L firms achieved growth by streamlining delivery and inventory workflows.
Joe White, Chief Product & Solutions Officer, Zebra Technologies, said that retail, manufacturing, and logistics are being redefined at the workflow level, where speed, visibility, and precision are essential. He explained that intelligent operations bring together technology and human expertise to help organisations adapt and thrive.
The study further showed that retailers in India and globally are piloting AI for loss prevention, risk detection, and inventory optimisation. Over two-thirds of T&L organisations and nearly half of manufacturers are deploying AI for inventory management, demand forecasting, and predictive analytics. Advanced tools like RFID and machine vision are also central to improving visibility and efficiency.
Zebra’s new brand platform, “Better Every Day,” reflects its aim to deliver intelligent and connected solutions that enhance frontline performance and responsiveness. Bill Burns, Chief Executive Officer, Zebra Technologies, said the company’s portfolio is designed to support modern workflows, streamline tasks, and empower organisations to make faster, smarter decisions.