Zebra Technologies is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into frontline operations to respond to increasing pressures related to labor shortages, customer expectations, and supply chain difficulties.

Focus on Intelligent Operations

The company defines this approach as "intelligent operations," which consists of combining AI, data, and human expertise to optimize workflows. This translates into solutions for quality control in manufacturing, where machine vision systems detect defects, and in logistics optimization, where mobile devices acquire 3D data for asset management.

Retail as a Testing Ground

The retail sector is proving to be a fertile ground for these solutions, thanks to the need to quickly train staff and ensure consistency of operations. Zebra Companion, for example, provides immediate assistance to employees for managing returns and accessing product information.

Scaling AI: A Gradual Approach

Zebra emphasizes the importance of a gradual approach to AI implementation, starting with specific use cases and focusing on preparing the necessary data. A typical return on investment (ROI) is estimated between 12 and 15 months, thanks to time savings per activity and error reduction.

Towards Augmented Collective Intelligence

The ultimate goal is to move from reactive systems to predictive systems, which anticipate problems and guide decisions. This translates into augmented collective intelligence (ACI), where AI supports automation and coordination, while humans provide judgment and oversight. The company aims for systems that support specific environments, such as stores and warehouses, working closely with the people who know these spaces best.

For those evaluating on-premise deployments, there are trade-offs to consider. AI-RADAR offers analytical frameworks on /llm-onpremise to evaluate these aspects.