Manufacturers that modernise frontline workflows using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data-driven tools are reporting productivity improvements and potential profitability gains, according to new research released by Zebra Technologies in collaboration with Oxford Economics.
The updated global study, which surveyed leaders across the manufacturing, retail, and transportation and logistics (T&L) sectors, found that 56 per cent of manufacturers reported productivity gains after modernising production lines.
The research also identified potential financial benefits, with manufacturers improving supply chain and inventory management reporting a potential profit increase of $6.6 million for a typical organisation, while modernised maintenance workflows were associated with a potential $6.2 million uplift and upgraded production lines with a potential $3.5 million increase.
According to Zebra Technologies, the findings suggest that improving frontline workflows with AI, automation, and real-time data can strengthen operational performance while supporting employee engagement.
The research also found that AI adoption is accelerating across industries. In manufacturing, half of the surveyed leaders seeking to improve production lines identified AI as their top priority for future progress.
“This updated research confirms that intelligent operations deliver a quantifiable human and financial impact, simplifying complexity, elevating frontline productivity, and improving engagement,” said Tom Bianculli, chief technology officer at Zebra Technologies.
“As a leader in AI for the frontline, we see how embedding intelligence directly into daily workflows turns insights into measurable action, unlocking the next wave of productivity and value for our customers.”
Beyond manufacturing, the study reported that retail organisations modernising point-of-sale operations could achieve a potential $4 million increase in profits, while transportation and logistics organisations improving shipping and loading workflows could see potential profit gains of $2.8 million.
It also found that 34 per cent of T&L firms that improved picking and packing operations reported better staff retention and satisfaction, while 54 per cent recorded faster operational speeds.
Zebra said the findings indicate that investments in technologies supporting frontline workflows can contribute to improved financial performance while enhancing employee satisfaction and customer experience.
The company added that its portfolio of products and solutions is designed to help organisations make real-time operational decisions, reduce manual errors, and streamline repetitive tasks.
According to Zebra, these capabilities enable frontline workers to improve productivity while supporting the broader adoption of AI-enabled workflows across manufacturing and other industries.
