Transforming Enterprises with AI: Zebra Technologies Leads the Charge
As businesses increasingly move towards artificial intelligence (AI) integration, the landscape of frontline operations is undergoing a notable transformation. Zebra Technologies, a prominent player in this field, has introduced ambitious plans to enhance operations in the Asia Pacific region. This shift comes at a critical time when poor software quality is projected to cost U.S. companies significantly in 2022. The need for effective, results-oriented AI applications is more pressing than ever.
The Power of Intelligent Automation
Intelligent automation is at the heart of Zebra Technology’s strategy. According to Tom Bianculli, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, the company’s three-tier approach has evolved, but it is the integration of intelligent automation that is revolutionizing frontline interactions. Instead of simply digitizing workflows, Zebra is connecting wearable technology and robotic processes. This innovative method allows frontline workers to engage with automation in ways that were unfeasible just a few years ago.
Practical Innovations Creating Impact
The tangible benefits of enterprise AI transformation are already being seen in Zebra’s collaboration with a major North American retailer. The combined effort utilizes both traditional AI and generative AI to enhance operational performance. Customers can now quickly analyze product shelves just by taking a picture. The traditional AI can recognize all items on a shelf and identify missing or misplaced products. Following this, the information is sent to a generative AI agent that suggests appropriate actions.
This advanced automation leads to significant operational improvements, reducing the retail staff’s workload by 25%. When stock is found to be missing, the system can automatically generate tasks for employees, removing the need for a lengthy manual process.
Asia Pacific: A Leader in AI Adoption
The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is becoming a frontrunner in enterprise AI adoption. Research indicates that 54% of businesses in APAC expect AI to generate long-term innovation and revenue growth. Key investment areas for AI by 2025 include:
- 21% focused on improving customer experiences
- 18% on automating business processes
- 16% directed towards sales automation and managing customer lifecycles
Ryan Goh, the Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific at Zebra Technologies, highlights successful implementations currently in the e-commerce sector, where the use of ring scanners for package scanning has notably boosted productivity compared to traditional methods.
Innovation at the Edge
Zebra’s strategy for implementing AI involves several components that enhance operational capabilities:
- AI Devices: With built-in neural processing, these devices can handle tasks on location.
- Multimodal Experiences: These experiences mimic human cognitive processes to improve user engagement and efficiency.
- Generative AI Agents: Optimizing the distribution of workloads between local devices and the cloud enhances productivity.
Furthermore, Zebra is enhancing its capabilities in edge computing. Bianculli revealed plans for deploying on-device language models, particularly for environments lacking reliable internet access. This ensures that AI functionalities are available, irrespective of network conditions.
Regional Market Dynamics
The journey of enterprise AI transformation varies across different markets within the APAC region. India’s economic landscape is vibrant, with a projected GDP growth of 6.6% and a manufacturing growth rate of 7% year-on-year. A significant 96% of organizations surveyed in India are actively implementing AI initiatives.
In contrast, Japan faces unique challenges, showing a more modest GDP growth of 1.2%. Despite this, surprising applications of technology in manufacturing and consumer services are emerging. Goh notes that the initial perceptions of technology, such as tablets being confined to retail, have evolved due to unexpected applications seen in the Bay Area.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Enterprises
Industry forecasts suggest that by 2027, a quarter of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) will introduce augmented workforce initiatives, dramatically reducing the time needed for skill development. Zebra Technologies is proactively preparing for this future through its "Z word" companion, which employs generative AI and large language models. This is slated for testing with selected customers in the coming quarters.
With a broad footing in over 120 offices across 55 countries and more than 10,000 channel partners in 185 nations, Zebra is well-positioned to play a substantial role in the enterprise AI transformation occurring throughout the Asia Pacific region. As the shift from mere experimentation with AI to widespread implementation continues, Zebra remains focused on delivering practical innovations that enhance operational efficiency and yield measurable business outcomes.
Conclusion
Zebra Technologies is setting the stage for a new age of enterprise operations, driven by intelligent automation and AI. The drive towards improving operational efficiencies, reducing manual workloads, and enhancing customer experiences is changing the game for businesses in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. As these technologies become more embedded in daily operations, the expectation is clear: businesses will continue to evolve, aiming for seamless integration of AI into their workflows, leading to improved outcomes across the board.
