Zebra Technologies Corporation has identified worker safety and real-time operational visibility as central to the evolution of manufacturing, as companies invest heavily in digital tools to strengthen frontline performance.
Findings from the company’s latest industry study, conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics, show manufacturers are allocating an average of 69% of their IT budgets to technologies that connect workers, improve asset visibility and automate workflows. These investments are increasingly being directed towards solutions that enhance safety while maintaining productivity in complex industrial environments.
A key trend highlighted in the report is the growing use of on-demand digital training tools to address workforce challenges. Manufacturers are deploying interactive kiosks, smart devices and video-based learning platforms to provide instant access to safety procedures, operational guidance and troubleshooting support. This approach allows workers to respond more effectively to risks on the shop floor, while accelerating onboarding and reducing human error.
Industry experts note that improving access to safety-critical information can significantly reduce workplace incidents, particularly in high-risk sectors. By embedding training into daily operations, companies are also aiming to close skills gaps and improve employee confidence, which can contribute to safer working conditions.
Zebra also pointed to the increasing adoption of edge computing and machine vision technologies to enhance quality control and prevent defects before they escalate into safety issues. These systems use artificial intelligence to analyse production processes in real time, identifying anomalies such as equipment faults or product inconsistencies that could pose risks if left unaddressed.
By processing data at the source, manufacturers can take immediate corrective action, limiting the likelihood of defective or unsafe products progressing along the production line. This shift from reactive to proactive quality management is helping organisations reduce waste, improve compliance and strengthen overall operational safety.
Stephan Pottel, manufacturing strategy director for EMEA at Zebra Technologies, said intelligent automation is playing a crucial role in supporting safer, more efficient factories. He noted that advanced technologies are enabling organisations to better manage labour shortages while equipping workers with the tools needed to operate in increasingly automated environments.
In parallel, traceability technologies such as RFID and machine vision are being adopted to improve transparency across supply chains. These systems allow manufacturers to track materials and components throughout production, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards, particularly in industries such as aerospace, electronics and pharmaceuticals.
As global supply chains evolve, the integration of digital solutions is expected to remain a priority, with safety, compliance and sustainability emerging as key drivers of investment.
