Connected factory insights

Fundamental transformations around workforce skills, operations, productivity, and innovation are coming. Analysts say 80% of digital workers will use generative AI daily in the next few years, 40% of employees will be trained first by AI, and one-third of business decisions will be automated. 

These changes coincide with ongoing industry challenges around supply chains, competition, buyer demand, skilled labour, and AI integration. And it’s these trends and challenges that Zebra’s senior executives and partners seek to address.

“While many in Silicon Valley chase the dream of human-like Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the immediate solution lies in a different approach: Augmented Collective Intelligence (ACI), a framework where humans and AI work in concert for the world’s biggest workforce – the frontline,” said Stephan Pottel, manufacturing strategy director EMEA, Zebra Technologies.

Zebra’s The Rise of the Connected Factory industry report shows that over half of surveyed manufacturers in Europe expect AI to drive growth by 2029, and 92% plan to prioritise digital transformation. However, the Industry 5.0 maturity landscape is fragmented. A lack of agreement between C-Suite, IT, and OT leadership about strategic ownership, IT and OT alignment, and not knowing where to begin are all slowing progress inside and outside the four walls.

“The drive toward re-shoring, in part due to trade and geopolitical pressures, has further amplified the need for robust traceability solutions. As manufacturers relocate operations to domestic or allied regions, solutions are needed to maintain visibility across the supply chain, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements,” said Pottel.

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