How Zebra Technologies Uses Machine Vision to Transform Production Automation
Machine vision is the focus of Machine Design’s Takeover Topic Event (Aug. 12-16, 2024). Covering the gamut of vision systems, the lineup includes case histories, trends and interviews with notable players to watch in this space.
In the accompanying video, Andrew Zosel, senior vice president and general manager, Zebra Technologies, explains the vision and strategy behind recent acquisitions and the resultant solutions. Machine vision is a significant part of that investment and future growth at Zebra, said Zosel.
(In parts 2 and 3 of this interview series focusing on machine vision, Zosel elaborates on the following questions: Given the advancements in technology, are we still delineating between machine vision and computer vision? How are the economics of machine vision changing? What is driving the ubiquity of machine vision?)
READ MORE: 10 Considerations for Designing a Machine Vision System
Research commissioned by Zebra revealed that 70% of survey respondents plan to implement computer vision within the next five years. Published in June 2024, the 2024 Manufacturing Vision Study found that 86% of manufacturing leaders noted they were struggling to keep pace with technological innovation and to securely integrate devices, sensors and technologies across their facilities and supply chains. Survey respondents comprised 1,200 C-suite executives, as well as IT and OT decision-makers across various manufacturing sectors.
During a stopover at Zebra Technologies’ booth at Automate 2024, Machine Design learned from Zosel just how much Zebra is leaning into building solutions that address such vulnerabilities. The variation and number of technology applications displayed revealed the pace at which Zebra has been filling in its automation ecosystem in its effort to evolve into a full-solution enterprise that can orchestrate what manufacturers on their own cannot.
Expanding Zebra Technologies: Growth in Scope and Scale
Those familiar with Zebra Technologies likely will associate the company with its industrial printing capabilities, including scanning, track-and-trace and mobile computing and software solutions. “Our industrial are industrial printers used throughout the world,” said Andrew Zosel, senior vice president and general manager, Zebra Technologies. “The majority of the labels that go on boxes around the world, identifying and giving items a digital voice, are printed using Zebra printers because they’re extremely reliable and rugged. And that’s where the original Zebra brand came from.”
In 2014, a $3.45 billion acquisition of Motorola Solutions’ Enterprise business, which included handheld scanners and mobile computers, transformed both the scope and scale of Zebra’s portfolio, then expanding further into asset visibility, traceability, barcode scanning and barcode printing capabilities.
Another transformative year was 2021. Zebra acquired Fetch Robotics, Adaptive Vision and Antuit AI that year, effectively launching their machine vision and fixed industrial scanning portfolios. The acquisition of Matrox Imaging, a manufacturer of frame grabbers, vision controllers and imaging software, followed in 2022.
“We’ve invested significantly, both organically with our own internal developments coming from our existing teams, in new cameras and vision and machine vision, fixed industrial scanning products, but also made a couple of significant acquisitions over the past few years in the vision space, including, Adaptive Vision out of Europe, as well as company called Matrox out of Canada.”
Combining Hardware and Software for Machine Vision Solutions
Despite having a relatively new position in the machine and computer vision market, bringing together advancements in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decision-making has been a surefire way to boost stealth and agility at once.
“Through these acquisitions, the biggest and most important part is still the software and the algorithms and its capabilities,” said Zosel. “That’s what we’ve focused on developing and acquiring, especially the traditional machine vision capabilities such as the deterministic algorithms or however you want to call them. And a lot of development in AI and, specifically, deep learning.”
Zosel pointed out that there are multiple ways to make vision systems work. The simplest method could be to use a vision sensor or a smart camera, which might comprise an all-in-one, fully integrated lens, light and computer in one product.
“We offer those types of products, all the way to completely disaggregated-type systems, where multiple parts come together, such as a frame grabber board in a high-end PC with a separate set of high-end cameras with separate lighting,” Zosel said. “It’s the same basic architecture of lighting, lensing, processing and compute. But it depends on the integration as well as the performance requirements of the application.”
From Zebra’s perspective, said Zosel, the intent is to offer all the above. “Zosel’s platform advantage is that it has that scalability to offer everything from basic, simplified, lug-and-play-type product, all the way up to very complex, high-end systems doing either extremely high resolution or extremely high-speed processing, or both,” he said.
Long-Term Strategies: Automation and Augmentation in Manufacturing
Fundamentally, Zebra wants to help our customers find ways to meet the challenges they encounter, said Zosel.
Packaging sustainability is a case in point. Some of Zebra’s customers are moving away from plastics by opting for thinner plastics and paper-based packaging. Zebra is helping them with inspections and helping customers along their sustainability evolution by providing products and platforms that are scalable. explained Zosel. For instance, a customer may start with 2D machine vision, but “plans for scalability to 3D and for using more advanced AI. A lot of our systems and efforts are around creating that scalability and providing that path for our customers,” Zosel explained.
Zebra’s study found that over the next five years, manufacturing leaders plan to implement various automation technologies, including robotics (65%), machine vision (66%), radio frequency identification (RFID) (66%), and fixed industrial scanners (57%). The study highlighted that the adoption of these automation solutions is driven by several factors: the need to assign high-value tasks to the workforce (70%), achieve service level agreements (69%), and increase flexibility on the plant floor (64%).
Zosel said that Zebra is looking at ways to make products “easier to deploy, easier to integrate with robotics, easier to automate and integrate with material handling systems, as well as coming up with clever ways that deep learning and AI and different imaging technologies can be used to help in customers’ applications.
Watch additional parts of this interview series with Andrew Zosel:
Part 2: Deep Learning Algorithms Help Vision Inspection Systems See Better
Part 3: How Deep Learning Complements Machine Vision Solutions
Augmentir Collaborates with Zebra Technologies to Bring AI-Powered Connected Work to the Industrial Frontline Workforce
Augmentir’s AI-powered connected worker solution is now natively supported on Zebra Technologies’ mobile computers, tablets, and wearable scanners, enhancing productivity for today’s manufacturing workforce
HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Augmentir, the provider of an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based connected worker solution, today announced a collaboration with Zebra Technologies, joining the Zebra PartnerConnect program with an integrated workforce productivity software solution that is compatible with Zebra enterprise and touch mobile computers.
(PRNewsfoto/Augmentir, Inc.)
Operations leaders in the manufacturing, warehouse, transportation and logistics industries worldwide continue to grapple with fostering resilient supply chains amid heightened demands for speed and accuracy, ongoing skilled labor shortages, and economic uncertainty. By combining Augmentir’s AI-driven connected worker technology with Zebra’s innovative mobile computing and data capture solutions, businesses can now harness unprecedented levels of safety, efficiency, productivity, and operational excellence.
Augmentir’s industry-leading connected worker platform enables digital collaboration, skills management, and work execution across the manufacturing value chain. The platform runs natively on Zebra devices running the Android operating system, and harnesses the power of AI to digitize and optimize frontline work across a range of use cases, including autonomous and preventive maintenance, quality, safety, and operations. Momentum is building across the manufacturing industry, with more than 80% of manufacturing transformation leaders deploying a wide range of emerging technologies to connect and improve frontline operations. This paves the way for a new digital landscape enabling frontline workers in new and innovative ways.
“We are excited to announce our collaboration with Zebra to deliver a transformational AI-powered frontline workforce productivity solution. As a Zebra PartnerConnect member, we are working with Zebra to add end-to-end value to our industrial customers,” said Russ Fadel, CEO and co-founder of Augmentir. “This collaboration brings innovative AI-based technology to the industrial frontlines, extending Zebra’s solutions with AI-powered connected worker technology that empowers frontline workers to perform at their best, shaping the future of industrial work.”
The Zebra PartnerConnect program is designed to evolve the best of Zebra’s inclusive channel ecosystem, addressing the needs of distributors, resellers, solution partners, independent software vendors (ISVs), systems integrators (SIs), and technology alliance partners, providing opportunities for growth and meeting customer and market demands.
Story continues
Augmentir was recently named the market-leading solution in the connected frontline workforce application space by LNS Research, which highlighted Augmentir as the industry’s Most Complete Product. Learn more about Augmentir and the company’s innovative approach to the future of industrial work at www.augmentir.com.
About Augmentir
Augmentir™ is the world’s only AI-Powered Connected Worker solution. Augmentir’s software includes a complete suite of connected worker capabilities, connectors to business systems, and broad extensibility that enable manufacturers to digitize their frontline operations, reduce onboarding time, and increase workforce productivity. Companies in manufacturing, service, energy, and construction leverage Augmentir’s suite of tools to deliver effective skills management, training, digital workflow, and collaboration for today’s more dynamic industrial workforce. For more information, please visit www.augmentir.com.
Cision
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/augmentir-collaborates-with-zebra-technologies-to-bring-ai-powered-connected-work-to-the-industrial-frontline-workforce-302221078.html
SOURCE Augmentir, Inc.
Augmentir Collaborates with Zebra Technologies to Bring AI-Powered Connected Work to the Industrial Frontline Workforce
Augmentir’s AI-powered connected worker solution is now natively supported on Zebra Technologies’ mobile computers, tablets, and wearable scanners, enhancing productivity for today’s manufacturing workforce
HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Augmentir, the provider of an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based connected worker solution, today announced a collaboration with Zebra Technologies, joining the Zebra PartnerConnect program with an integrated workforce productivity software solution that is compatible with Zebra enterprise and touch mobile computers.
(PRNewsfoto/Augmentir, Inc.)
Operations leaders in the manufacturing, warehouse, transportation and logistics industries worldwide continue to grapple with fostering resilient supply chains amid heightened demands for speed and accuracy, ongoing skilled labor shortages, and economic uncertainty. By combining Augmentir’s AI-driven connected worker technology with Zebra’s innovative mobile computing and data capture solutions, businesses can now harness unprecedented levels of safety, efficiency, productivity, and operational excellence.
Augmentir’s industry-leading connected worker platform enables digital collaboration, skills management, and work execution across the manufacturing value chain. The platform runs natively on Zebra devices running the Android operating system, and harnesses the power of AI to digitize and optimize frontline work across a range of use cases, including autonomous and preventive maintenance, quality, safety, and operations. Momentum is building across the manufacturing industry, with more than 80% of manufacturing transformation leaders deploying a wide range of emerging technologies to connect and improve frontline operations. This paves the way for a new digital landscape enabling frontline workers in new and innovative ways.
“We are excited to announce our collaboration with Zebra to deliver a transformational AI-powered frontline workforce productivity solution. As a Zebra PartnerConnect member, we are working with Zebra to add end-to-end value to our industrial customers,” said Russ Fadel, CEO and co-founder of Augmentir. “This collaboration brings innovative AI-based technology to the industrial frontlines, extending Zebra’s solutions with AI-powered connected worker technology that empowers frontline workers to perform at their best, shaping the future of industrial work.”
The Zebra PartnerConnect program is designed to evolve the best of Zebra’s inclusive channel ecosystem, addressing the needs of distributors, resellers, solution partners, independent software vendors (ISVs), systems integrators (SIs), and technology alliance partners, providing opportunities for growth and meeting customer and market demands.
Story continues
Augmentir was recently named the market-leading solution in the connected frontline workforce application space by LNS Research, which highlighted Augmentir as the industry’s Most Complete Product. Learn more about Augmentir and the company’s innovative approach to the future of industrial work at www.augmentir.com.
About Augmentir
Augmentir™ is the world’s only AI-Powered Connected Worker solution. Augmentir’s software includes a complete suite of connected worker capabilities, connectors to business systems, and broad extensibility that enable manufacturers to digitize their frontline operations, reduce onboarding time, and increase workforce productivity. Companies in manufacturing, service, energy, and construction leverage Augmentir’s suite of tools to deliver effective skills management, training, digital workflow, and collaboration for today’s more dynamic industrial workforce. For more information, please visit www.augmentir.com.
Cision
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/augmentir-collaborates-with-zebra-technologies-to-bring-ai-powered-connected-work-to-the-industrial-frontline-workforce-302221078.html
SOURCE Augmentir, Inc.
How Zebra Technologies Uses Machine Vision to Transform Production Automation
Machine vision is the focus of Machine Design’s Takeover Topic Event (Aug. 12-16, 2024). Covering the gamut of vision systems, the lineup includes case histories, trends and interviews with notable players to watch in this space.
In the accompanying video, Andrew Zosel, senior vice president and general manager, Zebra Technologies, explains the vision and strategy behind recent acquisitions and the resultant solutions. Machine vision is a significant part of that investment and future growth at Zebra, said Zosel.
(In parts 2 and 3 of this interview series focusing on machine vision, Zosel elaborates on the following questions: Given the advancements in technology, are we still delineating between machine vision and computer vision? How are the economics of machine vision changing? What is driving the ubiquity of machine vision?)
READ MORE: 10 Considerations for Designing a Machine Vision System
Research commissioned by Zebra revealed that 70% of survey respondents plan to implement computer vision within the next five years. Published in June 2024, the 2024 Manufacturing Vision Study found that 86% of manufacturing leaders noted they were struggling to keep pace with technological innovation and to securely integrate devices, sensors and technologies across their facilities and supply chains. Survey respondents comprised 1,200 C-suite executives, as well as IT and OT decision-makers across various manufacturing sectors.
During a stopover at Zebra Technologies’ booth at Automate 2024, Machine Design learned from Zosel just how much Zebra is leaning into building solutions that address such vulnerabilities. The variation and number of technology applications displayed revealed the pace at which Zebra has been filling in its automation ecosystem in its effort to evolve into a full-solution enterprise that can orchestrate what manufacturers on their own cannot.
Expanding Zebra Technologies: Growth in Scope and Scale
Those familiar with Zebra Technologies likely will associate the company with its industrial printing capabilities, including scanning, track-and-trace and mobile computing and software solutions. “Our industrial are industrial printers used throughout the world,” said Andrew Zosel, senior vice president and general manager, Zebra Technologies. “The majority of the labels that go on boxes around the world, identifying and giving items a digital voice, are printed using Zebra printers because they’re extremely reliable and rugged. And that’s where the original Zebra brand came from.”
In 2014, a $3.45 billion acquisition of Motorola Solutions’ Enterprise business, which included handheld scanners and mobile computers, transformed both the scope and scale of Zebra’s portfolio, then expanding further into asset visibility, traceability, barcode scanning and barcode printing capabilities.
Another transformative year was 2021. Zebra acquired Fetch Robotics, Adaptive Vision and Antuit AI that year, effectively launching their machine vision and fixed industrial scanning portfolios. The acquisition of Matrox Imaging, a manufacturer of frame grabbers, vision controllers and imaging software, followed in 2022.
“We’ve invested significantly, both organically with our own internal developments coming from our existing teams, in new cameras and vision and machine vision, fixed industrial scanning products, but also made a couple of significant acquisitions over the past few years in the vision space, including, Adaptive Vision out of Europe, as well as company called Matrox out of Canada.”
Combining Hardware and Software for Machine Vision Solutions
Despite having a relatively new position in the machine and computer vision market, bringing together advancements in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decision-making has been a surefire way to boost stealth and agility at once.
“Through these acquisitions, the biggest and most important part is still the software and the algorithms and its capabilities,” said Zosel. “That’s what we’ve focused on developing and acquiring, especially the traditional machine vision capabilities such as the deterministic algorithms or however you want to call them. And a lot of development in AI and, specifically, deep learning.”
Zosel pointed out that there are multiple ways to make vision systems work. The simplest method could be to use a vision sensor or a smart camera, which might comprise an all-in-one, fully integrated lens, light and computer in one product.
“We offer those types of products, all the way to completely disaggregated-type systems, where multiple parts come together, such as a frame grabber board in a high-end PC with a separate set of high-end cameras with separate lighting,” Zosel said. “It’s the same basic architecture of lighting, lensing, processing and compute. But it depends on the integration as well as the performance requirements of the application.”
From Zebra’s perspective, said Zosel, the intent is to offer all the above. “Zosel’s platform advantage is that it has that scalability to offer everything from basic, simplified, lug-and-play-type product, all the way up to very complex, high-end systems doing either extremely high resolution or extremely high-speed processing, or both,” he said.
Long-Term Strategies: Automation and Augmentation in Manufacturing
Fundamentally, Zebra wants to help our customers find ways to meet the challenges they encounter, said Zosel.
Packaging sustainability is a case in point. Some of Zebra’s customers are moving away from plastics by opting for thinner plastics and paper-based packaging. Zebra is helping them with inspections and helping customers along their sustainability evolution by providing products and platforms that are scalable. explained Zosel. For instance, a customer may start with 2D machine vision, but “plans for scalability to 3D and for using more advanced AI. A lot of our systems and efforts are around creating that scalability and providing that path for our customers,” Zosel explained.
Zebra’s study found that over the next five years, manufacturing leaders plan to implement various automation technologies, including robotics (65%), machine vision (66%), radio frequency identification (RFID) (66%), and fixed industrial scanners (57%). The study highlighted that the adoption of these automation solutions is driven by several factors: the need to assign high-value tasks to the workforce (70%), achieve service level agreements (69%), and increase flexibility on the plant floor (64%).
Zosel said that Zebra is looking at ways to make products “easier to deploy, easier to integrate with robotics, easier to automate and integrate with material handling systems, as well as coming up with clever ways that deep learning and AI and different imaging technologies can be used to help in customers’ applications.
Watch additional parts of this interview series with Andrew Zosel:
Part 2: Deep Learning Algorithms Help Vision Inspection Systems See Better
Part 3: How Deep Learning Complements Machine Vision Solutions
How Zebra Technologies Uses Machine Vision to Transform Production Automation
Machine vision is the focus of Machine Design’s Takeover Topic Event (Aug. 12-16, 2024). Covering the gamut of vision systems, the lineup includes case histories, trends and interviews with notable players to watch in this space.
In the accompanying video, Andrew Zosel, senior vice president and general manager, Zebra Technologies, explains the vision and strategy behind recent acquisitions and the resultant solutions. Machine vision is a significant part of that investment and future growth at Zebra, said Zosel.
(In parts 2 and 3 of this interview series focusing on machine vision, Zosel elaborates on the following questions: Given the advancements in technology, are we still delineating between machine vision and computer vision? How are the economics of machine vision changing? What is driving the ubiquity of machine vision?)
READ MORE: 10 Considerations for Designing a Machine Vision System
Research commissioned by Zebra revealed that 70% of survey respondents plan to implement computer vision within the next five years. Published in June 2024, the 2024 Manufacturing Vision Study found that 86% of manufacturing leaders noted they were struggling to keep pace with technological innovation and to securely integrate devices, sensors and technologies across their facilities and supply chains. Survey respondents comprised 1,200 C-suite executives, as well as IT and OT decision-makers across various manufacturing sectors.
During a stopover at Zebra Technologies’ booth at Automate 2024, Machine Design learned from Zosel just how much Zebra is leaning into building solutions that address such vulnerabilities. The variation and number of technology applications displayed revealed the pace at which Zebra has been filling in its automation ecosystem in its effort to evolve into a full-solution enterprise that can orchestrate what manufacturers on their own cannot.
Expanding Zebra Technologies: Growth in Scope and Scale
Those familiar with Zebra Technologies likely will associate the company with its industrial printing capabilities, including scanning, track-and-trace and mobile computing and software solutions. “Our industrial are industrial printers used throughout the world,” said Andrew Zosel, senior vice president and general manager, Zebra Technologies. “The majority of the labels that go on boxes around the world, identifying and giving items a digital voice, are printed using Zebra printers because they’re extremely reliable and rugged. And that’s where the original Zebra brand came from.”
In 2014, a $3.45 billion acquisition of Motorola Solutions’ Enterprise business, which included handheld scanners and mobile computers, transformed both the scope and scale of Zebra’s portfolio, then expanding further into asset visibility, traceability, barcode scanning and barcode printing capabilities.
Another transformative year was 2021. Zebra acquired Fetch Robotics, Adaptive Vision and Antuit AI that year, effectively launching their machine vision and fixed industrial scanning portfolios. The acquisition of Matrox Imaging, a manufacturer of frame grabbers, vision controllers and imaging software, followed in 2022.
“We’ve invested significantly, both organically with our own internal developments coming from our existing teams, in new cameras and vision and machine vision, fixed industrial scanning products, but also made a couple of significant acquisitions over the past few years in the vision space, including, Adaptive Vision out of Europe, as well as company called Matrox out of Canada.”
Combining Hardware and Software for Machine Vision Solutions
Despite having a relatively new position in the machine and computer vision market, bringing together advancements in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decision-making has been a surefire way to boost stealth and agility at once.
“Through these acquisitions, the biggest and most important part is still the software and the algorithms and its capabilities,” said Zosel. “That’s what we’ve focused on developing and acquiring, especially the traditional machine vision capabilities such as the deterministic algorithms or however you want to call them. And a lot of development in AI and, specifically, deep learning.”
Zosel pointed out that there are multiple ways to make vision systems work. The simplest method could be to use a vision sensor or a smart camera, which might comprise an all-in-one, fully integrated lens, light and computer in one product.
“We offer those types of products, all the way to completely disaggregated-type systems, where multiple parts come together, such as a frame grabber board in a high-end PC with a separate set of high-end cameras with separate lighting,” Zosel said. “It’s the same basic architecture of lighting, lensing, processing and compute. But it depends on the integration as well as the performance requirements of the application.”
From Zebra’s perspective, said Zosel, the intent is to offer all the above. “Zosel’s platform advantage is that it has that scalability to offer everything from basic, simplified, lug-and-play-type product, all the way up to very complex, high-end systems doing either extremely high resolution or extremely high-speed processing, or both,” he said.
Long-Term Strategies: Automation and Augmentation in Manufacturing
Fundamentally, Zebra wants to help our customers find ways to meet the challenges they encounter, said Zosel.
Packaging sustainability is a case in point. Some of Zebra’s customers are moving away from plastics by opting for thinner plastics and paper-based packaging. Zebra is helping them with inspections and helping customers along their sustainability evolution by providing products and platforms that are scalable. explained Zosel. For instance, a customer may start with 2D machine vision, but “plans for scalability to 3D and for using more advanced AI. A lot of our systems and efforts are around creating that scalability and providing that path for our customers,” Zosel explained.
Zebra’s study found that over the next five years, manufacturing leaders plan to implement various automation technologies, including robotics (65%), machine vision (66%), radio frequency identification (RFID) (66%), and fixed industrial scanners (57%). The study highlighted that the adoption of these automation solutions is driven by several factors: the need to assign high-value tasks to the workforce (70%), achieve service level agreements (69%), and increase flexibility on the plant floor (64%).
Zosel said that Zebra is looking at ways to make products “easier to deploy, easier to integrate with robotics, easier to automate and integrate with material handling systems, as well as coming up with clever ways that deep learning and AI and different imaging technologies can be used to help in customers’ applications.
Watch additional parts of this interview series with Andrew Zosel:
Part 2: Deep Learning Algorithms Help Vision Inspection Systems See Better
Part 3: How Deep Learning Complements Machine Vision Solutions
How Gen Z Is Changing Business and the Workplace
As the first true digital natives enter the workforce, employers face the challenge of understanding and meeting the unique psychological needs and expectations of Generation (Gen) Z. According to the Pew Research Center, Gen Z includes those born between 1997 and 2012, many of whom are entering the workforce today.
A greater understanding of the unique needs of Gen Z can help organizations develop strategies to attract, hire, retain, and engage this up-and-coming generation. For example, as I discuss in my latest book, Experiential Intelligence, engaging in diverse life experiences not only develops new skills but also fosters resilience and agility—traits crucial for future personal and business success. Gen Z intuitively understands this; 90% of Gen Z want to participate in internships, and 70% consider certification courses outside traditional college as a viable path for professional development.
These statistics and more come from a recent survey of over 10,000 students across all 50 U.S. states by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), which revealed that:
A majority (59%) of youth believe AI will negatively impact society over the next decade. More than half (55%) are highly concerned about AI’s impact on personal privacy, and 62% worry about job displacement. Student debt remains a significant concern, with one-quarter of students expecting to incur $10,000 to $50,000 in debt, but only 14% anticipate family financial assistance Preferred employers include Google, Amazon, and Apple, yet health care and STEM fields remain top job targets. Nearly half (48%) of Gen Z prioritize clear communication skills in an employer. Two-thirds (66%) plan to live at home when starting their first job, with 73% intending to stay for one to two years.
So, how can employers effectively engage this next-generation workforce?
Communicate Clearly. Transparency and straightforward communication are crucial for Gen Z. Nearly half of respondents ranked clear communication as the top employer quality. Organizations should ensure job descriptions, role expectations, and growth opportunities are transparent. Provide Financial Guidance. Gen Z faces unprecedented financial pressures, with many expecting significant student debt and limited family assistance. Employers can differentiate themselves by offering robust financial benefits. Forty-four percent of Gen Z expect employers to help with student loan repayment. Financial wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and clear career advancement paths can make an organization more appealing to debt-burdened graduates. Promote Social Responsibility. Social responsibility and fairness are paramount to Gen Z. Organizations must cultivate inclusive cultures where everyone’s contributions are recognized and valued. Engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and providing volunteer opportunities can enhance employer attractiveness. Ensuring workplace policies reflect a commitment to fairness and social responsibility can resonate deeply with Gen Z values. Offer Hybrid Work. While Gen Z values flexibility, they also seek in-person interactions. Despite the rise of remote work, only 23% consider remote work options very important. Offering a hybrid work environment that balances remote flexibility with opportunities for in-person collaboration and community building is essential. Investing in modern office spaces that foster collaboration and innovation can also be beneficial. Foster Development and Recognition. Continuous learning and development are critical for Gen Z retention. They value in-person training and opportunities to develop skills. Implementing structured development programs with mentoring, workshops, and clear career pathways can keep Gen Z employees engaged. Recognition programs, such as employee awards, can also boost morale and retention. Support Mental Health and Well-Being. Gen Z is highly aware of mental health issues, partly due to their experiences during the pandemic. Offering mental health resources, promoting work-life balance, and creating supportive environments can significantly impact retention and engagement. Leverage Technology. Gen Z grew up with and relies heavily on technology. Employers should use technology to enhance engagement, streamline processes, and personalize work experiences. AI-driven onboarding, personalized learning platforms, and digital collaboration tools can make the work environment more appealing to tech-savvy employees.
High performance and solid results come from organizational cultures that foster inclusion, engagement, and collaboration. By understanding and addressing Gen Z’s nuanced preferences and concerns, employers can create a workplace environment that not only attracts but also retains and engages Gen Z employees. In a very real sense, Gen Z is the future of work.
Transforming Your Organization with the Power of Business Intelligence
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With the ability to drive strategic initiatives, make educated decisions and extract valuable insights from raw data, business intelligence (BI) has become a key enabler for organizational success. BI has revolutionized the way businesses operate and plan for the future in this age of intense competition and rapid technological advancement. One of the most powerful business intelligence tools available, Intellicus has provided tailored solutions to over 17,000 small and large businesses, enabling them to make data-driven decisions.
Understanding Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence (BI) is a technology-driven process that analyzes business data to provide actionable information that informs strategic and operational decisions. It involves collecting, storing, analyzing, and visualizing data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that drive business performance. It combines internal and external data sources into a logical framework that helps produce insights that can be put into action. Business intelligence is a valuable resource that facilitates managers, executives and stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Business Intelligence (BI) is a technology-driven process that analyzes business data to provide actionable information that informs strategic and operational decisions. It involves collecting, storing, analyzing, and visualizing data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that drive business performance. Essentially, BI transforms raw data into meaningful information that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions.
The Four Pillars of Business Intelligence
Data Collection and Integration: Business Intelligence starts with the compilation of information from various sources, such as social media interactions, market trends, consumer profiles and sales statistics. This data must be integrated into a single platform in order to provide a comprehensive view and analysis.
Data Visualization and Analysis: BI tools analyze trends, patterns, and connections using sophisticated analytics. Visualization tools like dashboards, charts, and graphs transform complex data into understandable insights for efficient decision-making.
Predictive Analytics: BI doesn’t merely focus on the present; it anticipates the future. To predict future trends, predictive analytics uses machine learning models and statistical algorithms. This makes it possible for companies to plan ahead and adapt proactively.
Actionable Insights: BI aims to generate actionable insights, not just reports. These insights help optimize operations, identify new opportunities, and enhance overall performance.
The Transformative Impact of Business Intelligence Improved Decision Making
BI tools give businesses access to real-time data, which is essential for making timely, well-informed decisions. This eliminates the need for guesswork and intuition-based decisions in favor of data-driven ones. Additionally, BI tools, like dashboards and visualizations, present data in an understandable format, making it easier for decision-makers to quickly comprehend complex information and react to changes that may have an impact on the business.
Operational Efficiency
The operational efficiency of an organization can be greatly improved using business intelligence. By automating repetitive operations, BI solutions allow employees to concentrate on more important facets of the company. Furthermore, by highlighting areas in the business process that require improvement, BI tools enable firms to get rid of bottlenecks, simplify procedures and cut expenses. Customer satisfaction and service delivery are enhanced as a result.
Improved Bottom Line
Business Intelligence can assist companies in increasing revenue and sales by offering insightful information about consumer behavior. With the use of BI technologies, marketers can better focus their campaigns and boost sales by analyzing customer data to find trends, buying patterns and preferences. Additionally, organizations can use business intelligence to pinpoint successful consumer categories and concentrate their marketing efforts on them. Revenue growth and improved conversion rates are possible outcomes of this focused strategy.
Competitive Advantage
Business Intelligence provides a competitive edge in today’s data-driven world. Through the utilization of BI tools, companies can acquire comprehensive insights into the tactics, advantages and disadvantages of their rivals and utilize this data to formulate strategic plans. Similarly, it facilitates prompt market adaptation and can assist companies in recognizing customer behavior shifts and market trends.
The Future of Business Intelligence
Advancing technology promises a bright future for BI. AI and machine learning will enhance predictive analytics, enabling businesses to foresee trends and adapt quickly. Integrating BI with emerging technologies like IoT and blockchain will unlock new dimensions of data analysis and decision-making.
Conclusion
Business Intelligence has evolved from being a mere buzzword to a transformative force shaping the future of businesses. It empowers organizations to navigate complexities, capitalize on opportunities, and drive growth in an increasingly data-centric world. Embracing BI isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity for businesses aspiring to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
repeating the info from intro [SD1]
This doesn’t fit right here… please change the placement [SD2]
Zebra Technologies Q2 Results Beat Estimates; Ups Annual Outlook Above View
(RTTNews) – Zebra Technologies Corporation (ZBRA), a provider of enterprise asset intelligence solutions, Tuesday reported lower profit in the second quarter, despite a slight increase in revenue. However, earnings as well as revenue beat analysts’ view. The company also raised its full-year outlook above the Street expectations.
Net profit was 113 million or $2.17 per share for the second quarter, lower than $144 million or $2.78 per share in the same quarter a year ago.
Excluding one-time items, profit was $165 million or $3.18 per share, that beat the analysts’ average estimate of $2.8 per share. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude special items.
Sales for the quarter, however, slightly increased to $1.217 billion from $1.214 billion in the previous year. The consensus estimate was for $1.18 billion.
For the third quarter, the company expects sales to increase between 25% and 28% compared to the prior year. Adjusted EPS is expected in the range of $3.00 to $3.30
Analysts expect earnings of $3.06 per share on sales growth of 24.6 percent.
For the full year, Zebra Technologies now expects net sales growth between 4% and 7%, up from the previous outlook of 1% – 5% growth. The Street is looking for 4 percent growth in sales.
Adjusted EPS is now expected in the range of $12.30 to $12.90, up from $11.25 to $12.25 guided earlier. The consensus estimate stands at $11.92 per share.