Zebra Technologies Corporation released findings from its 2025 Warehousing Vision Study, which highlights concerns from frontline workers about safety, operational efficiency, and labor challenges in the warehouse industry. The study underscores the increasing need for automation in warehouse operations to address these issues.
The study found that 63 per cent of warehouse leaders plan to implement artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies within five years, while 64 per cent plan to increase investments in warehouse modernisation during the same period. As warehouse operations expand and e-commerce continues to drive demand, the need for automation is becoming more critical.
Key findings from the study include:
- 85 per cent of warehouse associates believe their organisations will not meet business objectives without investing in technology to improve warehouse operations.
- 74 per cent of associates report spending too much time on tasks that could be automated.
- 72 per cent of workers express concerns about safety, with 70 per cent specifically worried about injuries.
- 69 per cent of associates cite physical fatigue and the lack of qualified staff as major challenges.
Warehouse leaders are also facing difficulties in meeting service level agreements (SLAs), with many struggling to maintain order accuracy and fulfil increasing e-commerce demands. While technology adoption is rising, frontline workers believe further automation, such as collaborative robots, ergonomic devices, communication tools, and task management systems, could improve safety and productivity.
The study also found that 93 per cent of associates believe that increased automation and mobile technologies would help attract and retain warehouse staff, while 89 per cent feel more valued when provided with tools designed to support their work.
“Warehouse associates are telling us they feel their lives would be better if their employers thoughtfully integrated more automation solutions into their workflows,” said Andres Boullosa, Global Warehouse Vertical Strategy Leader, Zebra Technologies.
“Automating material movement, data collection, and information management helps make busy warehouses safer. It also makes it easier for teams to meet SLAs and maintain a steady, reliable flow of quality goods to the market, which increases both customer satisfaction and worker engagement.”
Regional Insights
- Asia-Pacific: 88 per cent of decision-makers in the region report that missed SLAs have significant financial implications, emphasising the need to resolve operational inefficiencies.
- Europe: 73 per cent of warehouse associates in Europe are concerned about workplace injuries.
- Latin America: 70 per cent of decision-makers in the region say that error reduction is a primary driver for adopting automation.
- North America: 88 per cent of decision-makers agree that adopting new technology is essential to remain competitive in the fast-paced, on-demand economy.
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