Zebra automates supply chain operations with Oracle

Zebra Technologies connects people, assets, and data

Founded in 1969, Zebra Technologies provides industry-tailored products and services that connect people, assets, and data. Its technology works behind the scenes across industries, from printers and scanners to NFL on-field player tracking and hospital ID wristbands.

Over the last decade, Zebra consolidated systems, focused on acquisitions, and grew revenue to US$5.6 billion. This included a 2014 acquisition that doubled the size of the company.

Supply chain disruption tested manual systems

When the pandemic disrupted global supply chains in 2020, Zebra faced added pressure from tariffs, geopolitical decisions, and high demand for its products, especially in healthcare. Many of the company’s product manufacturers were outsourced, making planning and delivery more complex.

Zebra’s existing systems managed different parts of the supply chain, including inventory optimization, service planning, and hardware. But the systems lacked the capacity Zebra needed to meet demand, adapt to change, and give customers more reliable delivery information.

Oracle brings planning and order processes into one ecosystem

As an Oracle E-Business Suite customer, Zebra was familiar with Oracle technology. When Zebra evaluated cloud applications as part of a supply chain modernization initiative, Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain Planning, part of Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing, was the strongest fit.

By moving to Supply Chain Planning, Zebra brought prior capabilities under one ecosystem and added tools to help the business plan with more precision. The company also uses Oracle Fusion Cloud for finance and accounting, planning, order management, procurement, and logistics processes.

Linking front and back-office processes, Oracle Fusion Cloud Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) and Subscription Management help Zebra manage customer-facing quoting and recurring revenue processes with greater consistency across direct sales and channel partners.

Automated scheduling saves time and improves planning

Supply chain tasks that were once manual, including scheduling, rescheduling, and planning, are now automated in the new system. Backlog management automatically schedules orders based on business rules, saving 18,000 hours annually that teams can direct to other projects and initiatives.

Since implementing Oracle Cloud, Zebra has improved forecast accuracy by almost 100%. With better forecasts, the company can give customers more specific product delivery dates and improve its ability to meet those commitments.

In Zebra’s service parts business, the company can now plan for alternates and use yield-based planning. Those capabilities have helped improve customer satisfaction scores.

Connected planning helps reduce freight costs

Zebra also connected its transportation management system with its planning tool to help forecast transportation spend. The company saved nearly US$2 million in freight costs by linking the two systems.

The company has since made this integration a standard part of its supply chain strategy. Zebra can also use scenario planning in Oracle Cloud SCM to simulate shortages and other situations, then plan ahead to meet demand.

Zebra continues its cloud plans

By moving to Oracle Cloud and consolidating systems, Zebra reduced IT costs and lowered maintenance requirements. Quarterly updates also made it easier for the company to add new functionality and standardize processes that support business goals.

Looking ahead, Zebra plans to move more systems to the cloud, use Oracle integrations, and apply data to support the business and its customers.