Retailers in India are turning to artificial intelligence and real-time data tools to avoid stockouts, boost sales, and meet customer expectations, Thiruppathi Subramaniam, Director of India sub-continent business, Zebra Technologies told FE.
“If we’re going to a large supermarket during peak hours, chances are a few items may be missing because a previous customer picked them up. Now, with cameras monitoring shelves, the system can do auto shelf fulfilment, reorder from the back end, and even check the backroom. This means I’m upselling faster than ever,” said Subramaniam.
Zebra Technologies, a US-based real-time data and automation solutions company, is seeing strong demand from Indian retailers for real-time visibility and automation across the entire retail chain. From shelves to warehouses and delivery, many retailers are looking for technology that can help them operate faster and smarter.
Retail staff, for example, are being equipped with mobile devices to make their jobs easier and more efficient. “Our mobile devices help staff do everything — scan a barcode, check if an item is in stock, find where it is. If they can’t find it, they can call the supervisor. If it’s not on the shelf, they can check if it is in the backroom. All in one device,” he said. India is one of Zebra’s fastest-growing and most strategic markets globally.
“India is the fastest-growing market in APAC, and we see tremendous growth potential here,” he said. “The retail sector is evolving rapidly, with the convergence of brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce, and quick commerce.”
Zebra Technologies is actively addressing these changes with AI-driven solutions, particularly in retail. Subramaniam highlighted that India’s retail landscape is seeing a surge in quick commerce, where products are delivered in less than 10 minutes. This requires visibility and real-time data tools, something Zebra is providing to key players in the sector. He pointed out that, “We are partnering very closely with e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms to offer visibility solutions, which are crucial for the growth of retail in India.”
As a result, retailers are investing in new technology to act faster and serve customers better. “We are seeing huge interest in handheld devices, wearables, RFID, electronic shelf labels, and fixed industrial scanners. These are already being used by some of the top five retailers in India,” he said.
AI is also improving the efficiency of Zebra’s internal operations. Subramaniam pointed out that while the focus is not on cost-cutting, AI is driving enhanced productivity. “It’s about being more real-time and efficient,” he said. The company’s AI suite is also focused on frontline workers, with applications such as wearable devices and voice-picking technology designed to streamline operations and increase productivity.
Zebra’s R&D efforts in India are helping to accelerate its innovation. The company recently expanded its R&D centre in Bangalore to a larger facility, housing over 1,400 engineers. Subramaniam highlighted that every product that Zebra introduces is touched by Indian engineers, who contribute to the design and specification stages. “Our Bangalore team is integral to Zebra’s global product development process,” he said.
Looking ahead, Zebra sees a tremendous opportunity in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India. Subramaniam noted that these regions are rapidly growing, with investments in manufacturing and retail surging. “Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are no longer just supplementary to metros. They are now central to our growth strategy in India,” he said.