Walgreens saves millions of dollars as retailer implements Zebra Technologies’ Modern Store framework

Walgreens Boots Alliance has deployed Zebra Technolgies’ Workcloud Actionable Intelligence software to enhance operational compliance and the company’s ability to identify and combat shrink.

It selected Zebra’s Modern Store framework to improve asset protection, better equip employees with technology, and optimise operational visibility in its network of 8,000 locations across 50 states.

As an essential retailer carrying critical healthcare products and prescription medications, Walgreens needed an intuitive analytics solution to uncover issues and resolve areas of loss in real-time.

“Recognising the advantages of today's digital technologies, we implemented Zebra’s leading-edge software and hardware solutions to streamline our operations and better support our employees and customers,” says Tim Bailey, Senior Manager, Asset Protection Solutions, Walgreens Boots Alliance.

“The integration of Zebra's solutions has yielded positive outcomes, empowering our business with tools to enhance associate engagement, improve inventory accuracy, and elevate the customer experience.”

In addition to Workcloud Actionable Intelligence, Walgreens is using Workcloud Task Management and Workcloud Demand Intelligence software to reduce total retail loss, enhance task management, and optimise inventory.

It is also leveraging Zebra’s modular software compatibility with Zebra’s hardware. Most of the workforce and task management features are integrated with Zebra TC52 mobile computers and wearables, working in concert with Zebra’s DS3608/MP7000 scanners and ZT610/ZT620 printers. 

"Walgreens is enhancing its business processes with Zebra's comprehensive Workcloud Software suite and hardware solutions,” says Suresh Menon, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Software Solutions, Zebra Technologies. 

“We are committed to helping retailers like Walgreens work in new ways with technology to modernise operations, increase accountability and visibility, and equip associates with actionable intelligence for better business outcomes and savings." 

The deployment of Workcloud Actionable Intelligence resulted in a net gain of millions of dollars over five years and has benefited 20,000 associates company wide, including asset protection, store operations, pharmacy managers and inventory specialists.

Workcloud Actionable Intelligence further enabled Walgreens to tackle phantom inventory, shelf gaps, fraud detection, and high shrink rates from markdown non-compliance, reducing waste by 27%.