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By Suresh Menon | Dec. 11, 2025
Intelligent Workforce Optimization: How Office Depot Drives Efficiency with Zebra Workcloud
Office Depot, a global leader in office supply retail, tackled operational challenges head-on by adopting Zebra Technologies’ Workcloud Workforce Optimization Suite. With over 13,000 associates across 1,500 stores, the company faced inefficiencies caused by fragmented systems and manual processes. By unifying scheduling and task management through Zebra Workcloud, Office Depot achieved remarkable results.
Connecting the Frontline with Unified Solutions
Office Depot eliminated inefficiencies by replacing outdated legacy systems and homegrown tools with Zebra’s Workcloud Task Management. Previously, managers spent hours consolidating task reports in spreadsheets, which slowed decision-making and diverted focus from customer service.
Zebra’s centralized platform streamlined task distribution, enabling associates to access responsibilities in real time through mobile devices like Zebra’s TC5x series computers. This connectivity aligned frontline teams with corporate objectives while keeping their focus on enhancing the customer experience.
Zebra’s connected solutions created a more cohesive work environment. Real-time task visibility empowered associates to prioritize critical activities and allowed managers to track progress instantly. This shift reduced friction in daily operations and enabled teams to focus on strategic goals.
Boosting Task Compliance and Execution
Office Depot’s implementation of Zebra Workcloud led to significant improvements in operational performance. Task compliance reached 97%, while on-time task completion increased by 42%. These advancements gave managers confidence in execution and freed them to focus on initiatives that directly impacted business outcomes. District managers used real-time insights from the platform to fine-tune labor schedules and make data-driven decisions.
Intelligent automation within the Workcloud platform also eliminated manual reporting, saving managers hours of administrative work daily. By automating routine processes, Office Depot allowed its teams to dedicate more time to customer engagement and operational excellence. This focus on automation highlights how connected tools can elevate workforce efficiency.
Intelligent Automation Cuts Costs by $1.4M
Zebra Workcloud delivered measurable financial benefits for Office Depot by optimizing labor costs and reducing administrative overhead. Centralized overtime reporting through Workcloud Scheduling reduced the company’s overtime rate from 0.15% to 0.08%, saving $1.2 million annually.
Additionally, the automation of administrative processes enabled the company to avoid filling several roles, including a communications director and systems administrator, saving over $214,000 annually. These savings demonstrate how intelligent automation drives operational efficiency while improving budget predictability. Office Depot aligned workforce management with advanced data insights to reduce costs and maintain agility in a competitive retail environment.
Implementing Change with Precision
Office Depot approached the rollout of Zebra Workcloud with a phased strategy that prioritized labor, scheduling, and task management functions. Zebra consultants played a key role in configuring the system to meet the retailer’s specific needs. Although Office Depot initially relied on internal training to cut costs, the leadership team later recognized the value of structured onboarding for accelerating adoption and maximizing the platform’s potential.
This phased approach stabilized compliance and payroll functions early in the rollout while giving managers time to familiarize themselves with the new system. Zebra’s ongoing support ensured a smooth transition, setting the stage for future technology initiatives.
Building a Foundation for Intelligent Operations
Office Depot’s success with Zebra Workcloud highlights the power of aligning operational goals with advanced technology. Zebra’s solutions provided a foundation for intelligent operations, equipping Office Depot’s teams with tools to achieve real-time task visibility, streamline reporting, and improve productivity. These advancements enhanced daily workflows and created a stronger focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences.
By embracing connected frontline solutions and intelligent automation, Office Depot redefined its approach to workforce management. The collaboration with Zebra Technologies underscores how innovation and execution can shape the future of retail operations. Together, they demonstrate how businesses can achieve new levels of efficiency and operational excellence, setting a standard for what’s possible in the retail industry.
Read the Nucleus Research Benefit Case Study report to learn more about how Office Depot drives efficiency with Zebra Workcloud solutions.
