Use Case

Rapid recall management for retailers


The pervasive challenge of managing rapid product recalls in the retail industry impacts businesses by increasing liability risks and customer harm. Zebra's TC22/27 mobile computers, WS301 wearables, and Workcloud solutions deliver a streamlined, trackable solution for swift recall execution.

A retail associate standing in a clothing store, holding a Zebra TC22 mobile computer to manage inventory.

Overcoming retail recall inefficiencies

Retailers need an efficient and reliable way to quickly remove recalled products from store shelves across multiple locations. Delays in communication from corporate to individual stores and the lack of a centralized system to assign and track tasks create severe operational hurdles. Verifying that recalled products have been successfully removed from the sales floor in all affected stores is notoriously difficult without cohesive tools.

These operational bottlenecks lead to high costs, increased liability, and severe brand damage. The inability to efficiently communicate follow up questions and status updates between managers and associates results in protracted recall timelines, elevating the risk of customer harm and causing profound customer dissatisfaction.

The rapid recall management solution

Zebra offers TC22/27 mobile computers, WS301 wearables, and Workcloud solutions for rapid product recall management. Zebra’s intuitive hardware and robust software work together to deliver a streamlined, trackable process from announcement to final confirmation. This system reduces the risk of customer injury through quicker product removal and improves associate time savings and productivity, ensuring clarity and speed in executing critical tasks.

Potential benefits

Transitioning to Zebra's integrated rapid recall management solutions transforms significant operational challenges into tangible, quantifiable outcomes, safeguarding your brand, and optimizing staff efficiency.

Up to 10% 

associate time savings and productivity through centralized task assignment and real-time communication

1-2% 

improved sales margins by optimizing recall efficiency and returning focus to sales operations

Reduced risk of customer injury

by enabling quicker and more thorough removal of targeted products

Verified recall completion

across all affected stores through integrated mobile tracking and alerts

 

 

How the solution works

Photo of a closeup of a retail worker using a WS301 with Workcloud Sync on the wrist. This image was generated with the assistance of AI tools and may not depict real people, places, or events.

Connecting teams with instant communication

To close the communication loop, immediate multi-channel connectivity is required. Workcloud Sync enables immediate communication among frontline workers, managers, and corporate leadership through features like push-to-talk, voice and video calling, and multimedia chat. Managers can use this tool to communicate directly with associates, following up on product recall tasks or quickly providing additional information to ensure the recall is thoroughly completed.

A retail grocery store employee uses a Zebra WS301 wrist wearable  on a grocery aisle to receive a call

Supporting rapid coordination

The WS301, powered by Workcloud Sync, features a voice-first interface that enables seamless, instant PTT calls and task updates directly from a worker's wrist or when clipped onto an apron, lapel, or belt. While quick communicative tools like the WS301 can support simple team coordination, the TC22/27 is designed to handle the broader demands of recall execution. Equipped with advanced SE4710 or SE55 scan engines, TC22/27 outperforms consumer smartphones by instantly capturing barcodes from a distance. Together, these tools maximize efficiency, ensure precise product tracking, and minimize overall recall response times without disrupting daily operations.

A retail grocery store employee uses a Zebra WS301 wrist wearable  on a grocery aisle

Streamlining operations with centralized task management

Through Workcloud Task Management, all relevant stakeholders are immediately informed about a recall and can take prompt action, with tasks sent from corporate directly to associates' mobile devices, who can then alert managers upon completion for immediate verification. These tasks can also be prioritized, so recalls can take on high priority over other tasks. Task deadlines can be set through Workcloud Task Management, and managers can track percentage of on-time completion to verify which stores have completed the recall and which are lagging behind. Associates can also send photos of the affected product areas for verification.

Maximize compliance and productivity with Zebra’s rapid recall solutions

Investing in Zebra's rapid recall management solutions delivers significant strategic value by combining instant communication with precise tracking. This ensures operational compliance, protects your brand reputation, and rapidly improves overall associate productivity across all locations.

Note:

Use case figures and savings estimates are illustrative only and may be derived from customer data, projections, or controlled testing. They do not represent guaranteed results, and actual outcomes will vary by application; customers should consult a Zebra sales representative to evaluate their specific environment.