This piece pits two titans of industrial innovation head-to-head: Zebra Technologies and Honeywell Technologies. Both firms drive progress in rugged computing, data capture, and automation.
Zebra and Honeywell have carved out a reputation by providing solutions that keep operations moving smoothly across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, logistics, and more. Each company brings its own style to the table.
Zebra focuses exclusively on enterprise asset intelligence and data capture, while Honeywell’s extensive portfolio spans multiple industries, from aerospace to industrial safety, with a strong emphasis on scanning, mobile computing, and process automation.
This blog breaks down the features and unique selling points of each, offering a clear picture of what Honeywell vs Zebra brings to the market.
Zebra vs Honeywell Comparison
1. Product portfolio
Zebra Technologies
- Data capture devices: Zebra is renowned for its barcode scanners, mobile computers, and RFID solutions. These devices handle everything from tracking inventory in warehouses to managing assets in retail settings.
- Printing solutions: Zebra’s thermal printers and label solutions ensure smooth, on-demand printing in manufacturing and logistics. Their products excel in delivering clear, durable prints even in harsh environments.
- Software and services: Zebra offers software that integrates with their hardware, providing data analytics, asset tracking, and device management. This ecosystem gives customers a complete package for improving operational efficiency.
- Specialized equipment: Zebra’s portfolio is built with industrial use in mind, from rugged mobile computers built to endure drops and dust to fixed scanners that deliver quick, accurate readings.
Honeywell Technologies
- Scanning and mobility solutions: Honeywell produces barcode scanners, mobile computers, and RFID readers designed for diverse applications, including warehouses, retail, and healthcare. Their devices are built to perform reliably under demanding conditions.
- Aerospace and industrial automation: Beyond data capture, Honeywell’s portfolio includes advanced sensor technologies, process control systems, and building management systems. Their reach extends into sectors that require precise environmental control and industrial automation.
- Safety and productivity products: Honeywell’s product range features personal protective equipment, environmental monitors and connected worker solutions. These products help enhance safety and efficiency, particularly in industrial and hazardous settings.
- Integration and ecosystem: Honeywell leverages its extensive industry experience to integrate hardware with robust software solutions. Their systems often connect with broader enterprise management tools, allowing for seamless data flow and operational insights.
2. Market focus
Zebra Technologies
- Specialization in data capture: Zebra’s focus on asset intelligence makes it a favorite among organizations that need reliable, high-performance data capture devices. Their market primarily includes retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
- Industry-specific solutions: Zebra invests heavily in understanding the unique challenges of each sector. Their specialized devices are designed for environments ranging from busy hospital floors to high-volume warehouses.
- Flexibility for diverse applications: Whether a small business or a multinational corporation, Zebra’s scalable solutions offer flexibility without sacrificing performance.
Honeywell Technologies
- Diverse industrial reach: Honeywell’s market is broad, thanks to its long history in multiple industries. Their solutions are deployed in sectors as varied as aerospace, building management, and industrial safety.
- Enterprise integration: With an extensive product range, Honeywell aims to serve large enterprises needing integrated systems that connect disparate operational areas. Their devices often work in tandem with other industrial systems.
- Comprehensive safety and productivity: Honeywell’s reach into safety gear and environmental monitoring distinguishes it in markets where worker safety and operational compliance are paramount.
3. Innovation and technology
Zebra Technologies
- Focused R&D investment: Zebra invests in innovation targeted at improving asset intelligence. The company’s R&D efforts focus on integrating new technologies like IoT connectivity and cloud-based data analytics into its hardware ecosystem.
- User-centric design: Products are designed with the end-user in mind. Zebra emphasizes intuitive interfaces, ease of integration, and robust performance under physical strain.
- Agility in product development: Zebra’s commitment to innovation means its products often feature technology ahead of market trends. Their devices frequently set benchmarks for reliability and speed in data capture.
Honeywell Technologies
- Broad technological base: Honeywell’s innovation spans multiple technological disciplines—from advanced sensor development to software integration and control systems. This cross-industry expertise feeds into their industrial solutions.
- System integration prowess: Honeywell excels at integrating disparate systems into a unified solution. Their offerings often come with built-in analytics, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
- Emphasis on safety and efficiency: Honeywell’s products often incorporate safety features that are not an afterthought. Whether it’s enhanced ergonomics in handheld devices or real-time environmental monitoring, their focus is on minimizing risk and maximizing productivity.
4. Industry applications
Zebra Technologies
- Retail and logistics: Zebra’s solutions are a natural fit for retail environments and high-volume warehouses where fast, accurate data capture is essential. Their devices support efficient inventory management and point-of-sale operations.
- Healthcare: In medical facilities, Zebra’s products support patient tracking, medication management, and asset tracking. Their devices are designed to withstand the rigors of busy, hygiene-critical environments.
- Manufacturing: Zebra’s rugged devices are built to endure the harsh conditions found in manufacturing plants. They improve production line efficiency, ensure accurate tracking of components, and reduce errors.
- Field services: With mobile computing devices that are built for the outdoor environment, Zebra supports field operations, asset tracking, and service management with reliable performance and rugged durability.
Honeywell Technologies
- Aerospace and transportation: Honeywell’s sensors, control systems, and mobile devices are critical in aerospace, where precision and reliability are paramount. Their products contribute to safer, more efficient operations in highly technical environments.
- Industrial and manufacturing: Honeywell’s integrated solutions streamline production processes, monitor environmental conditions, and support predictive maintenance. Their devices help prevent downtime and improve overall operational safety.
- Retail and logistics: Like Zebra, Honeywell’s barcode scanners and mobile computers serve retail and logistics, particularly where integrated systems are required. Their solutions help track inventory, manage orders, and ensure seamless supply chain operations.
- Safety-critical environments: Honeywell’s products are often used in environments where worker safety is a priority. Their environmental monitors, safety gear, and mobile communication devices ensure that workers stay informed and secure.
5. Service and support
Zebra Technologies
- Specialized customer service: Zebra’s support is geared toward users in highly dynamic environments. They offer comprehensive device management and technical support, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Training and resources: Recognizing that technology adoption can be challenging, Zebra provides extensive training resources and technical documentation. This support helps businesses integrate their hardware and software with minimal friction.
- Customer-centric upgrades: Regular firmware updates and new software tools keep Zebra’s solutions at the cutting edge. Their service model is built around continuous improvement and customer feedback.
Honeywell Technologies
- Global service network: Honeywell’s extensive global footprint allows them to offer round-the-clock support in multiple regions. This is critical for multinational organizations that need a reliable service partner.
- Integrated support services: Honeywell supports its products with a range of services—from installation and configuration to predictive maintenance and troubleshooting. Their service model is integrated with their broader industrial solutions.
- Training programs: Honeywell invests in comprehensive training programs, ensuring that customers not only deploy their technology correctly but also leverage its full potential for operational improvements.
Scalefusion UEM managing Zebra and Honeywell
For Scalefusion, it’s not Zebra vs Honeywell—it’s Zebra and Honeywell. Scalefusion UEM unifies the management of both, ensuring seamless security, application control, and remote support across all rugged devices, no matter the brand.
Zebra rugged devices
- Zero-touch enrollment & automated setup
- Simplify deployment with zero-touch enrollment.
- Automate device setup using OEMConfig, ensuring devices are ready for use out of the box.
- Device administration:
- Reserve and un-reserve the UI to control device access.
- Configure display settings, including display size and font, to optimize readability.
- Connectivity & power management:
- Manage advanced WWAN features through wireless WAN configuration.
- Control wake-up sources to optimize device performance.
- Service & network security:
- Control access to specific carrier service providers via Service Access Configuration.
- Enforce Worry-Free WiFi settings to secure network connectivity.
- Data capture & app management:
- Implement DataWedge restrictions to safeguard data capture processes.
- Remotely install, update, or remove apps to ensure only business-critical applications are active.
- Enhanced security & support:
- Manage LifeGuard OS updates and security patches on Zebra devices with Scalefusion’s LifeGuard OTA integration.
- Deploy data loss prevention policies, password enforcement, and certificate management.
- Use VPN support to secure data traffic on public or shared networks.
- Leverage remote cast and control to mirror screens, capture screenshots, and create support tickets directly from the dashboard.
- Content & analytics:
- Manage business-critical documents and media remotely with content management features.
- Utilize DeepDive Analytics for real-time monitoring, reporting, and proactive device management.
Honeywell rugged devices
- Zero-touch enrollment & OEMConfig integration:
- Benefit from zero-touch enrollment with ROM-based onboarding for rapid deployment.
- Leverage OEMConfig to automate device setup and enforce organizational policies from the start.
- Simplified enrollment & application management:
- Streamline enrollment to get devices ready immediately upon power-up.
- Remotely install, update, or uninstall public, progressive web, or private enterprise applications, ensuring that on-field employees have the tools they need.
- Security & access control:
- Implement comprehensive security with data loss prevention policies and restrictions on peripheral access.
- Enforce strict password policies and certificate management to guard against unauthorized access.
- Activate factory reset protection and secure device traffic with VPN support.
- Kiosk mode & remote support:
- Lock devices into single or multi-app kiosk modes to keep employees focused on mission-critical applications.
- Use remote cast and control to mirror screens and troubleshoot issues quickly, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for on-site visits.
- Content management & analytics:
- Push, upload, edit, and manage business-related content on deployed devices to ensure employees always have access to the latest resources.
- Monitor device health, inventory, and usage with DeepDive Analytics for rapid decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
Zebra and Honeywell: Scalefusion UEM for peak performance
When it comes to rugged device management, it’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about managing both efficiently. Zebra and Honeywell comparison isn’t just about features, it’s about how to unify their management. Scalefusion UEM bridges the gap, providing a single platform for seamless security, application control, and remote support across all devices, regardless of the brand.
Scalefusion simplifies IT operations while maximizing device uptime and workforce productivity. Whether it’s Zebra’s asset intelligence and data capture solutions or Honeywell’s industrial-grade mobility and safety-focused technology, Scalefusion ensures that every device runs optimally, securely, and in sync with business needs.
Choose Scalefusion UEM to power both Zebra and Honeywell devices with unmatched efficiency and reliability.
To know more, contact our experts and schedule a demo. Start your 14-day free trial today!
