How Commercial Cleaning Providers are Using Technology to Improve Cleaning Outcomes
Living in the digital age, we have seen our share of technological advancements in the past two decades. Every single industry has benefited from newer and more advanced technologies, and the cleaning industry is no exception. From harnessing the power of UV light to disinfect spaces to using robotics for more efficient retail, education or office cleaning. Here are some of the technologies being used by commercial cleaning providers to transform the way they clean:
Robotic technology
Perhaps the most innovative technology that has gained popularity over the course of the pandemic is the use of robots to clean facilities. It isn’t just the restaurant business that is increasingly using robots to deliver food to patrons; commercial cleaning companies are harnessing robotics into their cleaning operations too. These robots are equipped with smart technology that enables them to work autonomously to a mapped path, managing the more laborious tasks while cleaners do high-dexterous tasks — giving greater overall quality outcomes.
Floor cleaning robots are increasingly taking over the back-breaking job of scrubbing floors and bathrooms, a task that causes multiple health concerns for professional cleaners. Other kinds of tasks now being delegated to robots include vacuuming, carpet cleaning, window cleaning and even building facade cleaning. They also eliminate the chances of human error and safety risks.
The Roomba and other robot vacuum cleaners of the sort have been a popular form of robotic technology being used for the domestic sphere, but commercial cleaners use industrial-grade autonomous cleaners that offer added power. These cleaners are more efficient and also have machine learning technology that helps them learn from the environment it is cleaning for an even better outcome.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
An increasingly popular part of commercial retail and office cleaning, IoT is being used by commercial cleaners today to deliver better service. Through smart detector devices connected to the internet, they can monitor dust levels in an HVAC filter, clarity levels in the water of your pools, the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of a facility as well as analyse the average traffic in each room of the facility to determine what areas are most frequently used and need deeper and more regular cleaning. This can help the cleaning company organise cleaning routines based on the needs of the facility, rather than using historical-based scheduling, which will ultimately provide better service and value to the customer.
Many smart technology sensors are even capable of detecting bad odours, empty dispensers and overfull bins so the problem can be rectified as soon as possible.
Reporting and Data Analytics
With the help of specialised apps that are constantly receiving cloud data from both the robots and the sensors, the commercial cleaning company can offer real-time data on cleaning outcomes. These apps may even present them in user-friendly customer dashboards to make it easier for the average business manager to see services undertaken and to understand where the cleaning process needs work and make informed decisions to improve performance.
These apps also eliminate human error from manual reports and offer a much faster route to understanding how your cleaning company is performing. Cleaning companies may also be able to keep track of the time it takes to clean a facility by requesting cleaners to sign in when they start cleaning and sign out once they’re done. This will help supervisors keep track of tasks being completed and ensure time-bound tasks are completed within the specified time limits.
Technology for Improved Sustainability
More and more businesses today are choosing to go green in all aspects of their business, from the raw materials they source to manufacture their products to the packaging of the products. When business owners are conscious of their carbon footprint, they also pay attention to the cleaning products being used to keep their facilities clean. This is why many commercial cleaning providers are now moving towards using eco-friendly, sustainable products and technologies to offer better outcomes at a lower cost to the environment. These include the use of chemical-free cleaning alternatives such as Z-Water. UV cleaning devices and electric-powered equipment/vehicles.
The cleaning industry is ever-evolving and we surely haven’t seen the end of the technological advancements coming. In fact, with the average customer becoming ever more tech-savvy, it might actually be a disservice to your company to not employ some form of technology to further your outcomes. Tech-driven solutions are the way of the future for all industries, and the commercial cleaning industry is no exception.
