The Future of Clean - UM Cleaning's Innovations

Posted by seoexpert131 on August 30th, 2023

Imagine a trash can that tells your cleaning crew it needs to be emptied or a notification that paper towels are running low. These types of features are possible thanks to smart technology.

Robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence and vision technologies are driving digitalization in the cleaning industry. They offer efficiency gains, better-informed decision-making and labour savings. https://umgcllc.com/Cleaning/
1. Smart Cleaning Carts

Historically, the cleaning industry has had a very labor intensive approach to its work. This makes it an ideal industry for incorporating digital solutions that increase efficiency, make decision-making easier and make jobs safer for workers.

In addition, solutions that minimize the amount of bending and stretching required for a task reduces MSDs (muscle strains) in the back, wrists and hands. Equipment such as long-handled and angled tools increase accessibility of hard to reach areas, and lighter weight, ergonomically designed carts lessen the physical stress associated with pushing or pulling heavy cleaning carts.

For example, the RestroomRX solution from Unger Enterprises enabled the University of Maryland to improve its restroom cleaning and productivity. Prior to the implementation of team cleaning and the RestroomRX system, the University used a zone cleaning model with multiple commercial cleaning products and processes. By implementing the RestroomRX system, which includes standardized tools and procedures, the University of Maryland now has a uniform cleaning process that can be replicated across all buildings.

Another benefit of using a Smart Cleaning Cart is that it provides a central storage and supply area for all tools, reducing the need to travel back to a supply closet or other location. This reduces the chance of missing supplies and increases productivity. Additionally, a Smart Cleaning Cart is equipped with an Ergo Rail that eliminates poor posture and allows custodians to maneuver in and out of restroom entrances quickly and easily.

Another way the University of Maryland has increased its cleaning productivity is by implementing a team cleaning program with the help of Unger’s RestroomRX and the university’s long-time cleaning partner, Buckley and Associates. The result has been consistent cleaning with a high standard of cleanliness that can be reproduced across all facilities, even after the loss of 100 full-time staff members in the Building Services team.
2. Smart Cleaning Equipment

When you combine the IoT (Internet of Things) with PropTech, a new world opens up: Smart Cleaning Equipment. Soft service providers can use connected point solutions like waste bins, motion sensors or door sensors to monitor thresholds and occupancy rates – helping them avoid over-cleaning or wasting resources.

A more advanced version of this solution can also allow cleaners to be directed where they are needed based on real-time data gathered by the system. For example, motion sensors in meeting rooms can send an alert to a cleaner when the room has been used and can help re-direct their efforts to areas that need attention. This can save many cleaning hours per day and free up cleaning staff for other tasks – especially important during the COVID19 pandemic.

Autonomous floor cleaning machines can do much of the work during a shift, allowing a team to do more with less involvement. They can be programmed to follow a map of a space or can learn on their own through mapping technology, allowing them to complete the task with minimal human intervention. This restructures the way a team works, increasing productivity and improving safety.

Using mapping and robots in your facility can also save on labor costs. Unlike traditional janitorial methods that involve expensive night shifts and unsociable hours, robots can be programmed to work during normal business hours. This enables you to lower your staffing costs while still providing the level of service that your customers expect.

As the hybrid work models brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shape workspaces, companies can rely on innovations like IoT-enabled cleaning systems to provide cost efficiency and productivity gains. While there is a learning curve with these tools, the payoff is significant, and those who adopt early will reap the benefits.

The best way to introduce these new technologies to your staff is with a clear training program, easy-to-understand web portals and plenty of customer support. Once your team has mastered the new technology, it will become second-nature, and you will have a workforce that is able to do more during their shifts, saving your company time and money.
3. Smart Cleaning Solutions

When it comes to digitalization, the cleaning industry has been one of the last industries to take a deep dive. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed larger providers to focus on smart technologies, automation and digitized processes in order to keep their clients’ buildings clean during this time of heightened uncertainty.

As part of this trend towards digitalization, smart cleaning solutions are emerging that not only improve the work done by janitorial teams but also enhance building occupants’ experience of their environment. This is achieved through uncovering and creating efficiencies within the work that is performed by janitorial and other support staff.

Uncovering efficiencies within the work that is performed involves assessing the current process for overlap and unneeded effort and eliminating unnecessary tasks. This can be accomplished through a combination of streamlined processes, better use of equipment and the implementation of technology. It can also include a redesign of the work that is completed to create more impact. This may involve the creation of new jobs that do not require the use of hands or a higher risk for infection and, therefore, can be completed by non-janitorial personnel such as engineers and other support professionals.

To create efficiencies, the UM Cleaning team utilizes tools such as team cleaning (separating a janitorial crew into specialists such as a vacuuming specialist, restroom expert and utility/generalist). This results in job mastery, clear and defined scope of duties and a more focused effort. Other efficiencies are achieved through the use of chemical dispensing systems that eliminate the need for bulk chemicals, storage and mixing errors. And through the use of color coded microfibers that are dispensed and used for specific areas, thereby eliminating the need to change cloths frequently.

Lastly, sensor-fitted spaces allow for more efficient cleaning by taking occupancy and the cleaner’s location into account. For example, a restroom sensor sends an alert when a space is nearing a threshold, enabling cleaning staff to adjust their efforts accordingly, preventing overcleaning and redirecting them to areas with greater demand.

Infogrid’s Smart Cleaning solution combines IoT sensors with a cloud-based analytics platform to provide unique building, desk and washroom occupancy insights that are captured real time, along with digital records of cleaning completion and occupant feedback. These insights enable cleaning crews to prioritize their work, ensure busy spaces are cleaned more regularly and – ultimately – deliver a more impactful service for their clients’ building users.
4. Smart Cleaning Technology

Smart cleaning technology is revolutionizing the industry with solutions that prevent cross contamination, enhance janitor productivity and enhance building occupant experiences. Many of these new technologies are also designed to minimize the use of chemicals and reduce energy usage, resulting in significant savings for facility managers and building owners. However, the implementation of smart cleaning technology is not without its challenges.

The most important consideration when implementing a smart cleaning solution is to ensure that it is easy to manage. This means providing clear training for employees and ensuring that the equipment is intuitive to operate. It also means establishing effective processes for maintenance and troubleshooting so that the products can be optimized over time.

It is also important to consider the safety of smart cleaning products. For example, some devices are powered by voice activation and can pose a risk to people who may not be familiar with the technology. This is why it is important to familiarize yourself with the safe operation of smart cleaning products, including proper voice activation strategies and best practices for using them safely and effectively.

As smart cleaning technology evolves, it is becoming more common for facilities to adopt the tools as part of their normal cleaning protocols. For example, Alec Fomin at Sage Realty utilizes a smart monitoring system in their buildings, which alerts both the facility management team and the janitorial staff when something needs immediate attention in a restroom. This allows them to quickly and thoughtfully address the issue, while also redeploying cleaning staff to other areas that may require their attention more urgently.

Another benefit of smart cleaning technology is that it provides a more comprehensive overview of quality. For example, UM Cleaning’s CleanPilot Connect system saves NIH cleaning staff 40.5 hours by automating cleaning tasks and adjusting efforts to take occupancy into account. This allows staff to focus on more critical and revenue-generating work. In addition, the system allows them to track cleaning data and performance, allowing for more accurate reporting on service levels and quality. This information is crucial to improving service and ensuring that every space is cleaned as it should be.