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New guide helps facility managers take the leap into data-driven cleaning

How can the cleaning industry benefit from the Internet of Things? When is the time to act? Where do I start? These are questions that occupy the minds of many facility managers and cleaning companies. To provide practical tips and support in shifting to data-driven cleaning, Tork USA has developed a new guide called “The insider’s guide to data-driven cleaning”.

Tork was first to launch a facility management software – Tork EasyCube™ Intelligent Facility Cleaning System – that uses connected devices to provide real-time data about actual cleaning needs. Now, Tork has gathered know-how and learnings from its customer cases to support others that also want to take the leap into data-driven cleaning.

“When facility managers and their cleaning staff get real-time data about cleaning needs, the very logic for how cleaning can be done changes. It becomes possible to be proactive and do exactly what’s needed when and where. This is data-driven cleaning. Handling a complex facility like a hospital, university campus, theme park or airport is transformed into a fact-based science,” says Jimy Baynum, Director of Market Development, North America for Essity Professional Hygiene Business

The Internet of Things (IoT) is already a reality, with everything from coffee machines to restroom dispensers being connected to the internet. Yet the value lies not in connectivity itself, but in the new information it can provide – and the actions you can take based on that information. With real-time data on actual cleaning needs, cleaning operations can be dramatically improved in three important ways:

1. Improved efficiency: Knowing what’s needed means no time is wasted on unnecessary work. More time means cleaners can go the extra mile. Managers can feel safe that nothing is neglected, and analyze data over time to improve planning, purchasing and logistics.
2. Improved quality and customer satisfaction: Data-driven cleaning enables higher quality – no more empty dispensers and untidy areas. It becomes possible to eliminate complaints before they happen and radically increase customer satisfaction.
3. Improved staff engagement and well-being: Your people are your most important resource. Work feels meaningful when they know every task matters, and better control means less stress and a more balanced working situation.

From Man vs Machine to Man + Machine
In recent years, the cleaning industry has already seen a boom of technology overall, such as automated cleaning robots. But the latest shift, toward data-driven cleaning, is not about replacing humans with machines. Cleaning and facility management operations are too complex and unpredictable for an automated machine to handle. This is why data-driven cleaning becomes so important. Or as MIT and Duke University researcher Mary Cummings writes: “As a team, the human and computer are far more powerful than either alone, especially under uncertainty”[1].

“Empowering managers and cleaners with data to make better decisions is what really elevates the efficiency. We are in the middle of this process with our customers, and by sharing what we’ve learned we want to help the industry at large take the leap.” says Baynum.

Six tips to make a successful shift to data-driven cleaning
The new guide contains different perspectives on data-driven cleaning with reference cases, input from industry experts, advise from practitioners and benchmark cases from other industries. It also provides practical tips on how to prepare for data-driven cleaning and key success factors to get your organization onboard:

1. Evaluate challenges: What is crucial to the success of your facility cleaning program, and what areas need improvement? Evaluate any issues you want to address.
2. Choose the right partner: If you are self-managed or partner with a Building Services Contractor, it is important to align with some proven solutions that has had real business impact for other customers.
3. Set specific goals: What do you want to accomplish with data-driven cleaning? Setting specific goals
   and prioritizing helps you focus initial efforts on what’s most important.
4. Involve key stakeholders: Shifting to new ways of working affects all levels of your organization. Especially cleaners who will use the solution should be involved early on to secure easier implementation.
5. Request a demonstration: Make sure adequate time is dedicated to explaining the solution so
   that you and your teams are making full use of its potential, maximizing positive business impact.
6. Support everybody in implementation: Consider who is going to use the new solution in practice. For example, you might think everybody is comfortable using smartphones and tablets, but this is not always the case. Keep a close dialogue with users to ensure they get the right support throughout implementation.

About Tork EasyCube™ Intelligent Facility Cleaning System
TORK EasyCube™ Intelligent Facility Cleaning System incorporates the Internet of Things to increase efficiency of managing cleaning, staff and ordering supplies. The system combines sensor technology with connected devices, Cleaning Management Software and services to transform cleaning operations into a fact-based science for more informed decisions, user satisfaction and budget savings. Tork EasyCube won an Innovation Award at ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America in 2016 (together with Tork Image Design™), and was nominated for an Innovation Award at ISSA/INTERCLEAN in Amsterdam 2016. The system already connects over 4,000 devices for customers across Europe and North America.

Background information: How data is transforming other industries
The cleaning industry is not unique – data is driving change in almost every sector, improving efficiency by allowing better use of resources. Two examples of data-driven progress in other industries:

• Data-driven shipping: Leading companies in the shipping industry have recently brought their fleets online, tracking both ships and containers. With data on exactly where they have empty containers and shipping needs, the companies have been able to streamline the refilling process to avoid unnecessary transports of empty containers. By using data to rationalize their empty container management, individual shipping industry actors are already reporting savings of over $100 million.[2]
• Data-driven energy savings: Buildings also stand to make massive efficiency gains using data. Seeing the potential, tech giants have entered the field with products such as smart thermostats. Smart thermostats automatically learn your temperature preferences and keep track of when you are away to avoid heating or cooling more than necessary. With buildings currently using about 40% of global energy[3], these kinds of improvements make a real difference. As data becomes the driver of development in sector after sector, our societies are becoming more efficient as a whole.

• Link to the guide “The insider’s guide to data-driven cleaning”: http://www.torkusa.com/easycube/datadrivencleaning

For additional information please contact:

Michelle Wagner Shingler

Michelle@nwincentives.com

971.300.2097 

About Tork®

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of SCA, and a committed partner to customers in over 80 countries. To keep up with the latest Tork news and innovations, please visit: www.sca-tork.com

About Essity

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company that develops, produces and sells Personal Care (Baby Care, Feminine Care, Incontinence Products and Medical Solutions), Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene products and solutions. Our vision is; Dedicated to improving well-being through leading hygiene and health solutions. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other brands, such as Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda and Zewa. Essity has about 48,000 employees and net sales in 2016 amounted to approximately SEK 101bn (EUR 10.7bn). The business operations are based on a sustainable business model with focus on value creation for people and nature. The company has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity used to be part of the SCA Group. More information at www.essity.com.