6 reasons why you need to be ‘smart’ about your laundry equipment
One of the things you may have noticed in recent years is how equipment will now typically combine telecommunication technology with computing, in short, your equipment is smart. When smart equipment is connected to internet, it makes connection with its manufacturer, typically allowing interchange of data, but also giving the possibility for the manufacturer to adjust machine settings if you request that. In a word, remote accessibility.
Laundries do not always see the benefits that smart equipment can have for them. While data security can be a worry for laundry managers, reputable laundry equipment manufacturers will provide details of their cyber security arrangements or they can frequently offer workarounds to allay specific concerns.
The benefits of using smart equipment smartly are too big to ignore. Your laundry will lose out if equipment is not connected. Here’s why:
Efficiency and productivity: Smart equipment in industrial laundries can optimize operations and improve efficiency. Automated processes, such as sorting, washing, drying, and folding, can be controlled and monitored centrally, reducing the need for manual intervention. This leads to faster turnaround times, increased productivity, and a higher volume of laundry processed within a given time. And this in a very tight labour market.
Resource optimization: Smart equipment can help industrial laundries optimize the use of resources such as water, electricity, and detergent. Washing, drying and finishing equipment often have sensors and intelligent algorithms that can detect and adjust the usage of resources based on the load, fabric type, and desired cleaning level. This not only reduces costs but also contributes to greater sustainability in your business.
Data-driven decision-making: Smart equipment generates a wealth of data, including usage patterns, machine performance, and maintenance requirements. By analysing this data, industrial laundries can gain insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions. You can identify areas for improvement, predict equipment failures, and optimize maintenance schedules, ultimately leading to better operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
Remote monitoring and management: With smart equipment, industrial laundries can remotely monitor and manage their operations. Managers and technicians can access real-time data, potentially receive alerts for any abnormalities or maintenance requirements, and even control the equipment from any location. This capability saves time, facilitates proactive maintenance, and enables quick response to operational issues, regardless of the physical location of the laundry facility.
Integration with other systems: Smart equipment can potentially be seamlessly integrated with other systems in the laundry operation, such as stock management, detergent and chemistry, and customer service platforms. This integration can streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance overall workflow efficiency.
Competitive advantage: Utilizing smart equipment sets industrial laundries apart from their competitors. By adopting advanced technologies, you can offer faster turnaround times, superior quality, and more efficient services. This can attract more customers, increase customer loyalty, and ultimately lead to business growth.
In summary, smart equipment offers industrial laundries numerous advantages, including increased efficiency, resource optimization, data-driven decision-making, enhanced quality control, remote monitoring, and a competitive edge. These benefits make it more than worthwhile for laundries to ‘smarten up’ their operations and deliver exceptional service.