Don’t dread digital!

IN A landscape marked by workforce constraints, data-driven cleaning emerges as a crucial lifeline for cleaning enterprises. Cleaning companies are under significant pressure to deliver the same expected high quality service, with fewer staff and acting environmentally responsibly while being part of a national sustainability agenda.  When we are operating with constraints, prioritisation is everyone’s go-to, and to do that effectively, you need to make informed decisions.  By having access to real time acquired data, decisions on operational efficiency and effectiveness can be made. By incorporating data-driven cleaning methodologies and digitisation in a business, you can streamline service oversight, incident management, and client satisfaction, all accomplished seamlessly and eco-consciously through a single device.

This has already been achieved by Taqt, and already cleaning and FM businesses are experiencing a transformation because real-time data access empowers improved planning, resource allocation, and traceability.  

In terms of what’s possible with IoT (Internet of Things) and digital data, here are 10 ways that your cleaning business can be enhanced:

1. Staff shortages – better resource management despite constraints

The cleaning industry is still reeling from the fallout of Brexit and the peak COVID-19 years. This means many cleaning companies have to do more to meet the new stringent post-COVID hygiene requirements. With fewer people on the ground, a digital management system can help strategically allocate limited staff time. This ensures that tasks are prioritised based on urgency and importance. By optimising schedules and assignments, companies can make the most of their available staff, maximising productivity and efficiency. User friendly platforms will generate easy to read reports, will show up hot spots, and improve pre-emption on how to service them. This fulfils your clients’ needs, respects the operative’s time, helps with procurement of equipment and chemicals and improves end-user satisfaction. 

2. Meeting sustainable goals

With achieving improved sustainability being a prominent concern in the cleaning industry, digital solutions play a pivotal role in helping companies align with this objective. Through data-driven insights, businesses can implement targeted cleaning strategies. This minimises waste, reduces emissions by deploying staff effectively and reducing travel, and curtails overuse of chemical agents. 

Having a digital management system also allows for a paperless operation, which is a growing objective for many companies in the UK. 

By having a clear, data led picture of your clients’ cleaning needs you can tailor a service that is as green as possible, economically effective and socially conscious.  

3. Streamlined procurement

Data-driven cleaning allows companies to make informed procurement decisions. By analysing data on cleaning requirements and consumption patterns, businesses can optimise their supply chain processes. This means acquiring cleaning supplies in the right quantities, at the right time, and from the right sources. Consequently, there is a reduction in the risk of shortages or excess inventory, leading to cost savings and operational efficiency.

4. Traceability

Real-time monitoring capabilities offered by IoT solutions provide a heightened level of accountability. This ensures that cleaning tasks are conducted as scheduled and to the expected standards. This not only enhances client confidence in the services provided but also contributes to staff safety by enabling immediate response in case of emergencies.

5. Enhanced customer feedback

Ground breakers like TaqtOne, facilitate real-time interaction between clients and cleaning providers. This enables customers to provide immediate feedback on the quality of service. By promptly addressing any concerns or shortcomings, businesses can improve customer satisfaction levels. Additionally, this feedback loop serves as a valuable source of information for identifying areas of improvement, ensuring that the cleaning service is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.

6. Client retention

Who doesn’t want repeat business? Accurate and tailored service delivery is paramount to retaining clients. By leveraging data-driven insights, cleaning companies can ensure that their services consistently meet the expectations of their clientèle. This high level of service and easier communication fosters trust and loyalty. These are the elements that persuade clients to engage on the long term.

7. Streamlining expenses

In a time of economic uncertainty and rising costs, efficient resource management is critical for the survival of cleaning businesses. Data-driven cleaning practices minimise wastage of time, manpower, and materials. By focusing resources on high-priority tasks and optimising workflows, companies can navigate through cost challenges while maintaining service quality and profitability.

8. Benchmarking for improvement

Digital interfaces that capture data provide a wealth of information for performance evaluation, it’s like a glimpse into the future. Pre-empting ‘hot spots’ by regular analysis of performance reports and KPIs, such as cleaning frequency and response times, companies can identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.

9. Improved customer/provider communication

Now, through TaqtOne, real-time communication between clients and cleaning providers is a reality. This transparency not only builds trust but also allows for a deeper understanding of customer preferences and requirements. In this way, cleaning companies can adapt their services to meet the evolving needs of the clients. Furthermore, it improves communication with cleaning operatives, which encourages feeling like a valued part of the process.

10. Avoids business stagnation

The cleaning industry has become so much more than a person with a mop and bucket.  It’s driven on new technologies and digitisation is a key tool for improving business performance. This doesn’t undermine the valuable contribution of people power, if anything it helps to enhance the work that people do. 

Embracing IoT solutions represents a commitment to innovation and adaptability. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to adapt to new technologies and practices is essential for staying competitive and avoiding stagnation. ‘We’ve always done it this way’ is a common precursor to lagging performance, reduced profitability and sadly, business failure. 

Don’t fear something new

The integration of digital and IoT solutions is not just a technological upgrade, but a strategic imperative for cleaning businesses seeking to thrive in today's dynamic market. These technologies offer a myriad of benefits, ranging from operational efficiency to sustainability, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and business success.

Businesses can strategically allocate their limited resources as our industry battles with staffing, choked supply chains and demands for higher standards of cleaning. By inviting transparency, accountability, and worker empowerment into your business, you are ushering in a new era of service excellence. 

Duncan McLaren is sales director for UK and Ireland at Taqt.

For more information visit https://www.taqt.com