Cleaning Revolution: Using AI and Smart Technology to Power Up Commercial Cleaning
Commercial cleaning has never been more critical than in today's world, with health and safety at the forefront of everyone's minds. As businesses adapt to new standards and guidelines for hygiene and safety, the use of AI-powered smart technology that leverages occupancy sensors is emerging as a game-changer in the commercial cleaning industry. These solutions not only improve the efficiency of cleaning routines but also enhance the quality of the cleaning process.
In this article we'll explore how AI and occupancy sensors are transforming commercial cleaning, making it smarter, more efficient, and more effective than ever before.
What are occupancy sensors?
Occupancy sensors are discreet wireless devices that detect the presence or movement of people or objects within an area. They are commonly used to control lighting, HVAC systems, and security systems, with an ultimate eye towards driving energy efficiency and safety.
But in recent years, a new use case has emerged: applying occupancy data to optimise and improve commercial cleaning.
One key example of how sensors can power up cleaning? Using occupancy data for precise scheduling. Traditional cleaning schedules often rely on fixed timetables or manual inspections. This can lead to wasted time and resources, as cleaning staff may service areas that are already clean, or miss spaces that need attention.
Unlike traditional manual processes, however, occupancy sensors provide real-time data on space utilisation, ensuring no effort is wasted or duplicated by. They can detect foot traffic and occupancy levels in different areas and make AI-driven recommendations, allowing cleaning teams to prioritise efforts where they are needed most. This not only maximises cleaning efficiency but also minimises disruptions to building occupants.
By the same token, occupancy sensors can enable dynamic, data-driven cleaning routines. They can detect when a high-traffic area needs immediate attention or when a particular space has been underutilised, allowing cleaning schedules to be adjusted accordingly. This adaptability ensures that cleaning resources are allocated efficiently and that high-traffic areas receive more frequent cleaning, improving overall cleanliness and hygiene.
What are the benefits of data-driven cleaning?
One major benefit to this approach is cost reduction – giving cleaning margins a needed boost.
Efficient cleaning schedules driven by live occupancy data can lead to significant financial savings for facilities managers and commercial cleaning companies, helping providers stay competitive, generate more value for customers, and deliver services with an edge. By eliminating unnecessary cleaning rounds and optimising staff allocation, businesses can reduce labour and cleaning supply expenses. This not only benefits the bottom line but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to commercial cleaning.
In addition to bottom-line cost savings, a data-driven cleaning approach has numerous other benefits, including:
Real-Time Data for Precise Scheduling
Traditional cleaning schedules often rely on fixed timetables or manual inspections. This can lead to wasted time and resources, as cleaning staff may service areas that are already clean, or miss spaces that need attention. Smart cleaning technology powered by IoT sensors, on the other hand, provides real-time data on space utilisation. Occupancy sensors can detect space usage levels in different areas, allowing cleaning teams to prioritise efforts where they are needed most. This not only maximises cleaning efficiency but also minimises disruptions to building occupants.
Dynamic Cleaning Routines
Today’s technology was designed to enable dynamic, data-driven cleaning routines. It can alert teams when a highly-trafficked area needs immediate attention or when a particular space has been underutilised, allowing cleaning schedules to be adjusted accordingly. This adaptability ensures that cleaning resources are allocated efficiently and that high-usage spaces receive more frequent cleaning, improving overall cleanliness and hygiene.
Improved Cleaning Quality
Smart cleaning solutions can not only improve the efficiency of cleaning but also enhance the quality of the cleaning process. Armed with real-time data that helps direct their attention, cleaning staff can focus on deep cleaning and addressing specific areas of concern, such as restrooms, common touchpoints, and shared spaces. This proactive approach ensures that cleaning efforts are tailored to address the most critical areas, providing a higher level of cleanliness and safety, and reducing staff time spend on less impactful tasks.
Hygiene and Health Benefits
In our post-pandemic era, health and hygiene – and indoor space cleanliness – are top concerns. Smart cleaning technology helps ensure that areas with high traffic, like lobbies, break rooms, and restrooms, receive timely and thorough cleaning. This reduces the risk of the spread of germs and viruses, making shared spaces safer for tenants, employees, and visitors.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Clean, well-maintained commercial spaces enhance the experience for tenants and customers. AI-powered smart technology can help ensure that on-the-ground staff maintain a consistently high level of cleanliness, creating a positive impression for occupants, visitors, and customers. This can lead to greater customer satisfaction, a reduction in tenant requests, and improved organisational reputation.
Corporate Sustainability Alignment
Efficient cleaning driven by occupancy data can help facilities management and commercial cleaning teams align with top-line sustainability initiatives. By reducing unnecessary cleaning and resource usage, businesses can conserve cleaning supplies and energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve their environmental impact – all while ensuring that indoor spaces meet high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Final thoughts
AI-powered cleaning technology is revolutionising the commercial cleaning industry by delivering actionable, real-time data that can improve scheduling, reduce operating costs, and enhance cleaning quality.
At a time when health and safety are critical, smart technology can help ensure that high-use areas receive the attention they deserve, improving the overall efficiency of cleaning routines and contributing to the well-being of building occupants and staff – all with an eye towards optimising costs. As the commercial cleaning industry embraces technology and innovation, AI-powered solutions are paving the way for a safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly approach to cleanliness in commercial spaces.
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