Invest in Tech

In this edition, Bradley Reames, managing director of Peartree Cleaning Services explains how specialist iPad software is helping to transform the cleaning industry.

Why is new technology key to the cleaning industry?

New and innovative technology is being introduced all the time for many different aspects of the cleaning industry to ensure facilities receive a consistently high level of quality cleaning and support services. As with any industry, technology is constantly improving and advancing to keep up to date with current industry demands, be it equipment to assist with cleaning tasks, such as vacuums and scrubber dryers, or software programs specifically designed for the cleaning sector.

How can software programmes be used within the cleaning industry?

We are the first company in the UK to implement the CleanLink iPad application, which has been specially designed for contract cleaners, via the iPad 2. Specialist cleaning software via the iPad can help to easily monitor operational performance and provide a structured approach to quality monitoring for facilities managers, against agreed service levels. Software has been purposely developed for contract cleaning companies to efficiently manage all locations remotely, which means the head office can constantly monitor progress at the site, keep track of updates and maintain client satisfaction.
Many other applications are available to businesses such as training software or financial auditing processes and e-ordering for cleaning products and consumables.

How is iPad technology having an impact on performance monitoring?

Traditional methods of quality monitoring have often been time consuming with room for human error, as collective data needs to be analysed manually. With the use of iPads, live quality monitoring inspections can be carried out with clients in attendance, collecting scores, comments and signatures. Performance reports can easily be extracted, instantly analysed and emailed to the head office for review.

Operation managers can perform onsite audits, record additional services provided, place orders for supplies, log any complaints or requests from the customer, receive instructions, record client satisfaction rates and take photographs onsite.

The software application also provides managers with staff details, client and site details, specification, pay rates and hours allocated, and access to emails, enabling them to have all this information at their fingertips.

What other technological breakthroughs is the cleaning industry implementing?

The cleaning industry is perceived by some as old-fashioned, yet much is being done to improve the image and standards of the cleaning industry. Incorporating iPad application technology is a huge step for us, and for the industry as a whole.

Technology will continue to develop and improve, and the cleaning industry will continue to benefit from new innovations.  There have already been many other breakthroughs in technology with regards to equipment and machinery.

‘Green technology’ has been introduced into the cleaning industry as people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the environment and saving energy. iPad technology is helping to reduce paper wastage. A lot of the equipment implemented for cleaning now runs much more efficiently and as such is having an improved impact on the environment. Technologies have also been introduced to reduce or eliminate chemicals used in cleaning products.

Contact
For a broad range of quality cleaning services using innovative technology contact www.peartreecleaning.co.uk.