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overload problem we all face. Only 60% of a knowledge workers working week is used productively. E-mail overload, together with constant interruptions and pointless meetings are the main productivity busters. Used effectively, social technologies applied internally can lead to significant productivity improvements.
“As a consequence of the social media revolution, a fundamental and disruptive change has taken place in the way people
access information, the way we communicate and in customer buying behaviour.“
The Cloud In simple terms, cloud computing is computing based on the internet. Rather than running applications or programmes from software installed or downloaded onto physical computers and servers located on-site, cloud computing provides employees with access to a wide range of low cost applications through the Internet.
It is estimated that 84% of organisations in the UK now use the cloud for at least one application or service. An estimated 63% are planning to move their entire IT estate to the cloud over the next few years, according to the latest research from the Cloud Industry Forum.
Major business benefits can be derived from migrating to the cloud – lower IT infrastructure, hardware and software costs; scalability, reliability, manageability; enhanced security; 24/7 any place, any device access; rapid project mobilisation, delivery capability and so on. In an industry operating on tight margins and with multi-location workforces, these are important issues in the cleaning industry. Cleaning operators who do not migrate to the cloud will become less competitive.
The Internet of Things (IoT) Closely related to the above, the use of IoT in the global cleaning industry is reaching a tipping point. It is one of the most exciting and disruptive trends affecting the industry. Almost every
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aspect of the cleaning process can now be tracked thanks to IoT technology – towel and restroom dispensers that send alerts when stock is running low; scrubbing machines and vacuums that track runtime, user location and more: cleaning chemical dispensers and dosing equipment; fleet management and so on.
This raises two very important issues:
1. The data generated by IoT devices and equipment will become a major source of competitive advantage in the industry. IoT data will drive customer experiences, planning, cleaning schedules, staffing and budgets. Tenders will be prepared using big data to deliver cleaning solutions at lower costs through eliminating wastage.
2. IoT will fundamentally change existing supply chain relationship between cleaning operators, manufacturers, distributors, dealers and customers. New business models will emerge based on IoT generated data and actionable insight.
Big Data & Predictive Analytics Access to reliable, relevant, accurate, up-to-date information is critical to cleaning operators and the cleaning process. Data, and the actionable insight it provides, affects every aspect of operations from staff deployment to fleet management, from stock levels to sales and marketing.
While we are not yet at the stage where decisions made by algorithms will replace management judgment based on experience and instinct, the cleaning industry is on the verge of a data revolution. Especially with the growing use of IoT (as above) and intelligent machines (see below), data is becoming ubiquitous; available from a multitude of sources within and outside the business. Advancements in big data and predictive analytics hold the key to unlocking this data.
In simple terms, predictive analytics uses data mining, statistical techniques and data modelling to predict the future. It allows cleaning organisations to become proactive and forward looking, anticipating outcomes and behaviours based on data analysis rather than hunch. Decision options
and suggested actions are presented based on the predictions made.
Future ‘winners’ in the commercial cleaning industry will be those who develop predictive analytical capabilities to unlock the power of big data.
Artificial Intelligence/Intelligent
Machines/Automation ‘Rise of the robots’. From an employment and labour market perspective, this is one of the most contentious and hotly debated topics relating to digital disruption in commercial cleaning. Over the last couple of years, we have already seen experiments taking place with increasingly sophisticated and specialised computers, machines, robots and algorithms that can do many routine, repetitive cleaning tasks; autonomous floor cleaning robots in shopping malls, airports and industrial premises being just one example.
While no definitive research has yet been done regarding the number of cleaning jobs to be lost as a result of automation, one thing is certain – industry labour markets are facing severe disruption.
The Blockchain The new kid on the block as far as digital disruption in the cleaning industry is concerned is the Blockchain; the publicly distributed ledger system that experts predict will revolutionise a wide range of industries. This is one to watch for the future.
ARE YOU READY? Any of the technologies mentioned above, on their own, would be disruptive enough. The fact that they are converging at the same time creates a perfect storm of digital disruption for the industry. Cleaning organisations need to start preparing now. We will look at the key issues involved in preparing a digital vision and strategy for your business in a later article in this series.
www.thearpalgroupblog.com
www.rpadam.co.uk
Tomorrow’s Cleaning October 2016 | 27
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