interiors
Consider service when you choose manufacturer
Taking a holistic approach to installing and servicing water controls will help create safer and more efficient schools, says Matt Whiting, UK service manager at washroom controls specialist Rada
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ODERN schools need to do a lot. They must create comfortable, safe and inspiring spaces for pupils, and they need to operate efficiently so staff can keep costs in check. Innovative and modern products are at the very heart of this and are central to reimagining how we create great educational environments. In Rada’s world, this means taps and showers and water controls that are safe for students, robust and easy to use, and active in helping staff manage time and precious resources. It now also means embracing digitally controlled and connected products that potentially offer significant advantages such as automation and improved monitoring and data logging. However, a tendency to focus on products runs the risk of not enough thought being given to post-installation support. We must not overlook the value of services that support products in operation.
A holistic approach to specifying water controls is needed if we want to continue creating better and safer environments for pupils. Taps and showers will work best if their future operational demands are carefully considered when they’re chosen, and they are paired with the right support services. Even the leading products need careful maintenance and priority should be given to products that are available with a full-service package from the manufacturer.
As both a manufacturer and service provider, this might seem an obvious point for us to make. But manufacturers know their products inside out and can ensure that they’re set up and serviced
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correctly and in good time. And as modern digital taps and showers are increasingly smart, this specialist and bespoke level of service is growing in importance.
So, what do I mean by supporting services? • A commissioning service to check products after installation ensures hassle-free set-up and installation ensures they are installed correctly, operating safely and at their optimum with training provided on any applicable software tools.
• A comprehensive service plan to make sure systems continue to work efficiently. Regular checks ensure components vital to maintaining correct and safe operation, such as thermostatic equipment, are in full health and complying with guidelines. This improves the longevity of products and helps to minimise downtime.
• A new generation of service that harnesses the improved functionality offered by digitally connected taps and showers. It makes sure that products are carefully configured to manage ongoing tasks while maintaining the highest safety standards, with remote connection via the cloud making 24/7 monitoring possible.
Using Internet of Things derived intelligence via the cloud, digital water controls can now send operating data to an online service centre.
Engineers can use live data to monitor how taps and showers are performing. Engineers can also analyse the data and help staff find new ways of managing resources or advise on important hygiene measures such as duty flushing.
Monitoring can be especially useful for schools during a holiday period when low usage may mean that adverse changes are not always detected immediately. If required, a trained team can step in remotely or send an engineer to provide on-site support. The technology for online real time video support is also available for when a problem needs to be diagnosed and resolved more rapidly than via an engineer’s visit.
It’s now more important than ever to look behind the product. It’s no longer good enough to just consider taps and showers in isolation from support when choosing what to install.
With increasing pressures on staff, the availability of specialist supporting services from manufacturers should be an active consideration. They back up the products chosen and ensure the systems installed are always fulfilling their potential, supporting staff and keeping students as safe as possible when on site.
www.radacontrols.com
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