MHD MATERIALS HANDLING
SMARTER CLEANING Using smart technology to better monitor cleaning equipment in a warehouse and logistics environment.
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ooking after a large fleet of machines comes with a number of challenges, according to Kylie Mobsby, Strategic Account Manager at Tennant Australia. “Monitoring machine locations and finding lost machines as well as working out who is using what machine wastes a lot of time,” Kylie says. Many warehouse and logistics providers have a large fleet of sweeper and scrubbers for cleaning warehouses and workshops. However, if these machines do not have smart technology, they are not being utilised to their full potential, Kylie says. “Monitoring location, performance and maintenance data for equipment are all crucial to the running of a clean and high-functioning facility. But if you are doing this manually it just isn’t efficient,” Kylie says. Collecting and reporting on all of the information needed to monitor machines eats into valuable cleaning time – as well as profits, Kylie says. As organisations utilise data across most of their operations, cleaning should be no different, Kylie says. “Running a business is all about data these days. With more advanced technology, you can get access to data on your machines, how they’re being used, and where they’re located.” With access to real quantifiable metrics, more accurate and confident decisions can be made. “These decisions can have a real impact on your operation. You can deliver a better clean, optimise team performance and run a better business,” Kylie says. Having the correct data and a data driven approach has a number of operational benefits. These include swapping an underutilised machine out into the field, scheduling an extra training session for staff 46 | MHD SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
Many warehouses use a large fleet of sweepers and scrubbers for cleaning. who aren’t following protocol or best practices, investing in more machinery and technology that demonstrates better performance.
TEAM MANAGEMENT WITHOUT MICROMANAGEMENT Smarter technology has the added benefit of ensuring accountability. “Data helps you confidently manage the who, what, when, where, how of your machines – without micromanaging your team or taking up valuable time with manual processes and data entry,” Kylie says. With this kind of access reporting organisations can experience greater accountability, Kylie says. “You can motivate your team to perform their best and reach KPIs in their area. The right technology can help support your role as a team leader and manager by providing real data on how your team and your machines are performing,” Kylie says.
SPOT PATTERNS AND SOLVE PROBLEMS Often if there is a recurring maintenance issue with a machine, it is difficult to get to the bottom of the problem. However, smart technology can help find out the source of the problem and provide information about how to fix it, Kylie says. “Data enables you to check the machines’ usage and identity to see if there are any patterns that might cause problems. For example, inappropriate usage or missed services. You could introduce extra staff training on this occasion to ensure all machines perform as expected,” Kylie says. Similarly, if there is a complaint or an issue with the standard of cleanliness in one zone then data of the specific piece of equipment that was used can be checked to make sure it was used appropriately and for the expected time.
