Rick Maday

Traditionally, cleaning equipment has not focused on operator individuality. Instead, it has typically prioritized technological advances to boost cleaning performance. Equipment design that doesn’t consider the operator before, during, and after cleaning can lead to staff retention issues, as cumbersome and challenging equipment operation can cause physical and mental strains for operators. Additionally, essential tasks such as regular maintenance may be completely ignored by operators. Embracing people-first design Today’s cleaning equipment solutions—which are often operated by multiple users—need to readdress their priorities to adapt simply and effectively to individual user needs, skills levels, and experience. However, progress in cleaning equipment design is making things simpler for operators and cleaning teams. From a people-centric perspective, a new adaptable and ergonomics-first design approach addresses operator individuality to reduce the impact on cleaning teams. It also ensures that critical equipment maintenance tasks can be undertaken with ease, guaranteeing minimized asset downtime, optimal lifetime performance for cleaning equipment, and cost reduction. Enabling asset support Cleaning operations typically use a variety of cleaning equipment solutions, each potentially representing a significant investment. As a result, purchasers want assurance that value-added equipment performance is maximized for daily cleaning effectiveness. They also want to guarantee a high return on investment over the long term. But in the real world, time pressures, a lack of training support, complicated maintenance processes, and the need to “just get on with the job” can potentially cause routine maintenance requirements for cleaning equipment assets to fall by the wayside. Tellingly, IBM research shows that deploying strategic and proactive maintenance regimes for heavily used equipment, such as scrubbers, sweepers or vacuums, can reduce unwanted downtime by up to 50%, increase productivity by 20-50%, lower breakdowns by 70-75%, and cut maintenance costs by 5-10%. The need for proactive maintenance is not a new concept. Our vehicles, home heating, and air conditioning systems are two other examples where the absence of maintenance and servicing leads to inevitable outcomes such as compromised performance, costly repairs, and even failure. Cleaning equipment is no different, as it often undertakes repeatable cleaning cycles, often in tough operating environments. Simplifying maintenance It’s well recognized that ineffective maintenance of cleaning equipment impacts efficiency, shortens equipment lifespans, and introduces the potential for reputational damage linked to reduced quality cleaning outcomes. However, this can be addressed and simplified with a practical-based approach to new equipment design and use. For example, people-first design could incorporate: On-product training, delivered via a unique user interface—so users can resolve any operating questions easily, without delaying cleaning tasks. A unique interface that can be tailored to the user’s language—ensuring that instructions and maintenance-led notifications are easily understood and acted upon without delay. A tailored interface that reflects the user’s skill level—for example, limiting the functionality available to less experienced users to avoid confusion and ensure essential notifications aren’t overlooked. Color-highlighted user touch points—so users can see easily where attach/detach functions are located for removing cleaning decks or topping up cleaning solutions when conducting essential maintenance. Easy-to-remove attachments, such as squeegees—ensuring these components are quick and easy to attach, detach, clean, and store. Time-saving features—such as a water filling indicator, so users can easily keep the water topped up to maximize cleaning quality without having to repeatedly stop to check and refill. Embedding a maintenance-first mindset Alongside operator-centric product design innovations, there are three practical and educational steps cleaning managers can take to embed a maintenance-first mindset without putting additional pressures on cleaning operators. These steps support day-to-day cleaning operations, help to maximize high quality cleaning, and can enhance cost-efficiency and productivity: Get operators on board. While easy maintenance routines will optimize cleaning equipment performance, how the equipment is operated can also impact its lifespan. Working with cleaning operators to emphasize the importance of user behavior is critical. This involves educating them on why routine maintenance is vital and demonstrating how simple the process can be. Tailor equipment use to needs. Look for equipment solutions that can be pre-calibrated to automate chemical and water use, speed, and power. This can help to alleviate the tendency to always select maximum settings, which can put unnecessary strain on the equipment and lead to increased repair costs. It also supports sustainability and cost-efficiency objectives by reducing resource waste and optimizing the use of expensive materials. Be proactive on maintenance notifications. Ensure that equipment has the functionality to proactively notify users when maintenance tasks are due. This helps maintain routine maintenance schedules and supports long-term planning regarding equipment availability. A new concept for cleaning equipment design—one that puts people at its core and creates intuitive, adaptable, easy-to-maintain, and ergonomically sound cleaning equipment—can deliver a multitude of people-first and operational advantages. Both cleaning operators and valuable equipment assets will benefit. Cleaning team members will be energized by equipment solutions that cater to their specific needs. And well-maintained equipment will continue to function for an extended operational life, delivering quality-driven and productive cleaning outcomes.

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Rick Maday

Director of Product Management for the Americas, Nilfisk Inc.

Articles by Rick Maday

Optimizing Cleaning Equipment Maintenance With People-First Design

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