By Jake Meister

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a topic that often elicits interesting conversation regarding a variety of subjects. Its role in unethical behavior ranging from collegiate plagiarism to seedy crimes has been consistently discussed. There have also been larger talks surrounding more nuanced questions. For example, is AI something most workers will accept? Fortunately, when examining the intersection of AI and the cleaning industry, the conversation doesn’t have to be dirty.

When considering the industry in its present state, the use of AI to improve sales in the cleaning business could be worth exploring right now.

“We have helped many companies deploy AI-powered systems that recommend personalized content and product offers, along with the best channel for salespeople to use to connect with customers,” says the staff at ZS, an Evanston, Illinois-based global professional services firm, in a Harvard Business Review piece. “Recommendations are based on data about the preferences and behaviors of the customer and similar customers, as well as past interactions with the customer.”

While this statement is not made in reference to any particular industry, just general sales, it certainly seems to fit jan/san. Good jan/san sales representatives are sure to approach current and prospective customers with information supporting the importance of the service they provide or the impact of the product they sell. The more facts they’re able to present, the better their argument. ZS staff also wrote that it’s up to the salesperson whether they choose to use or dismiss the recommendations presented by AI. 

So, if an accomplished sales veteran ultimately chooses to rely on his or her own experience in a particular situation, that’s their prerogative. At the very least, new information has been reviewed and is available. 

Decision makers interested in leveraging artificial intelligence’s capabilities to scale business will be happy to learn they have plenty of options. HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and Salesforce are all established brands the cleaning industry knows with impressive AI prowess. 

“Today there are AI systems available at every price point, making advanced lead generation accessible to all,” says Angela Gervino, chief operating officer at Gervino Group, a human resources services firm based in Danbury, Connecticut. 

Where AI Matters

The potential relationship between AI and the cleaning industry isn’t some sophomore year of high school type of fling — it could be stable, sane, and long lasting. Beyond sales, there are a few areas where AI can have a profound influence on the cleaning business. Gervino applauds the use of AI for predictive purposes. Not only can it reasonably forecast when cleaning supplies will be out of stock, but it also can predict when equipment will need maintenance, or worse cases, is heading towards total failure.

Another use for AI that Gervino believes fits particularly well with the cleaning business is work optimization. AI can use real-time data to identify the most efficient route a cleaning crew should take. It can also pinpoint the best time for a job to be done.

Like a seasoned frontline cleaner or that hands-on customer that isn’t shy about calling, AI knows when quality control needs improvement. It can leverage sensors and equipment to evaluate the cleanliness of facilities and can identify which areas need greater attention than others. This information also serves a second purpose as it provides information management can use to revamp its training programs. 

“For creating new training programs, AI can customize modules to align with your organization's culture, mission, and strategies,” says Gervino. “Oftentimes smaller organizations do not have the budget for training programs, and it becomes a mishmash of different things. In this area, AI can be a game-changer and can take the heavy lifting out of creating a training program that is professional and effective.”

Not only does AI serve the cleaning business, but it benefits the people doing the work, too. That routine task the entire staff would like to avoid can be made much easier and bearable through the automation provided by AI. With less time spent on the mundane, workers would seemingly find greater job satisfaction. Who knows, maybe that’s enough incentive for some workers to not become another figure in ongoing retention woes.

Just as cleaning staff must learn to work with AI, managers and owners need to educate themselves in this intelligent machinery so they best know how to leverage its capabilities. Fortunately, there are copious opportunities to consume information on AI, making learning easy and convenient.

“Online courses and certifications are a great way to introduce the basic principles of AI,” says Gervino. “In addition, there are books, reports, and whitepapers as well as webinars, conferences, and local networking groups one can use as resources.”

AI Usage Considerations 

Before accepting AI as the elixir for all that ails the cleaning industry, businesses must first accept that it’s still a work in progress. The information gathered by AI-powered cleaning equipment isn’t always accurate. So, at least for now, it would be a good idea to partner the technology with employees — especially those with a good enough feel for the job who can recognize when something is off. Like driverless cars, AI machinery will need a sort of copilot for some time.

Of course, for AI and workers to coexist, society needs to buy into the notion of its use.

“One of the biggest obstacles is still humans,” says Gervino. “There is no denying many are resistant to AI and the dangers of improper use and there is a stigma surrounding it.”

Gervino’s says the best way for businesses to help make their employees comfortable with AI is to provide them with simple and transparent communication. Tell employees exactly what the business hopes to accomplish using AI and how it can be used to simplify work. After explaining all the pros of AI, listen to, acknowledge, and consider some of the fears they might still have.

“When there is fear, anxiety, or uncertainty surrounding a subject, tackle it head-on,” says Gervino. “This not only makes for a happier and more confident workforce but also an educated one.”

Jake Meister is a freelance writer based in Milwaukee and is a longtime contributor to CleanLink. 


posted on 8/14/2024