Some experienced distributors have encountered these types of situations: a facility manager would like to change the types of cleaning products currently used, but the manager is “afraid” to take the decision up the ladder. 

The typical reason, according to Brian Peters with Peters Supply, Inc. Elmira, NY, “is that the facility manager doesn’t have the facts and figures needed to support his or her decision.”

This situation is common because, similar to evaluating cleaning in general, selecting cleaning products can be a subjective process. However, today, many facilities are trying to cut or control costs. Further, many others are focused on implementing a green cleaning program. These trends and achieving desired outcomes confirm that subjective cleaning decisions are no longer viable, especially for C-suite executives.

However Peters says, there are now analytical tools, such as the eLev8 system from AFFLINK, that provide the facts and figures necessary for managers to make a product selection and the supporting evidence to qualify their decision with confidence.

The eLev8 system is a web-based tool, which can be compared to an electronic dashboard. The distributor inputs data, such as the cleaning products currently being used in a facility, and the system suggests alternatives.

“These ‘alternatives’ may be products that are more cost or performance effective or can be used as a Green substitute,” explains Peters.  “And, this applies to much more than just cleaning products — it can apply to liners, paper products, and many other products used in a commercial facility.”

Peters shared an example of how the system helped one healthcare facility by recommending a different size liner. 

“By switching from 60 pound liners to 30 pound liners — as recommended by the eLev8 system — the client was able to cut costs and promote sustainability, which is very high on their agenda,” he says.

Overall, Peters indicates that using the eLev8 system helps him align marketing efforts to address his client’s specific needs. 

“This system helps managers select products and higher ups understand why they have been selected,” he says.  “Everyone’s happy and it helps us partner with our customers like never before."