Maintenance Strategies for Autonomous Floor Equipment

Once floor care equipment has been selected and put into operation, there will be a continuing need for both routine and unexpected maintenance. This includes providing loaner machines if equipment goes completely offline; yet another service distributors can offer. 

“Most end users do not have a trained maintenance staff that can perform the higher level of maintenance, and most do not have staff that wants to do even basic maintenance such as changing filters, squeegees, brushes, etc.,” says Carrizales. “We always offer planned maintenance when we sell the equipment. This is designed specifically to meet the customer's needs and budget.”  

Experts agree that distributors should understand that offering autonomous equipment includes a commitment to provide support, repairs and loaner machines when necessary.  

“Many distributors may have a few loaner machines, or they may have more options if the distributor has rental inventory as part of their offering,” says Dell’Aquila. “There are also rental companies that are utilized to fulfill their inventory until their existing machine is repaired or replaced. Customer expectations are highly valued, and the cleaning must continue — so most customers want an option for loaner machines or rental options.” 

Dell'Aquila says as a distributor, they offer their equipment partners “Preventative Maintenance” schedules which can be purchased at the time the equipment is purchased. Also offered are support training sessions on performing basic maintenance and upkeep of equipment. 

“We stress the value and importance of how having clean and maintained equipment helps support the daily cleaning expectations of the individual management team and their clients.” she says. 

Convincing Customers 

Every industry is expanding its use of technology, expecting increased efficiency and improved ROI. The jan/san industry is no exception. Convincing customers to climb onto the technology-assisted cleaning equipment bandwagon involves having the answers to their questions as to why it's a smart choice for them. Two noteworthy benefits include:

Increased worker productivity and more consistent results. When staff members are freed from performing the routine tasks executed by the autonomous equipment, they can focus their time on more detailed work. Also, autonomous equipment provides consistent results and reduces the need for rework in areas that might've been missed or skipped. Finally, staff members' sick or out-of-office time will have less impact on cleaning and performance results as the equipment will continue to do the job during labor shortages.

Increased worker safety. When autonomous equipment is in use, the chance of staff slipping on wet floors or tripping on power cords is reduced. The machines are programmed not to bump into things, including people. This prevents another possible source of injury, as well as damage to furniture and fixtures in the facility being cleaned. 

To be a worthwhile partner to their customers, distributors must stay on top of technological advances in floor cleaning equipment and know the value and benefits the equipment provides. Ultimately, they also need to make sure they are offering the very best options to their customers. 

When evaluating a customer's needs, “we look at the age of their current equipment, how much they are spending on repairs, if the machine is out of warranty, etc.,” says Carrizales.  “We also look at the facility they are cleaning and assess if the equipment is a right fit. In some cases, they may not need new equipment, and we tell them so. It’s not always about the sale. It is about building a trusting long-term relationship. 

“If the equipment is not a good fit, costing the customer more money to repair, then we provide a comprehensive ROI for new, technologically advanced equipment,” he adds. “We show the cost benefit, efficiency gains, better cleaning, etc. In some cases, we will also offer a trade-in value for their existing older equipment.” 

The industry is moving quickly, and it’s more critical than ever to adapt to the newest technologies and achieve better overall productivity and performance.  

“We are providing a clear strategy with knowing how the equipment will impact productivity, meeting customer initiatives, and providing higher level of cleaning performance,” adds Dell’Aquila. “Once you show the ROI, the long-term outlay will provide a road map for the immediate and future results.” 

Shannon O'Connor is a freelance writer from Mason, Ohio.