Embracing Technology: How We Stay Ahead in the Commerical Cleaning Industry

In a recent conversation between our team members Jeff and Dave, we delved into the critical role of technology in driving our business growth and efficiency.

As a company focused on commercial cleaning services like post-construction cleanup and common area maintenance, we exemplify a growth-minded approach. We emphasize not just adopting new tools, but integrating them with a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

Here's a breakdown of the key insights from our discussion, highlighting how technology is transforming the cleaning industry.

The Power of Our App for Accountability and Efficiency

One of the standout examples we shared is our custom app, a tool that's revolutionized our operations.

Jeff explained that the app has evolved to serve multiple purposes across our company. "We are now using an app, and now we have multiple versions of app for different applications in our field," he said.

This includes versions tailored for cleaners, lead technicians, and managers, each with varying levels of access to client information.

Dave elaborated on its practical benefits: "The app has really changed everything because there's a cleaner version, there's a lead tech version, and then the manager's version... We can pull up any client and see all the information about that client, a history of when it was expected, what were the results, when was the last time we talked to the client?"

This centralized system allows us to better manage clients—spotting patterns like overdue check-ins or over-communication—and fosters accountability.

As Charly noted, features like photo uploads ensure tasks are completed thoroughly, with our team members motivated to document their work, creating a shared repository that inspires others.

Beyond internal operations, Jeff highlighted the app's role in external visibility, such as search engine optimization (SEO).

With expert help, we're ensuring that when potential clients search for services like "post-construction cleaning" or "commercial cleaning," we rank high on Google.

"That's been working and we want to make sure it continues to work," Jeff added, underscoring technology as an essential ally.

Cutting-Edge Equipment: From Robots to Advanced Batteries

The discussion shifted to hardware innovations, where Dave painted a vivid picture of how equipment is evolving.

He drew parallels to consumer tech like Roombas but stressed the sophistication of commercial robotic vacuums. "The commercial robot vacuums are amazing... You can take one of these large robots, looks like an R2-D2 type unit, put it in a building, it will learn the entire floor," he described.

These AI-powered machines map out spaces efficiently, avoiding random paths and improving with each use. While pricey, they drastically reduce labor for large areas (20,000–30,000 square feet), allowing our human cleaners to focus on detailed tasks.

Battery technology is another game-changer.

Dave pointed out advancements in lithium batteries for floor scrubbers: "New or lithium batteries that just weigh a couple pounds. You pop them in the scrubber and you can go for several hours." These are lighter, longer-lasting (up to 10 years), and more efficient than old golf-cart-style batteries.

Similarly, cordless backpack vacuums with interchangeable batteries make large-scale cleaning faster and less physically taxing. "It's much easier on the technician. It's much faster. It will pay for itself in a matter of months to a year," Dave noted.

Chemical Innovations and the Broader Tech Landscape

Technology isn't limited to gadgets—it's also transforming our cleaning products. Dave mentioned breakthroughs in chemicals, like glass cleaners that double as disinfectants. "We have glass cleaners now that are also disinfectants. That never existed five years ago...

So you can use one product to clean the mirror and the sink and disinfect, kill 99.9% of the germs and bacteria while you're cleaning." This efficiency saves time and reduces the need for multiple products.

We also touched on AI's growing influence, with Dave expressing excitement: "AI is a biggie. It's exciting." Jeff reinforced our mindset: "Learning to use technology in your favor is an absolute... We like technology. We try to employ as best we can, we don't fear it."

Learning from Trade Shows and Global Perspectives

A key theme was the importance of staying informed through events like the ISSA show, typically held in Las Vegas.

Dave described it as overwhelming in scale: "There are four or five hundred vendors there... You can't see it in a day, you know, it's too big. There are several football fields of products and software."

Both Jeff and Dave have attended multiple times, using it to discover new tech and bring ideas back to implement.

Charly praised our action-oriented approach: "The highest performing businesses take action and specifically they take decisive action on what they learn."

Upon returning from shows, we prioritize top ideas and schedule them for execution. "If it's not in the schedule, it's just a dream," Charly quipped.

Dave added an international angle, noting how countries in Europe, Scandinavia, and Australia adopt tech faster.

From robots delivering food in Chinese restaurants to early tablet-based ordering in Australia, these examples inspire us to catch up. He even expressed interest in attending an ISSA show in Amsterdam to see even more advanced innovations. Jeff agreed, echoing our philosophy: "If you're not learning and growing, you're dying."

Key Takeaways: Consistency, Adaptation, and Growth

As the conversation wrapped up, our overarching message was clear: Technology is a must in today's business landscape, but success comes from embracing it without fear, combining it with accountability, and consistently applying what we learn.

Our story is a testament to this—leveraging apps, robots, advanced equipment, and trade shows to stay ambitious and efficient.

In Dave's words, "The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know, the more I realize there is to learn. It's just a never-ending loop." For any business owner, especially in service industries like cleaning, this mindset is invaluable.

Whether it's optimizing SEO, AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) or deploying AI-driven robots, the future belongs to those who adapt decisively.

What are your thoughts on integrating tech into your operations? Share in the comments below!

Give us a call or text at (239) 936-7700 or Contact Us if you feel we're the right fit for your needs! We're ready to serve, help, guide and take care of you!