Technology has made its way into almost every industry till date, hospitality being no exception. The introduction of technology into housekeeping has not only improved the operational efficiency of the departmental procedures but also largely helped in saving cost, minimizing wastages and intensively implementing sustainable procedures that help save our planet for the future. Minar Aliyar, Executive Housekeeper, Grand Hyatt, Mumbai shares insight on the latest technologies in Housekeeping with Clean India Journal
It is essential that housekeeping managers and procurement heads understand the importance of implementing change, convince decision makers through proper analysis involving figures and challenge existing processes to make them more efficient.”
Minar Aliyar
Cloud based PMS and TMS
Traditionally, hospitality housekeeping involved generating numerous reports in every shift from the installed Property Management Systems (PMS), printing documents to update records and for book keeping purposes. This mostly happened with the systems at the main office. With the introduction of cloud-based PMS, team members can directly download the software to official smart phones and the latest data can be directly updated and viewed, enabling instant decision-making. Hand held document note pads are now replaced with I-Pads or smart phones.
Paper printing and filing of several documents can be eliminated as storing data is directly done on the cloud. Its easy accessibility is based on permission levels by authorized users. Reporting maintenance-related issues, traditionally through a triplicate sheet, is now completely eliminated as defect lists are generated through the Task Management System (TMS), including photographs for clear understanding. Reports can be generated precisely breaking them down either by date, task or staff member involved. Most TM systems have checklist options that can be customized and used for auditing procedures, creating cleaning schedules and providing reminders. Task management systems are also exclusively utilized for delivering customer requests and bridging communication gaps between the staff members and the customers.
Cleaning robots
The cleaning industry has undergone significant transformation by the implementation of robotics in daily procedures. There are robots available for various purposes such as scrubbing, polishing, mopping, lifting, pulling heavy objects and vacuuming to name a few. Various countries including India are now producing cleaning robots locally and exporting to other nations as well. Robots are more task specific and very efficient for larger areas such as banqueting facilities, airports, shopping malls, hospitals and properties with large hallways and corridors. A route map is input into their memory and sensors enable them not to bump into any object that may immediately obstruct their path making them safe to use in areas with customer movement. Their autonomous functioning enables them to perform for longer durations when charged adequately. Cleaning is standardized with minimal supervision and these robots also reassure customers on the emphasis being laid on cleaning standards. Robots are not introduced to replace manpower resources but to enhance and complement the existing work force ensuring greater efficiency in the results produced.
Conclusion
The introduction of technology into property management may involve high investment initially, most of it being customized to specific needs. However, it does provide a return on investment to owners and operators in the long run. It is essential that housekeeping managers and procurement heads understand the importance of implementing change, convince decision makers through proper analysis involving figures and challenge existing processes to make them more efficient.
