In October 2023 Ray Hayes (LAA Chairman & Executive Director at SPL) was asked to attend the TRSA Annual Conference. For the second time Ray was asked to be on a panel of international CEO’s and Executives for a Q&A session.
The global industry was well represented by the audience. This included visitors from. Germany, Canida, Sweden, UK, Australia, NZ, USA, France.
The audience were given the opportunity to submit topics of interest.
Most of the audience focused on four key elements in this list.
- Technological Impact on the Industry
- Economic Uncertainty and Industry Outlook
- Measuring Customer Satisfaction
- Customer Sustainability and ESG Demands
Summarised responses for the panel members.
Question: Technological Impact on the Industry
How do you anticipate the evolving technological landscape, including automation and artificial intelligence, will affect the linen and uniform industry in the upcoming years? What strategies do you believe will be crucial for effectively adapting to these technological changes?
Response:
In the context of the linen and uniform industry, the rapidly evolving technological landscape, characterised by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), presents a pivotal juncture that warrants careful consideration. This paradigm shift will undeniably have profound implications for our industry in the coming years, both in terms of operational efficiency and overall competitiveness.
Automation’s Influence on the Linen and Uniform Industry:
Historically, the linen and uniform sector has been notably labour-intensive. However, the emergence of robotics and automation technologies promises to revolutionise our approach. This shift will bring about significant cost-saving opportunities. Given that our industry relies heavily on capital-intensive assets, optimising their utilisation over multiple shifts is paramount. Unfortunately, challenges arise from labour availability constraints and non-standard working hours penalty rates, inhibiting this optimisation. Over the next decade, it is foreseeable that automation will play a pivotal role in addressing these issues, ultimately leading to a scenario where shift supervisors and maintenance technicians can manage operations with minimal staff.
Crucial Strategies for Navigating the Automation Landscape:
As we embark on this journey towards automation, it is imperative that we proactively implement strategies to manage this transformative development effectively. One of the most pressing challenges lies in enhancing the skill sets of our maintenance teams. While many laundries currently employ skilled fitters and electricians, the transition to high-tech automation necessitates a different skill set – one that includes factory-trained electricians proficient in programming and logic mapping.
To ensure a seamless transition and effective utilisation of automation, the view of the panel was unanimous and that is that the strategies below are some that the linen and uniform industry should consider:
Invest in Workforce Training: Prioritise ongoing training and upskilling programs for maintenance teams to equip them with the technical expertise required for maintaining and troubleshooting advanced automated systems.
Collaborate with Technology and Machinery Providers: Foster partnerships with technology providers and automation experts who can offer guidance and support in implementing and optimising automated solutions specific to the laundry industry.
Develop Robust Maintenance Protocols: Establish comprehensive maintenance protocols to ensure the longevity and efficiency of automated equipment, reducing downtime and associated costs.
Data Utilisation and Analysis: Leverage AI and data analytics to monitor equipment performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimise operations for improved efficiency and cost savings.
In conclusion, the linen and uniform industry stands on the brink of a technological revolution driven by automation and AI. Embracing this transformation is essential for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability. By investing in workforce development and implementing innovative strategies, we can not only adapt to these technological changes but also harness them to propel our industry forward into a more efficient and prosperous future.