CHICAGO — Technology is permeating every aspect of the industrial laundry industry.
From automation to sensors, technology continues to advance and improve, often to the benefit of operators.
This also applies to the delivery side.
Technological advancements, from telematics to dash cams to handheld devices, are improving the efficiency and safety of laundry route service personnel.
American Laundry News We reached out to industrial laundry operators for their insights on advances in route service technology. We spoke with Thomas Tsolakoglou, route supervisor at Shasta Linen Supply Inc. in Sacramento, California, and Brad Shames, president of American Textile Maintenance in Los Angeles.
What do you think is the most important part of running a laundry/linen service delivery route?
TSOLAKOGLOU: Shasta Linen Supply is a mix of medical retail and food and beverage. We try to balance each route with the mix of customers we have, meaning some routes have more customers and some have less.
From a safety perspective, a balanced route is important as it reduces the chances of injury, so you don’t want one driver to be responsible for all the busy stops or vice versa. It also helps regulate overtime hours.
We also try to maintain route boundaries and ensure that two drivers do not cross paths in the same area.
When setting up a delivery stop, it’s important to consider stop restrictions such as timing.
Unfortunately, the two most important elements of running a laundry/linen service delivery route are creating a culture of exceptional customer experience while remaining safe at all times.
How have route planning and safety techniques changed over the past few years?
TSOLAKOGLOU: We’re old-fashioned people, so we still use good old-fashioned index cards combined with Google Maps and route-finding programs.
I found that by writing each account on a card, I could mix accounts even if there were restrictions in place.
The routing programs we looked at place stops in the most efficient order, but that doesn’t always work because of extraneous variables, and the last thing we want is for a driver to walk into a restaurant at lunchtime and try to lay down a mat.
Unfortunately, the sophistication of telematics vehicle tracking systems has grown dramatically over the past few years.
The systems we use provide real-time feedback to our routemen on how safely they are operating their vehicles and how efficiently they are being used, and we use that information as an opportunity to improve our routemen’s training.
What is interesting is the advancement of driver-facing, “in-car” “AI cameras” that are part of the telematics system. These cameras can provide real-time safety alerts to the driver, and we have seen this first-hand avert potential accidents.
How can you get the most out of technology in your business?
TSOLAKOGLOU: Technology has transformed our industry in many ways, for example, modern equipment can detect stains and holes and process products to provide higher quality standards, etc.
With GPS systems installed in our trucks, drivers are now monitored by forward and back-up cameras, adding a new dimension to delivery and driver safety.
We have always prohibited the use of mobile phones while driving, but with the introduction of forward-facing cameras, no one is texting or talking while driving.
You can also monitor the stop times and how the trucks move – you need to ensure that each one follows the route you set.
If any discrepancies are found, they can be addressed immediately.
Unfortunately, it’s important to partner with a vendor that understands your operations and your company’s goals.
There should be internal buy-in from the team that manages this aspect of the business, and all staff who will be using the technology should be trained on how to best use the software.
When utilizing these systems, it is important to have an ongoing training plan in place to address any safety issues that may arise.
How does this technology benefit laundry efficiency and safety?
SHAMES: First of all, it helps with planning. The data collected by our technology helps us make more informed decisions in our overall operations.
Secondly, it helps you track your safety scores/goals – it generates data so you can measure your safety goals and analyze what is going well and what needs improvement.
Finally, technology helps us keep each other accountable. It helps managers and employees stay focused.
Check back on Thursday for our conclusions on driver roles and training, and the rise of electric vehicles.
