Robotic Cleaning Delivers Innovative ROI at Technology InstitutesBEST Service Pros enhances floor care with environmentally-friendly TASKI® SWINGOBOTTM

BEST Service Pros is an integrated cleaning company, and one of the longest standing service providers in Canada. The focus on continuous improvement and sustainable solutions have kept BEST at the forefront of innovative custodial and facility management solutions. BEST is committed to operational excellence in designing and delivering building service solutions to secure the long-term loyalty and trust of its team and clients, which is exemplified by the company’s GreenClean Program, an initiative that provides innovative and sustainable business practices for clients.

ChallengeBEST Service Pros (BEST) focuses on cleaning high traffic public-use facilities with a GreenClean Program created to meet and exceed cleaning standards set forth by the Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building (CIMS-GB) program and to remain at the forefront of next practices in the cleaning industry. BEST is determined to take industry best practices to the next level. In keeping with this initiative, BEST uses EcoLogo certified products, Energy Star equipment, and cleaning processes that improve the health of buildings. In addition to their green standard operating procedures, they are also a carbon-neutral certified company through the Offsetters group. This commitment to the CIMS-GB program aligns with the company culture to provide green solutions for clients and continually seek innovations that will help the environment.

BEST’s commitment to corporate responsibility is put into practice through the service the organization provides to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

(SAIT) and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – higher education institutions with state-of-the-art buildings where hundreds of students attend daily classes. In 2016, BEST sought an environmentally-friendly solution to efficiently clean floors at SAIT’s Aldred Centre, home to its school of trades and technology. The Aldred Centre is a stunning landmark with large glass walls and at 442,000 square feet is the largest building in its complex.

Following an impressive demonstration of a new TASKI robotic floor machine by Diversey®, BEST operations manager, Greg Bratland, presented the opportunity to test the machine to SAIT facility managers as an industry-leading solution that could benefit the Aldred Centre’s floor care program. The advantages of the SWINGOBOT model aligned with BEST’s commitment to deliver operational excellence with innovative practices in ground-breaking building maintenance solutions and with SAIT’s LEED Silver building certification.

SolutionThe SWINGOBOT test impressed BEST with its ability to operate hands-free while staff continued to clean in other areas of the building. It also showed impressive signs of reduced water and chemical use compared to the standard floor cleaning equipment being used and was more energy efficient.

“The TASKI SWINGOBOT showed immediate advantages with the recycling of water, allowing shifts to run on one tank where previously, the cleaning staff had to dump and fill multiple times per shift,” said Bratland. “It took about 15 minutes to dump and fill (three to four times on a shift), which meant up to an hour of time was being wasted. Plus, we were using more chemicals,” he added. The recycle capability of the SWINGOBOT can generate up to 85 percent chemical and water savings each shift.

The TASKI SWINGOBOT that was tested (and later purchased) replaced a manual scrubber that held 110 litres of water (29 gallons) that needed to be dumped and filled three to four times a night. Continued use of the robotic auto scrubber significantly reduced water use in

the Aldred Centre, using less than 60 litres (14 gallons) per night where previously 300 to 400 litres (87 – 116 gallons) of water was used per night.

BEST invested in the TASKI SWINGOBOT to provide SAIT with cutting-edge technology that would improve the quality of floor cleaning while using less energy and resources. The machine’s Hands-Free Cleaning® technology allows the operator to quickly switch

between manual and hands-free cleaning at the push of a button, providing the opportunity to multitask while the floor is cleaned. The operating system offers area, spot and map clean options and incorporates up to 17 sensors, giving the robot a 360-degree view of its surroundings so it can operate and clean on its own. Sensors detect obstacles including stairs and people on campus, stopping the machine to either go around an obstruction or allow it to pass.

“At BEST Service Pros, we focus on creating a culture of innovation through investment, continuous improvement, and our LEAN principles. We strive to be different in a good way, and providing our customers with the latest, most efficient floor care technology is a critical component for us. Offering the TASKI hands-free auto scrubbers to our customers embodies our mission to improve ourselves and our processes.”Bruce Taylor, chief operating officer, BEST Service Pros.

The TASKI SWINGOBOT map clean option is utilized for the complex layout at the Aldred Centre. The unique feature allows the unit to detect the interior glass walls and escalators within the five-story atrium. Diversey’s proprietary TASKI Intelli-Trak™ technology records and reports data such as location of the robot, operator identity, running times, specific areas, and dates and total usage since the machine was placed in service. The wireless reporting system also allows remote diagnostics and repairs, reducing operational management time for the cleaning crew. The team

Steve Moir, Site Manager SAIT, BEST Service Pros andGord Tanner, Diversey Sales Manager, TASKI Intellibot, Canada

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at BEST enjoys instant alerts the unit sends to the operator when the run is completed, signalling that it’s safe to go and do other work, and if a run is not completed for any reason the operator is notified. Software updates are automatically uploaded about once a quarter so improvements are ready the next time the robot is turned on for use.

ResultsThe TASKI Intellibot used at SAIT was the first SWINGOBOT robotic machine used in Western Canada and is one of Diversey’s top three performing robots worldwide. Consistent performance in 2017 has ranked the SAIT machine as the top performing robot in the world on numerous occasions. Diversey reports that the unit runs six hours per night, including changing the battery which improves the return on investment. The nightly routine includes performing runs to clean four floors; each floor taking approximately an hour and a half and the basement 40 minutes.

“We have used the SWINGOBOT for twelve months without any issues, and the safety profile is outstanding. Any risk of hitting walls and surfaces is greatly reduced because there is no driver error.”Greg Bratland, operations manager, BEST Service Pros.

The success prompted BEST to invest in a second SWINGOBOT for use at BCIT. Many times the

SWINGOBOT machines used at both facilities have ranked between first and third in the world, according to Intelli-Trak reports. Collaboration between Diversey and the BEST team to train cleaning staff on proper use of the SWINGOBOT robotic scrubber was the key to quick and successful onboarding. Easy-to-understand procedure cards that are unique to cleaning different areas within the Aldred Centre are kept on the machine for reference by team members or a quick refresher to verify use within different areas of the facility.

The innovative SWINGOBOTS fit right in at SAIT and BCIT where students are offered practical experience for learning in a real world context. Students in the robotics program at SAIT have an opportunity to observe robotic cleaning technology on campus and SAIT has been supportive to communicate the benefits of the robot technology. As part of the SWINGOBOT’s onboarding at SAIT, BEST collaborated with SAIT’s marketing department and launched a contest for staff and faculty to name the new cleaning member. The winning name, Obi Wan Cleanobi, will soon be personified in a wrap for the unit, and BEST hopes to recruit the services of SAIT’s graphic communications and print technology students to assist with the design.

BEST clients include colleges and universities throughout Western Canada. The successful launch of the TASKI Intellibot at SAIT has demonstrated BEST’s ability to execute on their commitment to utilizing innovative technologies that enhance the profile of the higher education clients’ campuses. With plans to place additional robots at other higher education clients and expand the program at BCIT, BEST is truly a leader at delivering innovative, environmentally-friendly services to its clients in partnership with Diversey.