Executive Housekeeping Today - October 2008 - (Page 11)

Vacuum Floor Care Q&A with Andre Motta Andre Motta is a senior product manager at Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC, and has been instrumental in the development and marketing of innovative cleaning products. The question and answer session below covers his thoughts on the vacuum industry. Q: What are the current vacuum trends in the industry? A: Currently, we see a major trend in the marketplace toward day cleaning versus cleaning after business hours. More facility managers are making the transition to day cleaning because of the many benefits: employee retention, morale improvement, and energy savings. But the key to making day cleaning work is minimizing interruptions—the ability to get everything done in one-pass. The best solution for day cleaning is an integrated product system that enables surface cleaning, waste and recycling removal, and vacuuming in a single pass. A onepass cleaning approach gives the user the ability to effectively and efficiently clean at one-time—reducing the need for additional steps. Green cleaning is another trend. Green cleaning programs that improve indoor air quality play a critical role in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. We see more market segments making the connection between improved indoor air quality and its positive impact on worker well-being, insurance costs, and worker compensation. In addition, more market segments are beginning to adopt Green practices that address water conservation and a reduction in exposure to cleaning chemicals as part of their a overall cleaning process. Q: Describe the research and development put into current vacuum lines. A: Many companies go directly to the users in the field and witness first-hand how taxing it can be to drag a heavy vacuum cleaner up and down stairs, how time-consuming it is to change bags while in the midst of cleaning a room, or how difficult it is to maneuver around a crowded office space while trying to avoid nicking walls or furniture. It’s also important to discuss details with the users—listen to what they see as challenges and take notes on what vacuum features would help make their workday a little easier. Once these issues are discussed, improvements can be made to current technology, by looking for solutions to user-identified gaps. Then follow-ups must be made, with renderings and models, and proto-types for in-field testing must be built. Q: What are specific benefits and features that end-users look for in vacuums and how is that accomplished? A: You can sum it up in three words: 1. Easy; 2. Smart; 3. Powerful. For effective cleaning, end-users should look for vacuums that are Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Certified and feature dual motor strength. The ergonomic and ease-of-use benefits of a vacuum have a direct impact on the physical well-being of a worker. Key features and benefits to consider include: • Large, outboard wheels that make it easy to steer and maneu- ver. • An easy-to-carry handle for easy transport up and down stairways. • Electronic indicator lights that warn the end-user when the collection bag is full or clogged. • A narrow profile for unrestricted mobility to maneuver around furniture, tricky obstacles, or cluttered office environments. When addressing the low operating noise level of a vacuum, it is about overall performance. End-users should consider decibel (dB) ratings, product design, and the construction quality of the product. For example, do vacuum components rattle while in use? Additionally, it is important to evaluate the level of service and support that comes with the product and take a look at the overall service/support program. Look for a product that offers a smart service program via an extensive nationwide certified repair network with unique Web tools that include a 24/7 troubleshooting guide for quick solutions. Many companies understand that commercial cleaning professionals have meaningful work to accomplish. When evaluating any vacuum product, it is important to carefully consider features and benefits that deliver solutions that are easy, powerful, and smart—enabling cleaning professionals to succeed at work and in their careers. W Andre Motta is a senior product manager at Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC, and has been instrumental in the development and marketing of innovative cleaning products. For more information about RCP, visit www. rcpworksmarter.com. October 2008/Executive Housekeeping Today http://www.rcpworksmarter.com http://www.rcpworksmarter.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - October 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - October 2008� Contents Executive Corner An Easier, Greener, and Healthier Approach to Floor Care Caring for Carpets in 24-Hour Facilities Frugal Housekeeper Case Study: University of Miami My Experiences with High-Speed Machines vs. Spray Buffers Vacuum Floor Care Q&A with Andre Motta Is a Spray-and-Vac System Really Better at Cleaning and Reducing the Risk of Disease? CEU Article The IEHA/CRI Partnership The Green Scene USGBC Green Tip What's in YOUR Janitor Closet? Inside the Industry Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members REH/CEH Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside IEHA What IEHA Has Done for Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - October 2008

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