CHTMAG.COM TECHNOLOGY FEATURE the price gap with mains-powered models narrows. But in most applications of higher productivity, the differential will be more than offset by the productivity gains. The time saved by operators using more flexible machinery can be significant, particularly on larger sites, given that labour costs typically account for two thirds of a cleaning budget. There are other costs, of course, that need to be factored into the equation. Although modern batteries are becoming more robust, their life cycle, the need to invest in replacement batteries for longer shifts, and constraints on facilities for storage and charging of back-up batteries may tilt the balance towards mains power. Surprisingly often, however, cleaning regimes are distorted by a more fundamental problem – a partial view of costs, which leads to false economies. Worst of all, the attitude that ‘this is the way we’ve always done things’ may mean that efficiency and cost-effectiveness are not assessed in any meaningful way. Yet reliance on ageing machinery, underspecified equipment or manual mopping will impose a penalty in the form of inefficiency, higher labour costs, demotivated staff and sub-standard cleanliness. When it comes to scrubbing hard floors, we find that the traditional methods tend to become ingrained. The facility or cleaning manager’s understandable problem is that some priorities – like keeping floors looking SEPTEMBER 2016 25 CLEANING HYGIENE TODAY
Cleaning Hygiene Today September 2016
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