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OCS has announced its collaboration with Morrisons to introduce innovative cobotic cleaning technology across Morrisons logistics sites.
Building on an eight-year relationship between OCS and Morrisons, OCS services Morrisons stores, all eight logistics sites, and two manufacturing sites.
OCS sought to advance their relationship with Morrisons by introducing resource management and colleague augmentation technology into its contract. Working with a leading provider of cleaning technology and through thorough internal H&S vetting, OCS and Morrisons decided to introduce cobotic cleaning machines onto the logistics sites. The machines were chosen due to their robustness and software capabilities, creating the opportunity to tap into an Internet of Things system for more rounded and sophisticated technology provisions with their services.
The process has been rigorous in maintaining and enhancing health and safety procedures at the logistics sites, aligning further with OCS’s best safety practices for their customers. Initial manned mapping sessions with the machines were conducted before they were released to operate automatically, this ensured that the machines could safely navigate the terrain when operating unmanned. OCS team members also participated in a safety training program with the manufacturers and in partnership with Morrisons’ health and safety teams. Additionally, introducing the machines has improved the team’s knowledge and expertise in cleaning, upskilling them with plans for further training in the future. Once mapped, the machines can clean specific spaces and areas when not in use, allowing for deeper and more efficient cleaning.
With the implementation of the cobotic machines, the technology’s ability to map both scheduled and live use of areas has maximised cleaning time and efficiency. Productivity has increased to seven to eight hours of cleaning per day. The results of a recent ATP test at one site, which assesses surface cleanliness, show that the site’s cleaning efficiency has improved by about 30%, creating a more hygienic space.
With a 25-metre sensor radius, the machines do not impede the productivity of the Morrisons’ onsite team and adhere to the most stringent safety standards. The machine also frees up precious time spent on floor cleaning for OCS colleagues to handle more complex cleaning tasks across the sites. All of these efforts along with the increased efficiency of the cobotics will facilitate resource management for Morrisons and enhancements to the services OCS provide.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning operations at Morrisons’ logistics sites. By leveraging advanced cobotic technology, OCS and Morrisons are setting a new standard for cleanliness and safety in the industry.
“OCS is thrilled to collaborate with Morrisons to introduce cutting-edge cobotic cleaning technology across Morrisons’ logistics sites. By integrating Tennant’s T16 machines, chosen for their robustness and advanced software capabilities, we are enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety standards. We view this as an innovative step to revolutionising our ways of working within OCS and for our customers and we are delighted Morrisons have come on this journey with us.” – Andy Cawdron, Sector Managing Director for Food and Distribution, OCS UK
“We are excited to partner with OCS to introduce innovative cobotic technology to our logistics sites. This collaboration not only enhances our cleaning efficiency and hygiene standards but also allows our onsite teams to focus on more critical tasks. The introduction of Tennant’s T16 machines has significantly improved productivity and cleanliness, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment. This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive operational excellence and cost savings.” – Julia Moorhouse, Procurement Manager, Morrisons
