GUIDE TO CONNECTIVITY AND WAREWASHING: ENHANCED HYGIENE, FEWER SERVICE CALL OUTS
In today’s hyper-hygiene-aware world, as foodservice operators look to cope with the issues around COVID-19, they will want to minimise the number of visits to their kitchens by third parties, such as service engineers. Which means equipment reliability is going to be even more important. At the same time, operators will be relying on their dishwashers and glass washers to deliver sanitised, hygienically clean and safe dishes, glasses and cutlery. So ensuring they are always operating optimally, at the correct temperature, with the appropriate chemicals, is going to be vital.
Winterhalter pioneered connectivity with its Connected Wash technology, first launching it back in 2016. The latest version combines robust internet connection with ease of use. The company says connected warewashers are ideal for the future of foodservice, as they minimise breakdowns while optimising performance – meaning fewer invasive visits from engineers and reliably, hygienically clean tableware.
Connecting to lower running costs…
Reducing costs is going to be another critical issue post-lockdown and connectivity can help here, too. That’s because it will reduce costs, not only in terms of less machine downtime, but also by eliminating those hidden costs – such as double washing plates and glasses if the machine isn’t working optimally, or staff needing to be redirected to wash up by hand if the dishwasher breaks down altogether.
Connected benefits
So how will Connected Wash reduce engineer visits and optimise performance? By allowing you and your service provider to monitor the operation of a dishwasher remotely, and warning if anything is wrong.
Often it’s human error that causes a machine failure, and Connected Wash can highlight mistakes that could lead to staff inadvertently damaging the machine. For example, common errors include opening the machine before the wash cycle has ended; forgetting to run the automatic cleaning program at the end of the shift; and running the machine when its chemicals need topping up. These errors can ultimately cause the machine to break down, leading to an unnecessary call out. Connected Wash logs such errors and can draw them to the attention of managers, so that staff can be trained in best practice.
If a component on the dishwasher is failing then Connected Wash will warn about this, too. Because it can usually highlight the issue before the component fails, it means the machine can be fixed before it breaks down. Hopefully it will be a simple job that the operator can do without the need for a service call out. But if an engineer is required, the advance warning means he or she can come at a time that’s convenient to the site - for example, before kitchen staff come in. And because Connected Wash will have highlighted what the problem is, they’ll be able to bring the right spares and tools to complete a first time fix.
If the machine should not be operating optimally, for example if the correct temperature is not being achieved, then Connected Wash will highlight this instantly, so the problem can be sorted before it becomes serious.
In addition, connected appliances further reduce the number of visits to the kitchen as data, such as HACCP logs, can be collected remotely.
From letting you know that the rinse aid is empty to warning that an element may be failing, Connected Wash will help businesses maintain the best possible hygienic wash results, minimise service call outs and reduce running costs.
For more information on Connected Wash visit www.connected-wash.biz/uk_en/
How does Connected Wash work?
Connected Wash warewashers are networked via LAN or W-LAN and send real time machine data to a server. With a computer, tablet or smartphone, users can monitor machine functions around the clock, via the Connected Wash app, from anywhere in the world. They can monitor a single warewasher or multiple units across a whole estate, even if sited in different countries.
The data is also sent to Winterhalter for analysis and can, if necessary, be converted into recommended actions for the customer. For example, if a machine reports a critical error, the system instantly sends a push notification to the nominated person’s smartphone or tablet. The speed of the system means customers can react quickly to warewash issues, minimising machine disruptions and increasing operational efficiency.
Connected Wash also gives the customer cost-optimisation tips. For example, often staff will turn on the machine first thing, but the timespan between start-up and the first wash cycle may be overlong, causing unnecessary costs. The system will highlight this.
For more information on Connected Wash visit www.connected-wash.biz/uk_en/