It is 2022 and manually measuring cleaning chemicals is still common. It is easy but time-consuming, wasteful, and unsafe. Any discrepancies in the amount of water or chemical and the whole cleaning process can become inefficient or the solution won’t perform as intended. Additionally, the safety aspect needs to be considered as well. If employees are exposed to harsh chemical fumes or spill chemicals onto the floor or their skin, an average day on the job suddenly becomes a hazardous situation.

This is where dispensing systems come into the picture. They deliver accuracy and reliability, saving facility managers time and money as well as providing peace of mind. 

Dispensing Systems: Then and now

The first chemical dilution system was a very simple one - it had a model that screwed onto the end of a faucet. It was inaccurate compared to the technologies we have today but it was the beginning of a new and safer way of cleaning.

Over the last 50 years, chemical dispensers have seen a major evolution, thanks to advanced technology and innovative design. There is diversity in sizes and interesting additions in terms of capabilities. 

Capabilities of current dispensing systems

• Connectivity
  Technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless reporting capabilities integrated in modern dispensing, keeping facility managers connected to the system at all times. If an issue arises, such as the product being out of stock, the system will immediately alert the concerned manager, thereby reducing the downtime.
• Reliability
  Many dispensing systems are made with more durable, long-lasting materials that increase their reliability and also makes them compatible with multiple chemicals. 
• Flexibility
  Modern dispensing systems can effectively dose several chemicals through one dispenser without the concerns of chemical carryover. This allows large facilities that utilize different types of chemical to use and rely on one dispensing system.
• Compactness

Modern dispensing systems are compact. They can be mounted to walls to optimize facility space. keeping systems at useful heights and off floors.

• Simple and easy to use and install
  Dispensing systems are now easier and quicker to install. This allows workers to optimise the cleaning operation. In addition to this, a user-friendly interface makes modern dispensers simple to use regardless of your experience level.

Chemical dispenser selection tips & best practices

As chemical dispensers continue to evolve and innovate, facility managers find themselves in a fix in terms of deciding on the right product. 

Here are some best practices and tips for selecting a chemical dispenser:

Research thoroughly

Choose a vendor who designs dispensers to meet your specific applications. Look for high-quality systems that are easy-to-use and accurate. A quality system is one that is able to fill all types of containers with proper dilution by taking water pressure and level into account. This ensures that the solution will always be primed for optimal performance. Also prioritize easy maintenance so you can avoid any downtime.

Consider an all-in-one system 

If your facility requires the use of multiple chemicals to complete cleaning tasks, you should consider an all-in-one system. These wall-mounted units provide a one-stop shop for cleaning products. Opt for a system that safely stores each chemical behind locked enclosures to maximize safety.

Consider portable solutions 

Portable dispensing solutions provide additional cleaning flexibility. If you have a smaller operation, a handheld chemical dispenser with an adjustable flow rate provides a low-cost, and easy to use option. Select a lightweight unit that is easy to use, grip, and lock. 

For larger facility areas, select a portable unit that can switch from foaming to spraying. 

Get connected 

For laundry and dishwashing solutions, consider cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform integrated systems. This will allow real-time visibility to help improve operations and access to historical data to help identify and resolve productivity issues. 

Keep it secure

Select a vendor that uses the latest security and encryption techniques to protect your sensitive information. 

Train staff
You could be using the best chemical dispensing system in the world but if your staff doesn’t know how to put it to best use, you won’t be able to reap its benefits. This brings us to training - regardless of how user-friendly your dispensers are, training is always imperative when introducing new cleaning equipment. It gives staff the confidence and know-how to perform their tasks correctly each and every time. Educate employees regarding the proper personal protective equipment to wear, the chemicals inside each dispenser, what they do, how they work, and what surfaces they should be applied to. Thoroughly demonstrate how to operate dispensers so employees can confidently and safely use them, especially portable solutions in customer-facing areas.

Trends shaping the dispensing market

Some trends are further driving the need for accurate and reliable dispensers, while others are simply a move toward different types of dispensing and enhanced capabilities. It’s important to know how each might come into play within your organization.

• Increasing concerns around sustainability

According to a recent report by BSR, consumers are increasingly demanding greater transparency and environmental stewardship from organizations. Dispensers help facilities limit resource consumption through accurate dosing. They reduce energy consumption by achieving clean laundry and warewashing results on the first attempt. These factors allow organizations to immediately realize the sustainability benefits that these systems offer.

• Access to real-time data 

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a trend that is here to stay. It is allowing businesses to track key processes and use the resulting data to drive continuous improvement.  

• The need to improve training

With the cost of labor on the rise, a talent shortage complicating hiring in many industries and high turnover rates, organizations are increasingly looking for ways to make training and job tasks more efficient.  

• The adoption of portable or disposable dispensers

Easy-to-carry dispensers are ideal for those who want to clean on the go. These dispensers can replace or supplement traditional wall-mounted dispensers in smaller facilities like convenience stores or schools or hotels, as portable dispensers may fit on custodial carts and allow for quick and effective dispensing into buckets and spray bottles.

• Reduced reliance on squeeze tubes

Alternative pumping technologies are eliminating the service and maintenance associated with squeeze tubes, which results in greater accuracy and reduced costs. The latter wear out over time and if not replaced on time, they impact the reliability of the dispenser. 

A cleaner future is a brighter future

With today’s advancements, facilities have affordable and reliable dispensing systems in place that aid the cleaning process. With the right system in place, you can promote cleanliness and hygiene at every corner of your facility while also taking steps toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future.