We have often spoken about diverse technologies that shape the world of commercial cleaning - technologies that bring efficiency, technologies that facilitate decision making, technologies that transform and revolutionise the entire realm of commercial cleaning. However, we seldom speak about technologies of commercial cleaning training, a niche sector that is changing the way we train our cleaning workforces. In this article, we feature 3 industry experts who discuss how technologies are reshaping commercial cleaning training. 

Denise Hanson FBICSc, Commercial Director at BICSc (British Institute of Cleaning Science). 

Technology continues to play a key role within the commercial cleaning community including the training of operatives worldwide.

The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) as the largest independent, professional and educational body within the cleaning industry, is at the forefront of the latest industry  developments delivering training to cleaning operatives.

Demonstrating how technology is integral in training, BICSc reached a significant milestone in 2023 with its Virtual Training Suite. By making expert led training accessible online to operatives worldwide has resulted in over 50,000 enrollments on our courses. 

BICSc and the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) have joined forces to work in partnership on an innovative pioneering project – The Future of Cleaning initiative. 

An industry first, this ground-breaking collaboration between our organisations has been launched in partnership with the UK’s University of Surrey and is aimed at exploring innovation in the cleaning industry.

The study is at the forefront of an exciting new era in the industry and will look at the impact that machinery, IoT sensors, robotics, and data collectors will have on the actual process of cleaning.

Over the years I’ve delivered BICSc skills training, I am often asked what training achieves. In my experience I’ve seen staff churn and sickness reduce, equipment and material life extended from staff following a suitable care plan for the equipment, and chemical costs decrease as staff understand correct dilution ratios. 

That is why the opportunity presented by Tatweer Building Company at the Ministry of Education offices in Saudi Arabia recently was also exciting. 

Tatweer and the Ministry wanted to see proof of what BICSc skills training could deliver, and working with SaveFast, who deliver both BICSc Licence to Practice and skills training and assessment on our behalf in KSA, we had the opportunity to implement the skills training in a real setting to show what could be achieved.

Initially SaveFast worked with the site team at their training academy, carrying out Licence to Practise training for all the staff and then specific skills training, depending on their role. The  delivery of training resulted in a comprehensive range of skills, from covering floor care to carpet care as well as washrooms with office cleaning operatives. 

Training was initially carried out at SaveFast’s purpose-built training centre in Riyadh. Whilst this has the advantage of providing all required equipment and demonstration areas, operatives are trained on clean surfaces, which is not always the case on their own sites. This is why the implementation of the skills training at site is so crucial.

A weekend was selected to carry out the site implementation which allowed for deep cleaning of selected areas and activities to address some of the long-standing issues and agreed areas of carpet, marble and stainless steel, as well as washroom, office, and tea point areas.

The successful trial saw testing of an expansive range of different cleaning methods, using various products and machines to aid activities. Site staff were engaging, proving not only the value of the training they had received but also their commitment to achieving the very best standards possible. The effort they put in once we’d shown them what could be achieved, with the new equipment and product range, meant we far exceeded our original expectations. 

Mohamed Boukadida, Learning & Development Lead, FMM, Qatar

The role of technology is dramatically increasing in our world, and it has 2 sides: a threat to those who resist adaptation and an opportunity for those who embrace it. 

Talking about the fast growing and highly competitive FM industry, the speed of adaptation to the new technologies and innovations is becoming even more crucial. 

FMM is a company with nearly 3,000 cleaners who need to undergo several training and refreshers around the year.

Until 2020, all cleaning training was conducted in a “traditional way” co-managed by HSEQ, Operation and HR departments. 

While FMM’s cleaning training program was constantly rejuvenated with robust and customised modules to keep with industry standards and clients’ expectations; important challenges were impacting the overall process:

• Difficulty to schedule training during staff onboarding process causing loss of several days. 
• Cleaning training modules in class could only be addressed to a maximum of 6 team members.
• Difficulty gathering all sorts of cleaning equipment and machinery in a training room.
• Limited ability to track, measure and record learning outcomes for each employee.
• And finally, often no possibility to conduct cleaning training within our clients facilities.

In summary, soft services training was more and more costly and with a return of investment difficult to assess.

To prevent those challenges, and as part of its digital transformation, FMM initiated in 2020 the development of a virtual and digital training platform dedicated to cleaning activities, and which was implemented in 2021.

This platform reproduces the design and architecture of FMM’s current cleaning projects while integrating cleaning machinery, chemicals, tools, and consumables. Each training, acting like a video game, showcases a real work scenario such as toilet cleaning, choice of chemicals for carpet extraction etc. The whole training is piloted by a “virtual” trainer equipped with headset and controllers and able to provide live virtual training to an unlimited number of remote trainees able to learn from anywhere. 

Trainees receive step-by-step instructions, observe virtual demonstrations, and gain hands-on experience without the risk of damaging actual surfaces. As a result, learners make mistakes without real-world consequences, which helps them to gain confidence and competence in their skills.

FMM digital training platform provides interactive quizzes and assessments, allowing trainees to test their knowledge and receive immediate feedback. This immersive learning experience accelerates the learning curve and ensures that cleaners are equipped with the necessary skills and expertise. As a result, employees' progress is tracked and personalised.

FMM’s clients can already enjoy improvements in the overall training process and service performance such as:

1. Decrease cleaning training time by 25%
2. 30% overall improvement on cleaners training assessments
3. Reduction of site familiarisation and orientation from 8 to 4.3 days.
4. Decrease of new joiner’s incident by 75% from 2019 till 2023
5. 100% digitalization for staff training records, performance, and evolution
6. Automate administrative tasks such as training calendar, reminder, tests etc.
7. Reduction in HSE minor incidents for new joiners from 9 to 2 within 1 year deployment. 

Thanks to FMM’s virtual and digital training platform it has become clear that technology in training plays a prevalent role in creating a competitive advantage and ensuring cleaner, healthier, and safer facilities.

Vijay Kavasseri, Operations Director, Musanadah Facilities Management

In an ever-changing commercial cleaning world, technology has proved to be a game changer especially when it comes to the training of employees. Saudi Arabia is rapidly aligning with global standards and best practice, and at Musanadah, our mission is to ensure our soft services standards remain best in class by utilising cutting edge FM tech and adopting other new e-learning and machine learning techniques.

First in Saudi Arabia to pilot new BICSc Audit App

Musanadah was the first FM company in Saudi Arabia to pilot the new BICSc Audit App, ushering a new era in compliance auditing through smartphone-based application. This online app ensures compliance with BICSc approved standards as well as serves as a teaching aid through which cleaners can learn about restocking supplies, following specific procedures when cleaning and maintaining colour coordinated equipment at its optimum working condition.

Other cutting-edge e-learning and machine learning technologies currently being considered for future evaluation by Musanadah include:

Virtual Reality (VR) Training: 

Among the most effective breakthroughs within commercial cleaning training is the integration of Virtual Reality or VR. It enables trainees to practise their skills while immersed in realistic cleaning situations using virtual reality headsets. By practising hands-on in these environments, it enhances skill development and improves preparedness against actual situations. Importantly, VR can be undertaken from any location such as remote client sites which cuts down on travel costs and time.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Personalized Learning: 

AI-run algorithms assess an individual's learning patterns and develop tailor-made training programs; every janitor gets only what they need to know, making training more efficient. AI-driven adaptive learning platforms make training more fun and effective.

Augmented Reality (AR) Guides: 

These guides use AR technology which overlays digital information over our physical reality to provide real-time support. AR guides in commercial cleaning helps users identify cleaning protocols, correct use of equipment and safety procedures while at the same time understanding this dynamic makes training more practical and interactive.

Gamification and Scenario Role Playing: 

To make the training more enjoyable and competitive, gamification such as quizzes, challenges, rewards etc. and scenario role playing have been introduced into it. This keeps employees engaged throughout their training and motivates them to excel. When learning is transformed into a game, IT learning modules are thus better retained by students and results in positive learning environments.

Machine Learning Analytics: 

Machine learning algorithms provide insight into individual and overall performance through analysing training data. Machine learning analytics help companies to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and predict future training needs hence a continuous refinement of their programs.

While full implementation of some of these technologies is still some way off, we are watching them closely – our experience gained from rolling out the new BICSc audit app has been positive, ensuring that staff consistently maintain BICSc-accredited  standards across all our client sites. We view this as a key differentiator for Musanadah and demonstrates how FM tech can be utilised to give your company a competitive edge while, most importantly, ensuring world-class soft services delivery standards are maintained for your valued clients - regardless of location.

In summary, technology integration in commercial cleaning training has changed the whole game by enhancing efficiency effectiveness as well as quality of entire training programs. In order for us to maintain our service quality in a rapidly changing industry, we need to ensure that our cleaners are always up-to-date with the latest technology trends used in cleaning processes they are handling so as they can retain high standards of hygiene within their facilities.