Internet of things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of devices such as vehicles, and home appliances that contain electronics, software, actuators, and connectivity which allows these things to connect, interact and exchange data.

The IoT involves extending Internet connectivity beyond standard devices, such as desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets, to any range of traditionally dumb or non-internet-enabled physical devices and everyday objects. Embedded with technology, these devices can communicate and interact over the Internet, and they can be remotely monitored and controlled.

Automated floor cleaners have made great strides in recent years. And with IoT applications, the progress continues to march on.

By connecting your floor cleaner to your phone and/or computer, you can automate floor cleaning tasks, perform remote diagnostics and repairs, and monitor cleaner routes. This helps you avoid costly downtime with preventative maintenance. And it helps make your floor cleaning as efficient as possible by enabling you to monitor and adjust cleaning routes.

Nilfisk TrackClean™

TrackClean™ provides 24/7 remote access to every connected cleaning machine. This means you know exactly what is happening, when and where it is happening and by whom – with every connected machine you can monitor, verify and improve your operational effectiveness. TrackClean™ monitors your fleet operation, transmits the data to your secure web portal and converts the data into useful information. The data includes the machine working time, the machine down time, time of day that each activity occurred, the geographic location of the machine, and as an option can include information about the operator. The system creates reports that ensure you can drive results into your cleaning operation. You can access the secure web portal to review your fleet operations 24/7. You can also schedule reports to be proactively sent directly to your email.

KärcherFleet

Kärcher Fleet is a fleet management system which delivers the relevant information to the cleaning task managers for a seamless overview of machines and responsibilities. The principles of Kärcher Fleet are based on machine data, which are processed into meaningful information. This information can be accessed through a modern, web based portal. The structures, locations, task managers and responsibilities within the fleet, as well as the measurement criteria, are illustrated both industry-specific and company-related. Kärcher Fleet gives management and fleet managers the opportunity to continually optimize the fleet used, to monitor if the machines are being used according to plan, to be informed in a timely manner in cases of violations or important fleet conditions and pursue preventative management. With Kärcher Fleet, operators always have a complete overview of all machines as well as their availability, condition and planned or actual locations. In the event of any deviations in planned status, authorized persons are immediately informed by an automated alarm and can identify the cause as well as take measures. Battery conditions, such as charging cycles, are monitored in order to optimize the use of batteries and machines.

How to participate in a beach cleanup

Many people visit the beach every year, but not as many people actually take care of the beach. Often times people just leave their trash on the beach thinking that someone else will come pick it up, but that trash eventually ends up in the ocean and is very harmful to all the creatures that live there. Everyone can play an important role in making our beach and sea trash free.

1.        Grab your picnic baskets

Try to use reusable bags and containers when you have a picnic by the beach. Bring your own bags with you so you can clean up all of your rubbish afterwards. Most beaches won’t have bins, so by bringing your own bin bags, you can easily collect all your rubbish together to take to the nearest bin. Beaches can be windy sometimes, so try to find a closed bin where rubbish won’t fly out!

2.        Avoid bringing plastic

The majority of trash that is found on beaches is plastic food containers. Plastic is extremely harmful to marine life because it never truly breaks down and is toxic. Birds, sea turtles and other marine life often perceive plastic as food. Using reusable metal water bottles and cloth shopping bags are the best way to preserve and protect a beach’s ecosystem.

3.        Keep dogs at bay

Dogs are pretty big fans of the beach too, and they love a good paddle in the shore! As pet owners, we need to be aware of the messes we make ourselves (as human beings), but we should also ensure that we clean up after our pets too. Pet-waste can pollute waters, and it's also not nice for anybody to step into, so make a point of picking up after your pets, and make sure you throw it all away.

4.        Butt really?

It may not be widely known, but cigarette butts can have a detrimental effect on our beaches. Cigarette butts are made from a type of plastic that takes years to degrade, and during that process they release harmful toxins – exposing beaches and their marine life. Encourage smokers to smoke away from the beach, and ensure that they properly dispose of their cigarette butts once finished.

5.        Feed yourself, not the animals

If you do decide to bring food to the beach, make sure it’s for you, and only you. Don’t disrupt the diets of the animals, such as bird or fishes that are sharing the shore and sea with you.

6.        Be conscious of your actions at home

Anything you put down the drain or flush down the toilet can end up in the water and contribute to its pollution. Use environmentally friendly products such as biodegradable soaps and detergents without phosphates. Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn as well. Stormwater runoff can cause fertilizer to end up in the water, resulting in nutrient overload and causing algae blooms.

Natural Stone Care and Maintenance

The natural stone you have in your home, office, or commercial building is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service. Simple care and maintenance will help preserve your stone’s beauty for many years to come.  

Cleaning

To keep natural stone floors beautiful, it is important to keep dirt from settling into the surface, because it acts as abrasive and ruins both the look and durability of the stone. While it is recommended that the entire floor is dust mopped (daily), the floor should be damp mopped or machine scrubbed with a neutral cleaner or stone soap (two-three times per week). There are a few things to consider prior to mopping:

l  Clean all stone surfaces with warm water and a small amount of stone soap or simple mild dishwasher liquid. Rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a soft cloth.

l  Avoid cleaning products that contain lemon, vinegar and other acids on marble, travertine or limestone as these can etch the stone’s surface.

l  Do not use scouring powders or creams because their abrasives particles will scratch the surface of any natural stone.

l  Clean spills immediately to prevent oils, acids, or water from staining, etching, or calcifying the stone.

Sealing

Another important step for properly maintaining and keeping your natural stone clean is to seal the stone.

l  Natural stone floors are sealed with a commercial sealer and color enhancer immediately after installation.

l  Sealers provide extra resistance to water, oil, and acids, but do not make the stone stain proof. Proper cleaning and care are still required to keep your stone in peak condition.

l  Sealers are effective, but not infallible. They are designed to minimize stains, but not to entirely prevent them. The purpose of sealers is to prevent as many staining agents as possible from penetrating the pores of the stone.

l  The stone should be resealed from 1 to 3 years in commercial applications and 2 to 6 years for residential.

l  First and foremost, use only products specifically made for natural stone care. A number of factors affect how long the sealant will remain effective, so we suggest that you use the “water test” to determine when the process should be repeated. Spray or drizzle some water on the surface. If it forms tight little beads, the sealant is still working. If the water soaks in, it is time to reseal.