State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
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At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
State Of The Cleaning Industry: NSA/KOLO ® CX Summit Recap
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.
At this year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit, leaders from across the Building Service Contractor (BSC) and facilities world came together to talk about the largest issues facing cleaning operations—and the innovations they’re using to move forward.
From technology adoption to workforce challenges, several key themes emerged that shed light on where the industry stands today and where it’s heading next.
As part of the event, CrowdComfort CEO Eric Graham presented on “Unleash the Power of the Crowd: Transforming Building Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with Actionable Insights from Real-Time Feedback”. The session focused on technology innovation happening to combat critical challenges facing the cleaning industry today and in the future.
As part of the presentation, Eric polled the audience on several key issues facing the cleaning industry. Here were the biggest takeaways:
1. Labor Is the Biggest Cost—And the Biggest Opportunity
Labor makes up 60–79% of total operating costs in the cleaning industry, making it the single largest area of operational spend. That kind of investment puts a spotlight on how organizations support their teams—and how much is at stake when it comes to getting it right.
It’s no surprise, then, that more leaders are focused on maximizing the value of every labor hour. But doing that well isn’t about adding more layers of oversight—it’s about smarter systems that help teams work better, not just harder. When technology can help optimize schedules, streamline communication, and support performance without adding complexity, the result is a stronger workforce and a better employee experience.
2. Sensors Lead the Way—But Broader Tech Adoption Is Still Lagging
Sensor technology is currently the most common digital investment in the cleaning industry, with 38% of organizations reporting adoption. Whether it’s tracking foot traffic, monitoring refill levels, or validating cleaning loops, sensors give teams real-time insights that help improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Close behind are mobile apps, used by 34% of organizations, typically for daily validation and quality inspections. These tools help teams document work, flag issues in real time, and increase accountability. While both sensors and mobile software are on the rise, there’s still a long way to go when it comes to fully modernizing operations.
The real opportunity lies in creating connected ecosystems of digital tools—where sensors, mobile apps, and ticketing systems work together to make cleaning workflows faster, clearer, and more effective. With integrated procedures, teams gain better visibility, and leaders can make more informed decisions that reduce costs and drive outcomes.
3. Visibility and Staffing Are the Industry’s Top Operational Challenges
When asked about their biggest operational hurdles, cleaning leaders pointed to two issues more than any others: knowing what’s getting done each day and being short-staffed. Each challenge was cited by 29% of respondents, and more often than not, they’re closely linked.
In many cases, teams don’t have clear visibility into what’s already been cleaned, what still needs attention, or how staff are being deployed throughout a facility. This makes it hard for supervisors to manage proactively—leading to overworked teams, missed tasks, and inconsistent service levels.
And while technology is more available than ever, 50% of organizations still rely on verbal confirmation to track daily cleaning tasks. Without a reliable system in place, teams are left guessing instead of acting. Solving both visibility and staffing issues starts with real-time tracking and clear communication, so staff can focus on the work—and managers can lead with confidence.
Final Thoughts
This year’s NSA/KOLO® CX Summit made one thing clear: while the industry has made strides, there’s still a major opportunity to rethink how we support our teams and operate more efficiently. By combining better tools with smarter processes, cleaning leaders can make real improvements in how work gets done—and in how staff feel doing it.
Big thanks to KOLO® for creating a space where leaders could share openly, learn from one another, and walk away with the insights they need to build stronger operations for the future.