Huge interest in connected wash technology at Hotelympia
Winterhalter says that there was huge interest in connectivity at Hotelympia 2018. “Connectivity is really gaining traction, especially with the group operators,” says Paul Crowley, the company’s marketing manager. “We launched Connected Wash versions of our PT passthroughs and UF utensil washers at the show. The technology’s potential is turning foodservice operators on to the prospect of lower running costs, virtually zero downtime and 100% first time fix rates.”
Warewashing is a bit of a Cinderella in the kitchen, “People want to fit and forget,” says Crowley, “and with Connected Wash, they can – because their service provider can take over looking after the machine, by monitoring it remotely. Of course, if they prefer, customers can monitor the Connected Wash dashboard themselves. Or they can share the access, so both the operator and their service provider can monitor it. Increasingly we are working in partnership with our customers, and connectivity plays a significant role in cementing that relationship.”
Another key element to the importance of connectivity when it comes to warewashing is that many sites only have one dishwasher in the kitchen, and maybe one glasswasher in the bar – so if either goes down it’s a huge issue that can have dramatic knock-on effects to the whole operation. “There are all sorts of hidden costs when a warewasher breaks down, including extra labour, and there’s also the impact on areas like staff morale and the cleanliness of the tableware.
“Operators are starting to get that connectivity can minimise breakdowns, maximise the prospect of a fast first time fix, reduce running costs and even improve staff morale. Not surprisingly, they’re interested.”