As a property manager, keeping your communal laundry area running smoothly is a key part of delivering a quality resident experience. One of the most effective ways to stay ahead is to leverage smart technology to monitor your laundry room equipment. In this blog post, we’ll walk through ways to use mobile solutions to track machine usage, schedule service, and optimize operations, all centered around your laundry room equipment.
Why monitor your laundry room equipment?
Modern laundry rooms present both opportunity and risk. On one hand, properly functioning machines support resident satisfaction, reduce complaints, and can even generate revenue. On the other hand, downtime, unknown service issues, or outdated machines can lead to frustration, added labor, and lower occupancy appeal. Planet Laundry states that residents see app-based monitoring as a must-have amenity.
App-based monitoring of your laundry room equipment provides visibility into usage patterns, alerts to service needs, and real-time data for decision-making. For example, mobile laundry systems like LaundryConnect™ let you view machine availability and get service alerts instantly. With this kind of capability, you empower your property team to proactively manage the laundry room, rather than just react when problems surface.
Installing smart machines on your property step by step
American Coin Op highlights that many different laundry companies use app-based integration technology. Although it’s a helpful advancement, it might be overwhelming to start upgrading your machines on your property. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your current machines, we’re here to guide you through the process of maintenance and revenue tracking. Here’s a three-step guide to installing machine tracking on your property:
1. Choose smart-enabled machines or retrofit existing equipment
First, verify that your laundry room equipment is compatible with app-based tracking. Some newer units come built-in with IoT connectivity, while older machines may require retrofit modules. Planet Laundry highlights that integrating internet-connected equipment allows real-time machine status and usage tracking. You may be stuck between upgrading your current machines or replacing them altogether- Work with your vendor to determine whether you need new units or retrofit kits, and ensure the connectivity infrastructure is in place. Once upgraded, older machines will be able to use machine tracking apps for maintenance and revenue.
2. Install the tracking app and link your machines
There are many benefits to using an app-based tracking system. With your equipment connected, install the appropriate mobile app. Property managers can then register machines in the system and enable monitoring of the laundry room equipment. A laundry tracking app supports features such as remote machine start, usage logs, cycle completion alerts, and service request triggers.
An app like LaundryConnect™ can assist your property through its ability to provide real-time tracking. Ensure that you train your property management team on these new technologies to prevent miscommunications in the future. At this point, you’ll set up administrative access for your team, establish resident-facing functionality if applicable, and define service thresholds.
3. Use the app to monitor usage and schedule service
Once everything is live, leverage the monitoring dashboard to track your laundry room equipment performance. Typical functions of an app like LaundryConnect™include:
- Viewing which machines are in use or available. Not only is this positive to ensure working machines, but for residents to see real-time progress.
- Tracking cycle times and throughput. Seeing how fast your machines can complete a cycle can help you make adjustments to improve efficiency.
- Receiving alerts when machines malfunction or require maintenance. With an app like LaundryConnect™, service alerts and monitoring help you catch issues before they affect your bottom line.
- Viewing usage trends over days or weeks to optimize service schedules. By understanding when machines are most frequently used, you can plan cleaning, maintenance, or inspections during off-peak times to minimize disruption.
Automatic Laundry provides 24/7 monitoring of all laundry equipment and performance parameters with LaundryConnect™ tracking. Machines requiring service automatically notify the service department of the cause of the malfunction. With this insight, your team can schedule preventative maintenance rather than waiting for residents to report failures. The system’s continuous data collection helps identify recurring issues, making it easier to address root causes before they escalate. It also ensures that repairs are completed faster, reducing downtime and improving resident satisfaction. Ultimately, this proactive approach keeps your laundry room equipment operating at peak efficiency while extending its overall lifespan.
Conclusion
Monitoring your laundry room equipment doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right app-based solution in place, you gain visibility, reduce unexpected downtime, and provide a better amenity experience for your residents. Begin by selecting smart-capable equipment, installing and configuring the monitoring app, and then leveraging the data to inform usage, maintenance, and planning. If you’re ready to elevate your laundry facility and make your laundry room equipment work smarter for your property, contact Automatic Laundry today to discuss how our monitoring solutions can support your operations, reduce complaints, and improve efficiency.
