Bunzl keeps Queen’s University clean

  • June 21, 2021
  • Steve Rogerson

Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, is using IoT technology from Bunzl Canada to implement a predictive digital cleaning programme.

Bunzl has upgraded its WandaNext cleaning management software with Torksmart dispenser data, and implemented this at Queen’s University.

WandaNext combines digital cleaning programme management, including traffic monitoring, cleaning scheduling, task management and compliance reporting, with real-time dispenser data powered by Tork. These real-time data help cleaning teams work smarter by targeting immediate needs and proactively refilling dispensing units to improve hygiene and reduce waste.

The pilot installation at Queen’s has the endorsement of the university’s facilities team.

“We have always looked for opportunities to innovate to continually improve and enhance the cleanliness of our facilities,” said Barbara Wowk, manager of facilities and ancillary services at Queen’s University. “We’re excited to work with Bunzl on this pilot installation to help us improve efficiency and enable our custodial team to devote additional time and attention to enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols that are so critical to the health and safety of our students and faculty.”

WandaNext, developed by Visionstate IoT and now in partnership with Bunzl, is a cleaning programme management system with multiple IoT sensor-enabled data collection components. Its mobile application guides cleaning teams through customised cleaning procedures.

The system’s audit function and real-time reporting gives facilities management continuous visibility so they can make scheduling adjustments, assign tasks, address training requirements, trigger supply orders and proactively address service requirements.

“It’s a privilege to work in partnership with the Queen’s facilities team,” said Brock Tully, vice president at Bunzl. “They are committed to helping create a truly exceptional education experience, and WandaNext is an industry-leading innovation to help them do that. By using data from Tork, one of the most trusted product brands with state-of-the-art smart dispensing, and a variety of other data collection points, the system tracks, verifies and validates cleaning quality and efficiency against specific cleaning protocols. That gives our customers the confidence that their facilities are healthy and safe, with proven results.”

WandaNext has a growing installation base that includes healthcare, retail, commercial office, conference, airport and distribution facilities across Canada and the USA. It has been launched in the UK and Australia and was recently introduced in the healthcare marketplace in Belgium.

Bunzl Canada provides cleaning and hygiene products and equipment, food and retail packaging, safety products and industrial supplies that keep more than 45,000 Canadian businesses running optimally, every day. The company is a division of Bunzl Distribution, headquartered in St Louis, Missouri, and the largest division of London-based Bunzl. With more than 100 distribution centres throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, Bunzl supplies products to food processors, supermarkets, retailers, convenience stores and other users.