Smart technology can be found throughout a hotel, from TVs that control the temperature in the guestroom to kiosks at the front desk to speed up the check-in process.
Brightwell, an international manufacturer of chemical dosing and dilution systems, has brought smart technology to the laundry facility with its Nexus chemical dispensing system.
“Nexus is an automatic, smart dosing system providing remote access and valuable reports on chemical consumption,” said Andy Lewis, EVP, Brightwell Inc. “This is combined with our advanced diaphragm pump technology for precise chemical dosing.”
Eliminating the human error that can occur when manually dispensing powdered detergent by hand, the Nexus system doses the optimal type and amount of detergent into the wash cycle at exactly the right time to ensure clean and effective results.
“This not only simplifies the washing process, but also helps to prevent textile damage and inconsistent wash results caused by excessive or incorrect dosage,” said Lewis. “In addition, the risk of detergent spills is avoided, resulting in a cleaner and safer working environment.”
He added that the system’s diaphragm pump technology “reduces the necessity for maintenance and servicing. Reliable and not prone to blockages, the pump technology ensures consistent and accurate flow rates for a dependable clean.”
The product, which works for washers ranging from 20 lbs. to 500 lbs., is available with three to eight pumps, and offers several adjustable flow rates, from 10 oz. to 50 oz. per minute.
“Nexus also provides detailed insights into your hotel laundry operations including chemical consumption, dosing amounts, program parameters, flow rates, run time, cycle times and costs,” said Lewis. “Downloadable reports in pdf and Excel formats allow users to analyze data, identify areas for improvement and optimize their laundry operations.”
The smart unit’s software is compatible across Windows, Android and iOS, offering Bluetooth control. The BrightNet Connect web portal enables remote access, allowing users to customize wash programs and adjust dosages.
“Secure remote connectivity and data management means you can capture and filter data to monitor and manage laundry operations from anywhere,” Lewis noted. “This is particularly useful for operators responsible for multiple hotel chains. With the security of Microsoft Azure, users can regularly monitor their chemical usage and equipment activity, enabling better strategic decisions and optimization of the laundry process.”
Brightwell designed the Nexus system with sustainability in mind, Lewis said, noting, “Precise dosing of highly concentrated chemicals ensures efficient cleaning and minimizes waste of chemicals. Smart laundry dosing systems that provide information like chemical consumption, and dosing amounts also help hotels to identify areas for efficiency and help minimize chemical and water wastage. Reducing the frequency of site visits is also a significant step towards minimizing emissions and the environmental impact of laundry operations.”
Chemical providers are the company’s main customer base. “Through them, we have installed the Nexus system in several hotels for brands like DoubleTree by Hilton, Comfort Suites, Mainstay Suites and Clarion, to name a few,” said Lewis.
Brightwell has already received positive feedback from properties that are using Nexus in their laundry facilities.
“Some of the feedback highlights the Nexus pump’s impressive speed, reliability and quiet operation,” Lewis said. “Many users have also commented on the surprisingly simple installation process, making it a great choice for those looking for a user-friendly solution. Perhaps the most appreciated aspect is the significantly reduced maintenance required with Nexus with its patented diaphragm pump compared to other dosing and dispensing systems.”
The ability to remotely monitor and manage the system enables the company to provide almost immediate support to its customers.
“We recognize that, as with any new technology, some user feedback has required our attention,” Lewis noted. “However, that’s where our support team shines. They are equipped to properly set up the system, diagnose any concerns and ensure optimal performance. It’s important to note that proper installation and calibration are crucial for optimal performance, but the system is designed to minimize ongoing maintenance.”
The Brightwell executive mentioned that the company recently launched the Multiplex range of scalable industrial, automated Internet of Things (IoT) dosing systems for large-scale industrial laundry operations supporting multiple machines, such as larger hotels and resorts.
“A choice of four models provides precise dosing for anywhere from four to 12 washing machines, up to 10 chemicals and a maximum daily production of 1,100 lbs. to 8,000 lbs.,” he said. “Real-time data and more digital services enables users to easily monitor consumption, usage and cost reports with organized interfaces in the digital library. The modular design enables the user to add additional channels to the same central unit.”
