Top Trends Observed at ISSA Show 2018

From October 29 through November 1, we were at our largest trade show of the year, ISSA Show 2018. ISSA brings together manufacturers in the cleaning industry, ranging from cleaning supplies like paper towels and detergents to floor cleaning machines, to show customers what’s new and improved. Here are some of our key learnings and takeaways from ISSA Show 2018:

1. Robots are Here

While robotic cleaning machines have been at various stages of development over the past few years at ISSA, this year almost every major manufacturer had a functioning robotic cleaning machine in their booth, including Tennant. Customers affirmed Tenant’s measured approach to the deployment of robotics that must consider the combination of technology like the T7AMR with the people and processes required to fully realize the benefits of robotic cleaning machines. 

2. Battery Innovation

Short and long term battery innovations are on their way, especially in the lithium-ion category. As technologies improve and prices come down, Tennant expects to see a wider range of economically viable battery alternatives.

3. Internet of Things

Like robotics, telemetry and fleet data must be a combination of the technology as well as the ability to gain actionable insights from the information.   Manufacturers and their customers are still working through how they will use the data and who in their organization is responsible for mining and analyzing the data from telemetry platforms.

4. Labor

While its nothing new, labor continues to be top issue on our customer’s minds. In addition to the ongoing need to reduce costs and increase productivity, cleaning professionals are increasingly facing challenges in both finding and keeping good employees.  

5. “Green Cleaning” is Mainstream

Sustainable cleaning solutions are no longer only desired by early adopters. Most customers today expect “green” options when it comes to cleaning solution or machines.

These are just a few of the insights from our time at ISSA 2018. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on these important topics!