By: Ken Tyler, Sr. Laundry Industry Consultant
Many thanks for the numerous comments I received regarding my articles, Benchmarking Cost Textile Care Operations and Laundry Acquisition and Inspection Tips. Benchmarking and laundry inspections are two areas in a laundry that can help or hinder a facility’s profitability.
I continue to feel strongly that the establishment of laundry benchmarks are critical to our industry and I am happy to have heard that many of my peers agree.
No doubt that benchmarking information is a challenge to compile, however it is important data for responsible organizations. Although industry-wide benchmarking data is significant, all operations are unique. That is why it is in everyone’s best interest to compile your organization’s benchmarks and to compare those with published benchmarks of similar operations.
Everyone needs this information rather than discuss theory. It all about establishing averages and compiling much useful and important information.
On the subject of laundry equipment inspections, I was also impressed by the feedback I received. I responded personally to some inquiry’s, however, one question seemed to be on many minds. How long an inspection should take?
There is no universal answer to that question since it depends on many issues. As I mentioned, the establishment of criteria is critical and factual documentation and acceptance by equipment suppliers, contracting folks, engineering and those that control and manage the budget is necessary to complete the task.
Production, safety expectations and quality are key factors in the inspection task. Warranty provisions are equally important.
I have managed these processes involving millions of dollars in capital improvements. There are many players in an organization that must sign off on an inspection report. That includes hospital and engineering management, labor management and employees.
On the average and assuming all players are involved, the following represents estimated times to conduct a thorough inspection of new systems.
Soiled Sorting Systems – 13-16 hours
Liquid Supply Systems – 7-9 hours
Wash extract or CBW systems – 17-19 hours
Finishing Systems-Feeding, Folding – 12-25 hours
Mechanical-HVACl Support Systems – 19-14 hours
Interior Design Finish Schedules – 7-8 hours
Time to prepare reports are not included.
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About the Author:Ken Tyler has been active in laundry and textile programs for over 53 years. Between his position as Chief of the VA Laundry program and the Chief of Laundry Operations at the DOD he managed the modernization, and construction of over 100 healthcare laundry operations valued in excess of 200 million dollars. Tyler received numerous commendations including the GSA Excellence award, Department of Energy awards for energy conservation and the Presidential Award for Performance. During his time with VA, he was selected in the VA Leadership program and continues as a member of that Alumni program.
Tyler managed US Marine Corps and Department of the Navy laundry programs for 10 years, Department of Veterans Affairs textile care and laundry programs for 27 years and managed government programs for Encompass LLC for 16 years. He retired from the US Marine Corps after 30 years of service and received over 30 decorations for his military service.Tyler consults laundry manufacturers and textile/chemical groups. He is also the recipient of numerous industry and government awards and has served numerous organizations such as AHA, TRSA, JCAHO, ALM and ARTA.
