NORTH AMERICA
Like most things for 2020, this year's IMPACT conference was a new adventure, according to a report by the Association for Linen Managment (ALM). Located in one of the most beautiful and adventurous areas in the US, Colorado Springs, it was also one of the most difficult ALM has ever produced. Canceling would have been easier, of course, but the encouragement to host a hybrid event both in person and virtually has been overwhelming across the industry.
First-time IMPACT participant Paolo Idurot, Production Manager at Ottawa Regional Hospital Linen Services, was impressed by his virtual experience: "What an IMPACT this conference made on my learning journey in this industry!"
The personal attendees were clearly delighted with the presence of industry colleagues after months of isolation and were particularly enthusiastic about the location of the unique Broadmoor Hotel in the middle of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. The hotel, a member of ALM's laundry facility, responded to last minute changes so we could comply with social distancing and safety recommendations and meet our technological needs.
"I really enjoyed the 2020 Hybrid IMPACT Conference in Colorado Springs," said Kathy Harris, a personal attendee from Sea Island Resort. “Since the sessions were also available for virtual participants, all participants, including hospitality, were able to continue learning. It was great to hear what others are doing to face the challenges of Covid and what actions various operations have taken. And it was nice to see people in person after the quarantine, even if it was socially distant. "
Perhaps the biggest responses from both virtual and in-person participants came from Tuesday's general session, Benchmarking: A Business Essential. Cara Walton, Engagement Manager at Harbor Results, Inc., an operational and strategic consulting firm, shared the results of five years of benchmarking data collection from the tool and die industry. This industry shares many features with the textile care industry, such as: B. the focus on production, throughput and system efficiency. The analysis showed that tool and die companies that make decisions based on benchmarking data were 16% more efficient than those that did not participate in benchmarking. A clear proof of the added value that external benchmarking brings with it for a company.
Harbor Result's analysis of previously anonymous data from LaundryMarks® found that profitability and farm size are not necessarily correlated. Bigger alone doesn't mean better. Second, data has shown that automation alone does not increase profitability. As the number of laundries participating in LaundryMarks® continues to grow, the value of using benchmark data to make informed business decisions, encourage proactive planning, and identify strengths and weaknesses will give these laundries a competitive advantage. Don't worry if you missed this session. Registered participants can now view them via the IMPACT app. The presentation can also be purchased on the ALM website under About ALM, Online Shop.
The ALM management plans to host the next IMPACT education conference in autumn 2021. Full details of the location and dates will be announced shortly. With the Clean Show in July 2022, several options are being considered. Regardless of the challenge, ALM will do the job.
