Connected sensors and intelligent data cross-referencing: the future of bio-cleaning
In the era of digitalization in hospitals and specialized facilities, the cleaning sector is undergoing a transformation. The goal? To invest in new technologies dedicated to optimizing cleaning, which is becoming increasingly “intelligent.”
Founded nine years ago by digital experts, Koki Software is a software publisher specializing in the healthcare and social care sectors. The software’s role is to digitize the management, traceability, and control of cleaning operations using tablets.
“We equip cleaning carts with these tablets. They contain all the operational management tools, from field operations to logistical control,” explains Damien Comte, President and Managing Partner of Koki.
Managers can then perform various actions on them: quality checks, inventory management assessments, maintenance, visitor counts, etc. “This solution also allows for the activation or deactivation of access or modules,” adds Damien Comte. “We collect data from several software programs connected to ours (bed management, HR, for example). The information gathered allows us to provide feedback to optimize the work of our staff.”
For the past three years, the creators of Koki Software have been working in conjunction with the healthcare markets division of the Atalian Group, a service outsourcing provider specializing in bio-cleaning services. Integrated into the missions of its teams of healthcare experts, located throughout France, Atalian has deployed the Koki solution in more than thirty hospitals.
This partnership has been endorsed by Victoria Simonian, Operational Coordinator for Hospitality and Laundry Services at the Gustave Roussy Institute. “We wanted this tool, offered by Atalian, to be able to interface with our bed management software, in addition to its management function. The goal is to organize the cleaning of outgoing rooms and reduce patient waiting times.” An important feature of the software, which also allows for proper inventory management at this institute.
METICULOUS INTEGRATION OF KOKI AT CLIENT FACILITIES
Building on its growing success, the company has deployed approximately two thousand active tablets. Deploying these tablets requires an implementation period of about three months. During this time, a methodology is determined in collaboration with the client, and the ordered equipment is selected. “Koki Software also handles user training and tablet setup. After-sales support is also available to clients who may encounter difficulties after the training phases are complete, particularly regarding connectivity,” explains Jean-Baptiste Laval, Director of Healthcare Markets for Atalian.
But the implementation of this software doesn’t end there. Beforehand, the company’s teams conduct a needs assessment and create job descriptions. They also work on its integration within the facilities. Furthermore, the company ensures interoperability with the facilities’ bed management software. In other words, it is studying Koki’s ability to communicate with other existing information systems. “This allows some of them to completely abandon paper in just one month, once the software is well implemented,” says Damien Comte.
THE CLEANING TOOLS OF TOMORROW
At the Nancy University Hospital, ATALIAN has been managing the cleaning of its 140,000 m² of floor space for two years. Convinced of the value of this tool, the hospital decided to implement it for its staff. “It centralizes evaluation, scheduling, communication, quality control, and task validation,” explains J. Fabbro, a catering engineer at the Nancy University Hospital. He continues, “It also allows for real-time cross-referencing of information and therefore, rapid corrective actions. For us, it’s a huge time saver.”
Koki Software’s tablets are fully connected, either to the facility’s Wi-Fi network or via 4G. The company’s SaaS solution is hosted on its own servers, located in Clermont-Ferrand. Ultra-secure, it incorporates HDS certification (editor’s note: which strengthens the protection of personal e-health data) and is currently undergoing ISO 27001 certification.
A new vision of cleanliness, light years ahead of the filing cabinets and attendance sheets used in restrooms.
IMPROVEMENTS FOR PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE STAFF
Installation of connected thermometers with threshold alerts, CO2 sensors, weather and fine particle sensors, and fill level indicators (hand towels, soap, paper, trash cans)… The startup offers a more connected and collaborative approach to all its clients. The software allows managers, staff, and infection control nurses to connect on a single interface. A significant time saving in the field. In fact, Koki’s president, Damien Comte, confirms this: “Switching to tablets saves twenty minutes per day per staff member. They save healthcare workers countless kilometers of walking. But above all, they allow them to focus on the tasks that truly need to be completed.”
From the patient’s perspective, another advantage convinces healthcare professionals to use Koki Software. Indeed, cross-referencing information and data allows for proactive cleaning protocols. “This clearly improves patient care,” emphasizes its president. “We mustn’t forget that the fight against hospital-acquired infections depends on bio-cleaning.” It’s true that the software’s ability to regulate and optimize work based on real-world indicators and data is paramount. Analyzing the premises and their occupancy are all elements to consider for optimal results. After all, “connected devices are the future of our business, allowing us to adapt and adjust our intervention frequencies and operating methods according to our clients’ actual needs,” concludes Jean-Baptiste Laval.
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