Difference PETROL RUNNING THROUGH HER VEINS PLASTIC THROUGH THE AGES - kaercher-media.com
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difference THE KÄRCHER MAGAZINE 01 | 2021 PETROL RUNNING PLASTIC DESIGN THROUGH HER THROUGH MAKES THE VEINS THE AGES DIFFERENCE A woman with the Popular, widespread, Never losing sight WOW factor shunned? of the user experience
04
02
03
PRESERVING VALUE
The Palace of Fontainebleau
01 | 2021
06
01 | 2021 PETROL RUNNING
difference
THROUGH HER VEINS
A woman with the WOW factor
12
Dear readers,
In this edition of our customer magazine, we
want to focus on the people who do their best 06 PLASTIC THROUGH THE AGES
for you every day. Popular, widespread, shunned?
Our employees are one of our most important
success factors. With their innovative spirit,
they develop ultramodern solutions such as
needs-oriented cleaning using sensors and
18
PRODUCTS
artificial intelligence. With their experience, we
can preserve cultural gems like the famous Current highlights of the
Horseshoe Staircase at the Palace of Fontaine Kärcher range
bleau and help improve quality of life for
24
people all over the world − like in Colombia,
where a green filter facility cleans waste
water in the fishing village of Bocas del Carare.
WHEN SOAP DISPENSERS
In our cover story, you will find out how our SCHEDULE OPERATIONS
employee Vanessa Helpert practises the cor- Avoid unnecessary work, eliminate
porate values of top performance and disci- paperwork – with digital tools
pline, both in the workplace and while moto-
cross riding, and relies on Kärcher machines
to clean her motorbike. And speaking of trust:
on the newly designed product pages, our
staff explain why they highly recommend the
28
DESIGN MAKES THE
FC 7 Cordless and also the new generation
of high-pressure cleaners. 12 DIFFERENCE
Never losing sight of the
Have fun reading this edition of difference! user experience
With kind Kärcher regards,
32
VISIT TO THE
VILLAGE OF HOPE
A green filter facility in Colombia
35
Hartmut Jenner
Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Management
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
IMPRINT
28
PRESERVING VALUE 04
05
01 | 2021
difference
1814
EMPEROR NAPOLEON BONAPARTE took leave of his troops on the
Horseshoe Staircase after he signed his abdication. The combination
PALACE OF FONTAINEBLEAU
of various very sensitive materials and centuries-old dirt required
Within the framework of its cultural sponsorship programme, a careful selection of cleaning technologies. The steam stage of a hot
KÄRCHER has restored over 140 monuments worldwide since
water high-pressure cleaner, a steam cleaner, low-pressure shot blast-
1980 and is now also cleaning the Horseshoe Staircase at the
Palace of Fontainebleau, near Paris. ing, a biocide and a wet and dry vacuum cleaner were used.
06
07
01 | 2021
difference
A woman with the WOW factor
PETROL RUNNING
THROUGH HER
VEINS
Riding across the terrain at more than 50 hp, you would
cut a very athletic figure. But it takes much more than that
to race over hills and tackle steep curves on a motocross
bike like Kärcher employee Vanessa Helpert: with a great
deal of discipline, skill and perseverance, the enthusiastic
motorcyclist has been doing laps on the racetrack since the
age of three.
08
09
01 | 2021
difference
YOU ALWAYS HAVE
TO BE 100 % FIT,
BOTH MENTALLY AND
PHYSICALLY. EVERY
MUSCLE IS ACTIVE.
VANESSA HELPERT
For as long as Vanessa
Helpert can remember,
motocross has been a
part of her – it therefore
goes without saying that
she also performs the
technical checks herself
before starting.
M
any routines become sec- some of whom are two years older. The school time. She mostly does her laps has decreased steadily since finishing
ond nature to the extent audience in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer on the Rudersberg racetrack in the school; then came university, various
you are no longer aware of Hall go crazy as she fearlessly races Rems-Murr district, but she also pursues internships, a master’s in communica-
them: speeding up at the around bends. her passion on other tracks. To this day tion management and finally entering
right moment, slowing down, acceler- she spends every spare minute practis- working life. When she starts working RUDERSBERG
ating to the maximum, barely losing ing the sport. “Petrol runs through my in Kärcher’s Corporate Communications
balance or nerves … for as long as veins. I am totally fascinated by vehi- department in 2018, it feels like a happy
3
Vanessa Helpert can remember, moto- cles,” she says laughing. coincidence. “During my childhood FIVE FACTS ABOUT GERMANY
cross has been a part of her. The jumps I always cleaned my motorbikes enthusi-
are the hardest, but also very impres- Her parents recognise early on that, in astically using a high-pressure cleaner ■ The Federal Republic of Germany covers
357,582 km². The capital is Berlin.
sive. “You always have to be 100 % fit, addition to driving skills, physical fit- from Kärcher.” ■ At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is the highest
both mentally and physically; every YEARS ness is also very important for safe fun and most famous mountain in Germany. The
muscle is active,” says the passionate VANESSA IS THREE YEARS OLD on the racetrack. At five years old the Clean starting position peak is also known as the “roof of Germany”.
sportswoman. WHEN SHE SITS ON A MOTORBIKE young driver attends Taekwondo classes An off-road bike is exposed to tough ■ Since the reunification in 1990, the Federal
Republic of Germany has 16 federal states,
FOR THE FIRST TIME. two to three times a week. She also prac- conditions and must be thoroughly three of which are city states (Bremen, Hamburg,
Vanessa is three years old when she sits tises this sport with a lot of ambition cleaned after every trip. “In dry weather Berlin). The smallest federal state by area is
Bremen; the largest is Bavaria.
on a motorbike for the first time. While and discipline. Vanessa still trains reg- sand and clay leave their mark and ■ While most other countries make do with white
her peers are learning to ride a bicycle, ularly today. She has held a black belt depending on the soil condition and pre- bread and toast, the Germans enjoy a wide vari-
the Esslingen-born girl is already tak- Putting her foot down since 2020, thus achieving the master cipitation, sometimes you have to ride ety of breads – approx. 3,200 different types
of bread are served in Germany.
ing part in regular race meetings. At six Vanessa is unstoppable, and the num- grade. “Sometimes it is not so easy to through the mud,” explains Vanessa, ■ The variety is also enormous when it comes to
years of age she competes in the Super- ber of championships is increasing. She juggle a job and hobbies,” she says. The who also gladly performs the techni- beer, the country’s most popular alcoholic bev-
cross in Stuttgart – against eight boys, is able to train two days a week during time for motocross and Taekwondo cal checks herself. “Only when my erage: up to 6,000 different beers are brewed.
ONLY WHEN MY 10
11
MOTORBIKE IS
CLEAN AM I ABLE
TO ENSURE THAT
01 | 2021
EVERYTHING
IS OK.
difference
VANESSA HELPERT
Communications expert
Vanessa often gets good
ideas for work when out
jogging (right). Running
also keeps her fit for her
great passion: motocross.
motorbike is clean am I able to ensure because of the constant risk, training years and to nurture her talent. Both Motocross Ladies Cup. But she still she does and excelling to the extent
ACHING MUSCLES INCLUDED
that everything is OK and I will be able rides are also only completed in full financially and emotionally. prefers competing with the men. Before that she also meets every challenge at
to enjoy it for a long time.” gear: with helmet, goggles, neck guard, every race her heart is racing. It beats Kärcher full of ambition. ▪
Motocross is considered one of the toughest
sports in the world. On racetracks which are chest protector, back protector, knee at record speed beside the competing
full of bumps, steep curves and bike ramps, Motocross racetracks are full of bumps, pads, elbow protectors, gloves and at the starting gates during the count- Join motocross rider
30
the riders have to use their whole body to Vanessa Helpert on the racetrack:
keep their motorbike under control. Every steep curves, bike ramps and hollows. boots. down to zero – each second a small eter- www.kaercher.com/difference
muscle consumes energy and the heart rate The drivers jump as far as 30 metres, nity for Vanessa. Finally the engines are
reaches a higher level than in many other
sports. often at frequent intervals. A race is over Support for success turned on and the adrenaline pumps
after 20 or 25 minutes and two laps, and Rituals also provide support. Before through her body. Now it’s time to step
each competition consists of two races. a race many people say a quick prayer METRES on the gas and speed away …
It is not without reason that motocross is or put on their lucky charm. Vanessa THE DISTANCE MOTOCROSS RIDERS JUMP –
considered one of the toughest sports needs the start number 7, “her” number. OFTEN AT FREQUENT INTERVALS. The communications expert also works
in the world. “After a race day you are And family. Father Hans-Peter gives at full speed in her job. At the Kärcher
completely exhausted, but incredibly his daughter a “high-five” when she headquarters in Winnenden, she not
satisfied”, she adds. The most strained goes on the track. It has always been only creates cross-media content for var-
areas are the arms, shoulders and legs. like this, and the two continue the Motocross is a man’s world. For a long ious media and manages international
“The aching muscles are persistent, ritual to this day. “You cannot practise time Vanessa is the only girl on the projects but also works creatively. Just
often lasting several days.” On top of the sport without the support of family, track and races alongside the boys. Later like in motocross, she also has to be
this is the back pain. “The most impor- without a team,” highlights Vanessa. on she also competes at national and flexible here and never lose sight of the
tant thing is to enjoy the sport,” says She knows that it has also placed tre- international level with other, some- objective. Vanessa embodies her aspira-
the experienced racer with confidence. mendous demands on her parents to times older female riders. In 2019 she is tion to motivate herself to achieve top
“Otherwise, you won’t survive.” And support her motocross career over the runner-up in the Baden-Württemberg performances and by enjoying what
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01 | 2021
difference
Popular, widespread, shunned?
PLASTIC THROUGH
THE AGES
There was a moment in the 1950s when everything was
suddenly made of plastic. The new, versatile material was
inexpensive and popular due to its durability. It soon became
clear that it also had downsides, and recycling would be
important. Nowadays plastic is facing some criticism, but
many applications are simply not feasible without the
material. And various alternatives that claim to be sustain-
able have an impact on the environment in other ways.
Following the trail of a much-discussed material.
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15
A MATERIAL THAT WAS
DURABLE INSULATING,
01 | 2021
SOUND-ABSORBING
AND HEAT-INSULATING,
LIGHTWEIGHT AND
difference
INEXPENSIVE – IT WAS
REVOLUTIONARY.
DANIEL CARMINE MANOCCHIO
Where we come from … towards ergonomic, sustainable products. The Nevertheless, Manocchio can see a shift in the
first mobile high-pressure cleaner, the HD 555 market: “Everyone understands that using a bottle
from 1984, weighed a full 15 kilograms. This of shampoo every week is a problem. But the
… AND WHERE WE
meant that mobile use was possible, but not con- focus is increasingly on the fact that plastic is also
venient for the user. “Plastic offered the possi- used in a high-pressure cleaner, for example, and
bility of reducing the weight considerably. Today electrical devices are generally not disposable
ARE GOING
such products weigh between five and ten kilo- devices.” Since 2012, Kärcher has increased the
grams,” says Manocchio. proportion of recycled plastics in its machines
by a factor of four. Since the end of 2018, the
Another aspect that got people fired up about company has been using the Technyl4Earth
plastic in the early days was its durability, which technology for the manufacture of spray lances
at that time was a clear advantage in terms of (see box: Making New From Old). Within the
value preservation. framework of the sustainability strategy, more
Not all plastics are the same. Review: changes are being introduced across the entire
Plastic is lightweight! Insight: company, right through to the reduction of pack-
Whereas mass-produced goods
The issue of recycling aging materials (see box: Less Is More).
must be pure, i. e., they may not The absolute plastic buzz in the middle of the
contain any toxic substances, 20th century may not be easy to understand for The first recycling wave came at the beginning
many today. On closer examination, it is quite of the 2000s, simply because the grinding and MAKING NEW FROM OLD:
technical plastic is very complex. clear that the euphoria was justified by its clear adding of production residues led to material AIRBAGS AND OCEAN PLASTIC
It must meet mechanical require- advantages. Until then, metals were the con- and therefore cost savings. However, recycling,
struction material for all types of devices and whether it is by remelting sorted waste or chem-
ments and legal conditions. So machines – and metals were expensive and heavy. ically by pyrolysis, is still expensive and not
Kärcher is one of the first companies to use the
Technyl4Earth technology from manufacturer
it is not as easy as it might seem Here was a material that was durable insulating, widely established. “Plastic is of great importance Domo in series production for the consumer market.
Polyamide is recycled from the fabric of old air-
to identify where savings can sound-absorbing and heat-insulating, as well as in the technical sector because its properties can
bags and remnants from their production. In order
being lightweight and inexpensive; this was the be modified by adaptations to the structure and
be made, or where less or recy- equivalent of a technical revolution. Its properties composition,” adds Manocchio. “The meticulous
to make the material tough enough for spray lances
and generally robust, it is reinforced with 30 per
cled material can be used. The and suitability for mass production made plas- separation of different plastics is very important cent glass fibres.
tic the material on which the German economic in recycling as otherwise the properties of the
fact is that there is a lot to learn, miracle was built after World War 2. recycled material are drastically impaired. This is
Kärcher is also carrying out intensive research into
the use of ocean plastic. The largest proportion of
relating to both the past and tricky for technical components.” Virgin material plastic prevalent in the oceans is made up of packag-
Daniel Carmine Manocchio, manager of the mate- is often not only of better quality but also cheaper
present. rials laboratory at Kärcher, explains: “With every than recycled materials.
ing materials such as PET, PE, PP and PVC. These
are virtually useless for Kärcher due to their proper-
new technology, there is hype when it is rolled ties but are nevertheless monitored constantly.
out to the mass market. One need only think of
the dreams of nuclear-powered private cars or the
current wave in artificial intelligence. However,
in the end the excitement has to come back down
to earth.” For Kärcher, too, plastic was a step
16
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01 | 2021
difference
Leo Stein,
Manager Environmental Policy at
the ZVEI – the German Electrical and
Electronic Manufacturers’ Association
Future: LESS IS MORE:
Interview with Leo Stein (ZVEI)
What is sustainable? REDUCTION OF PACKAGING
Every human being probably secretly asks them-
selves the question of what behaviour ultimately
Packaging is a key issue when it comes to saving
material. Up to now, four polystyrene inserts were
“PARTNERSHIPS ARE THE
WAY FORWARD”
makes a contribution to protecting our planet. used for the OC 3 mobile outdoor pressure washer
“The situation is extremely complex, even for the in order to protect the device during transportation:
simplest applications,” states Manocchio. “If a plastic waste that is avoidable. The box was made
smaller and a cardboard insert was developed. The
paper shopping bag is only used once because, for
packaging size was also reduced by 20 per cent,
example, it got wet and ripped, then a reusable no more plastic is used – and the costs for the pack-
plastic bag would have been more sustainable.” aging have dropped 45 per cent.
Mr Stein, in your opinion what are the Other ideas aim to reduce the use of materials –
At Kärcher, the aim is to keep a close eye on sus- relevant trends with a view to sustainability and not just in terms of plastic. In accordance
tainability in the development of products. The for companies? with an EU regulation, all relevant data must be
EU Ecodesign Directive provides a legal frame- principles prevention, reduction and reuse of enclosed with a product, which uses vast amounts
work, that has also been adopted globally in some materials (see interview with Leo Stein, Manager There are all sorts of trends, I’ll confine my answer of paper and resources. At the ZVEI there is an
instances. A core idea is design for recycling, Environmental Policy at the ZVEI – the German to the institutional side. The European Commis- exciting project underway: the digital type plate.
which also counteracts the image that sustaina- Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Associ- sion’s Circular Economy Action Plan sets out some It makes the information available to companies
bility is always expensive. “If I reduce the use ation). guidelines for companies over the next few years. online in a standardised manner.
of materials, this is less expensive. If I replace It is about a sustainable product policy, ecode-
composites with recycled materials, this is less To ensure the world remains liveable for sub sign and the right to claim for repair. This aspect For you personally: what do we need to make
expensive in the long run,” explains Manocchio. sequent generations, every company and every perfectly highlights the complexity of the con- the future sustainable?
“Take one small detail: if I leave out the plastic single human being are ultimately required nections: who may carry out the repair so that the
bag packaging the accessories, this is less expen- to change their behaviour. Daniel Carmine legal obligations of the manufacturer are not Firstly, it can already be seen that partnerships
sive. And all this is good for the environment.” Manocchio sums it up: “The path to the future counteracted with respect to the warranty? We bring progress. The manufacturers of electronic
Another key concept is the recycling economy consists of so many small steps that so many need new ideas and approaches to succeed – and equipment, the recycling industry and the manu-
aspired to by the EU, which also focuses on the people have to take together. We should make they are also in development. facturers of primary plastics can achieve a great
a start and not be daunted by the complexity.” ▪ deal together. Secondly, we should stop focusing
What exactly is being developed? on our concerns or reservations – in many cases
Find out more about this topic: we simply need to act. And thirdly, I think we all
www.kaercher.com/difference
Various companies are working on new recycling need to take responsibility: even I, Leo Stein,
methods, e. g., for secondary plastics. Recycled have to take a good look at myself and consider
materials using chemical processes are pure, but what I need, how I can properly dispose of prod-
THE PATH TO THE still somewhat expensive. Mechanical processes ucts and what can be repaired. ▪
FUTURE CONSISTS OF do not always yield the level of quality that is
required for product safety. In this respect, in
SO MANY SMALL future there will probably be a mix of methods
and materials because there is no “one size fits
STEPS. all” principle in industry.
DANIEL CARMINE MANOCCHIO
18
Home & Garden 19
THE FC 7 CORDLESS REACHES INTO EVERY
01 | 2021
CORNER AND EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY.
OUR EVELIN OSSWALD, SPECIALIST SALES TRAINING HOME & GARDEN PRODUCTS
difference
HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE 1
KÄRCHER
RANGE 2
WITH THE FC 7 CORDLESS the search for power outlets
and tripping over cables are a thing of the past.
The trainers of the Kärcher
Sales & Service Academy are the experts
when it comes to machine know-how,
care, cleaning and hygiene. Here in this issue,
they present their current favourite products The FC 7 CORDLESS FLOOR CLEANER is a genuine all-rounder:
and give specific tips on the usage. it removes all types of wet and dry everyday dirt in a single step.
This saves lots of time and effort.
1 TIP 1: CLEAN AND
2 TIP 2: TWO CLEANING METHODS
COMFORTABLE WIPING PLUS BOOST FUNCTION
Four counter-rotating rollers ensure With the FC 7 Cordless, you can set
that the device glides effortlessly the roller rotation and water flow to
over the floor. What I find especially the floor and dirt type. This means
great is that the rollers are constantly that you can also safely clean sensitive
moistened with fresh water, while the parquet floors with the device. The
Evelin Osswald, Marian Anton, dirt is collected in the dirty water boost function is practical – it even
Specialist Sales Training Specialist Sales Training
Home & Garden Products Professional Products tank. In addition, the compact design removes stubborn dirt.
means you can avoid the tedious
task of moving furniture and allows More product
information online at:
perfect corner and edge cleaning. kaercher.com/home-garden20
Home & Garden 21
DEVICE AND APPLICATION
01 | 2021
CONSULTANT IN ONE.
EVELIN OSSWALD, SPECIALIST SALES TRAINING HOME & GARDEN PRODUCTS
3 TIP 3: CLEAN IN EVERY CORNER
4 TIP 4: CLEANING
difference
CONSERVATORY ROOFS
Kärcher also provides compatible
1
accessories for the Smart Control range. The telescopic spray lance with 180°
I like the PS 30 Plus power scrubber joint makes life easier for the user
because it includes an innovative cor- because it can flexibly adapt to every
ner and edge cleaning nozzle and is cleaning situation and easily reaches
therefore perfect for cleaning stairs both vertical and horizontal areas.
and other smaller surfaces. In combination with the glass attach-
ment, the walls and the roof of a con-
servatory, for example, can be comfort-
ably cleaned.
More product
information online at:
2 kaercher.com/home-garden
SHARE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS on social media, 3
check consumption data and lots more – smart clean-
ing with the Home & Garden app.
Cleaning has never been easier because the new pressure washer
generation “thinks for itself”: with the HOME & GARDEN APP the user
is guided through various cleaning tasks step by step.
1
TIP 1: CONCENTRATED
2 TIP 2: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
KNOW-HOW IN AN APP 4
The Home & Garden app guides the
I really like how practical the app is. user through the cleaning process step THE EXCHANGEABLE SQUEEGEE BLADE removes puddles
If, for example, the customer wants by step and warns of damage to the where you could otherwise easily slip and at the same
time accelerates the drying time of the surface.
to use a pressure washer to remove object being cleaned in the event of
algae from a stone wall, the app pro- incorrect pressure application. With
vides an explanation of the cleaning the K 7 Premium Smart Control, the
problem. For example, suitable set- boost function can be controlled
tings and the proper spray lances are directly on the device or conven-
recommended. iently via the app.22
Professional Professional 23
VERY QUIET AND EASY ONE SYSTEM, COUNTLESS FIELDS
01 | 2021
TO OPERATE – THAT’S WHAT SETS OF APPLICATION.
THE B 110 R Bp APART. MARIAN ANTON, SPECIALIST SALES TRAINING PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS
difference
MARIAN ANTON, SPECIALIST SALES TRAINING PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS
The B 110 R Bp impresses with its robustness and many innovations
that facilitate daily work for the user. Highlights include the new
roller brush head and the new squeegee. 1
1 TIP 1: QUIET CLEANING
2 TIP 2: CLEAN RIGHT TO THE EDGE
Sweeping and scrubbing in a single Edge cleaning often involves the risk
step? Not a problem for the B 110 R Bp of getting the machine caught on
because the roller technology makes shelves or walls. With the new side
this possible. The brush head has been scrubber deck, this can no longer
completely renewed and offers many happen because it swerves inwards.
advantages, including a significant Manual reworking at the edges is
noise reduction. The high cleaning and thus eliminated. 2
suction performance also sets com-
pletely new standards. More product
information online at:
kaercher.com/professional
THE CARRIER SYSTEM reduces the necessary
holding force when working with the individual
facade cleaning system components.
The SYSTEM SOLUTION FOR FACADE CLEANING achieves optimal
1
cleaning results for solar panels, ground areas and aluminium, glass,
stone and plaster facades.
1 TIP 1: CAN BE USED FLEXIBLY
2
TIP 2: VERSATILE
ANYWHERE
Apart from overhead facade clean-
With the up to 14-metre-long multi- ing (as shown above), the telescopic
functional telescopic lance, you can lance also enables efficient cleaning of
reach even remote and lofty heights. areas that are difficult to access in
A simple water connection is suffi- high-ceiling rooms. A vacuum cleaner
2 cient – there is no need for high-pres- simply needs to be connected and
sure cleaners, scaffolding or a cherry then the telescopic lance acts as a
picker. It is important to only use suction tube.
osmosis water in order to avoid water
stains. The soft, blue brush is perfect
THE IMPACT PROTECTION AND THE WORKING LIGHTS on the for glass and other sensitive surfaces.
B 110 R Bp ensure a positive user experience.
More product
information online at:
kaercher.com/professional24
25
Take John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. “EVEN A DETAIL SUCH AS
01 | 2021
Its overall terminal surface area is over A REFUSE BAG IS RELEVANT”
350 hectares. Even with clever work sched-
uling, cleaners sometimes have to walk long
distances from one work location to the next. Meanwhile, 15,000 sensors have been installed
difference
At the same time, the cleaning work is mostly per- by Zan Compute in the USA alone. The data eval-
formed in accordance with the visual control uation for various buildings has shown that
principle. “I am out and about for quite a while every minor detail plays a role. “Refuse bags are
just checking that the rooms are clean and the often replaced even though they are only half
soap or hand towel dispensers are still full,” full or less,” explains Sridharan. “If the specifica-
explains Sri Sridharan, CPO of Zan Compute Inc. tion states they should be replaced only when
The AI specialist from Santa Clara (California) 70 per cent full, time and consumables are saved.
aims to make unnecessary trips and work visible In combination with the information as to how
for their customers and thus reduce them. often sanitary facilities are frequented and must
therefore be cleaned, in one large building we
were able to reduce the working time for inspec-
“A GOOD THIRD OF tion tours by 50 per cent.”
CLEANING TOURS ARE
USUALLY UNNECESSARY”
“THINGS ARE EASIER WHEN
EVERYTHING IS DIGITAL”
The concept of needs-oriented cleaning can be
WHEN SOAP DIS-
implemented with the clever use of sensors and
artificial intelligence. “Our sensors record the Besides more needs-oriented building cleaning,
footfall in a room and measure the filling levels efficient work scheduling and control play an
of consumables,” says Sridharan. In order to important role. In many companies, a significant
PENSERS SCHEDULE
ensure anonymity, reliable radar sensors monitor amount of organisation is still based on paper
the number of visitors – no photos are taken. notes and instructions, i. e., passing around per-
formance specifications or manually documented
“Our AI uses the information collected to calcu- working times that subsequently have to be
late recurring patterns and a dynamic cleaning entered into a PC. Such media discontinuities
OPERATIONS
schedule. It reduces the time spent on unneces- take up a lot of time and cost money.
sary tasks and tours by up to 30 per cent.”
Real-time adjustments are possible at any time.
Thus, for example, if there is an increase in foot-
fall in an area that is usually less frequented, the WHO IS WHO:
system immediately reports the resulting clean- SRI SRIDHARAN
ing requirements.
Avoid unnecessary work, eliminate Sri Sridharan is a partner and CPO
paperwork – with digital tools
(chief product officer) at Zan Compute
Inc. As an expert in software devel-
opment, he was employed by the Intel
Corporation for 26 years, built up
extensive expertise there and obtained
numerous patents. He studied at the
What is needed to clean a building? A cleaner, cleaning Indian Institute of Technology (IIT
technology and a work schedule. Nothing else? Cleanliness Madras) and has qualifications includ-
ing master’s degrees in chemical engi-
is currently very important, and at the same time in many neering and computer science from
Southern Illinois University. Privately,
places there is a lack of cleaning personnel. The key to Sridharan founded the Sankara Eye Sri Sridharan, Partner and
Foundation, which fights treatable eye CPO (Chief Product Officer)
success is efficiency, even in the cleaning sector. How the diseases in India.
at Zan Compute Inc.
use of sensors is leading to chatty soap dispensers, what
artificial intelligence (AI) can do for work scheduling, and
how cleaners get their jobs via their smartphones in
real time.26
27
“Previously there was no comprehensive solu- “WHEN I’M DESPERATELY LOOKING
01 | 2021
tion that small companies could also afford. Our FOR BUILDING MANAGERS …”
mission is to organise the digital management
of buildings, employees and work assignments,”
states Philipp Andernach, managing director of Administration is necessary, but unnecessary
difference
SoniQ. “Building managers have to keep track of time-consuming activity lowers productivity –
so many things. We help them to concentrate nowadays hardly any company can afford this.
on the quality of the cleaning service.” On average, users of the SoniQ solution save
30 per cent of the working time for administra-
tive tasks, and thus around 20 per cent of the
“THE COMPLETE PROCESS costs. Experience proves that small companies
FROM A TO Z” can keep their administration lean enough so
that one back-office worker can implement all
the process steps without any problems.
In contrast to already available solutions, which
cover only part of the process, the SoniQ solu- “With large companies, the lack of specialised
tion has the entire process in view. On the basis personnel is particularly apparent,” explains
of building data and performance specifications, Andernach. “When I’m desperately looking for
a building manager can assign employees via a PC building managers, I’m glad if I can save the
or an app – taking into account hours already working time of up to three building managers
worked, qualifications, availability on site, illness through the use of software. Not because I want
or holidays. to cut back on staff, but because I can’t find
them.”
The cleaner can be navigated to the assigned
work location, log in and out at the start and end
of work, and accept new assignments by app. “WHEN A SMILEY SHOWS
The photographic documentation of completed APPRECIATION …”
jobs increases transparency for the customer.
“That’s a competitive advantage because activity
that the customer can follow increases customer Were you satisfied with the level of cleanliness?
satisfaction,” says Andernach. “At the same time, Building users are increasingly confronted with
our solution is so intuitive and simple to use this question, for example, when they leave
that no training is necessary.” sanitary facilities. Meanwhile, the operation of unnecessary contact with surfaces – and they better. This is exactly where SoniQ is going,
such systems is contact-free in order to avoid make an additional contribution to visualising the explains Philipp Andernach: “Our objective is ulti-
result of cleaning. “Of course, it’s always about mately to make all digital offerings available
working efficiently and making a company eco- for building service providers and other users via
nomically fit,” sums up Andernach. “But the the [SQ] ONE platform.” When a user-friendly,
transparency that is now possible through digi- multilingual interface can provide access to cross-
WHO IS WHO: talisation also achieves something else entirely. manufacturer fleet management, to the control
PHILIPP ANDERNACH A simple smiley helps to make the appreciation of needs-oriented cleaning, to the recording of
of cleaning services visible and to encourage it.” building user satisfaction and to the digital con-
trol of all business processes – then everything
Philipp Andernach is managing director
of SoniQ Services GmbH. The manager is digital, except the cleaning itself. Welcome to
and tech entrepreneur has extensive “IN THE END, EVERYTHING WILL the future. ▪
experience in the area of mobile and BE DIGITAL – ALMOST”
cloud services and has built up various More information about this topic
technology start-ups. He has worked can be found online at:
for Home24 SE, Rocket Internet SE www.kaercher.com/difference
and Axel Springer SE, amongst other Even in a world characterised by physical work
places. Andernach studied business and hands-on activity, digital tools bring progress
management, law and political sciences if they are used correctly. The fewer different
in London, Berlin, Paris and Munich
systems have to be combined with each other,
and has an M. Sc. in business manage-
ment / market economics from ESCP Philipp Andernach,
and the more strictly a solution is applied, the
Europe. Managing Director of
SoniQ Services GmbHIntuitive operation, easy han- 28
dling, compact stowability –
clever product design makes 29
the advantages of a product
visible and tangible.
01 | 2021
Never losing sight of the user experience
Design Option 1
DESIGN MAKES
difference
THE DIFFERENCE
When it comes to the exact definition of “design”, opinions
often vary greatly. However, one thing is clear: it involves
much more than aesthetic aspects. Instead, successful
product design is based on clear rules that have been devel-
Design Option 2 oped continuously at Kärcher over the years.
C
lever design breaks through traditional FOCUS ON ADDED VALUE
ways of thinking and questions human
habits. It creates new products that are not Linking the three aspects of functionality, user
only better than their predecessor models friendliness and aesthetics in order to create a
but also take sustainability aspects into account unique brand experience with a “WOW effect” has
and turn overall product handling into a positive always been firmly anchored in the Kärcher design
experience. This starts with the unboxing, con- DNA – across all product groups. As a result, the
Powerful, rectilinear, refreshing – our
industrial designers are always guided
tinues when using the product and ends when design teams focus not only on user-friendly design
by these Kärcher brand values when storing it away. but also on all downstream processes such as the
they are designing new products such
as the K Mini pressure washer.
product manufacturing technologies. The overall
As soon as design relates to consumer or capital target is to generate added value. This is also sub-
goods, it is referred to as “industrial design”. Like ject to social developments and megatrends such
all industries, industrial design is also subject to as digitalisation, sustainability, robotics or urbani-
changing times, and the fulfilment of customer sation. This means that people make increasingly
requirements plays an even more central role. higher demands of goods and examine products
The two industrial design directors, Michael Meyer very critically before they make a decision to buy.
(Home & Garden) and Denis Dammköhler (Pro-
fessional), explain how Kärcher manages to offer Often it is emotions that trigger the first impulse as
worldwide users more and more solutions for to whether or not to buy a product, because a prod-
all types of cleaning tasks. “At the moment we are uct should also bring the user enjoyment. That’s
working very hard on delivering a repeatable, why the Kärcher designers take a closer look at
positive ‘Kärcher experience’ to our customers,” the everyday lives of customers. “In my opinion,
explains Michael Meyer. “For this, we developed the product design process in the future will be
what is known as a corporate user journey. It aims increasingly tied to the goal of designing experi-
to make using our products a great experience – ences for the customer and not “just” products.
at all points of contact that the user has with the
product.”
Michael Meyer,
Director Industrial Design
Home & Garden ProductsDesigned based on cus- 30
tomer needs: the Kärcher
municipal machines 31
impress with intuitive
OUR DEVICES A GOOD DESIGN operation, improved
spatial awareness and
SHOULD DO A GOOD ALWAYS INVOLVES
even greater safety.
01 | 2021
JOB AND AT THE FORWARD PLAN-
SAME TIME BRING NING BASED ON
OUR CUSTOMERS SENSE AND LOGIC.
difference
JOY. DENIS DAMMKÖHLER
MICHAEL MEYER
Because technically perfect products and services This is why the designers also develop user and
have long been considered a matter of course. stakeholder journeys in the Professional area
Therefore, the individual “journey” of the customer which emerge from direct cooperation with prod-
with our products will be crucial for the long-term uct users. This means that the customer brand
success of the Kärcher brand. Our products can experience can be further optimised. One example
also be understood as an emotional commitment is the Kärcher platform D municipal equipment,
that we give our customers,” adds Michael Meyer. comprising different modules for year-round
municipal use – from sweeping to snow removal.
Therefore, customer needs and a positive user Feedback from customers focussed on easy han-
experience are also the focus of the design strategy dling, improved spatial awareness and even greater
in the Professional area. Denis Dammköhler has safety. With the market-oriented optimisation of
been with Kärcher for 22 years and has witnessed the MIC and MC module structures, Kärcher is
at first-hand how the perception and importance pursuing machine concepts that are designed for
of design have changed over time: “Nowadays it is individually adaptable configurations.
no longer primarily about appearance and func-
tionality, but also always about the communica- For example, fatigue-free work is possible through
tion of values and corporate culture.” For Denis intuitive operation using a joystick and a large
Dammköhler, design is of course much more than interface graphics display. Thanks to the network-
mere visual appearance. “A smart, thought-through ing of individual operating elements through to
product design always involves forward planning programme systems, the number of switches in the
based on sense and logic,” something that becomes cab could also be reduced considerably. The for-
especially noticeable with digitalisation, which is ward-inclined windscreen enables better spatial
increasingly taken into consideration in product awareness, and the new airflow system allows opti- A working environment that
design. Over the years, processes have increas- mal working conditions in warm and cold weather. is adapted to customer expec-
tations and efficient work
ingly shifted to the virtual world – this means that The driver benefits from a more pleasant interior processes plays a key role in
work methods have become faster and more climate and has a clear view at all times. Kärcher product design.
flexible, which opens up completely new design
possibilities. It becomes clear that functional product design
not only considers aesthetic aspects but is also
a conscious decision based on clear design rules
PRODUCTS THAT PROMISE PERFOR- and closely oriented to customer needs. The
MANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY future of the Kärcher brand will therefore always
also be closely linked to the design of products
Another key aspect in product design is the work- and product experiences. ▪
ing environment. Denis Dammköhler explains:
“Because a professional user works several hours More information about this topic:
www.kaercher.com/difference
every day with our cleaning machines, our
machines must create the best possible working
conditions. This also relates to the health of the
user and intuitive handling of the machines.”
Denis Dammköhler,
Director Industrial Design
ProfessionalVISIT TO THE
32
33
VILLAGE OF HOPE
01 | 2021
Ever since the set-up of
difference
the green filter facility,
After a long and difficult past, the small Colombian village only treated waste water
is directed into the
of Bocas del Carare now finds itself on its own unique path Magdalena River – the
lifeline of the region.
to the future – green, modern and in harmony with nature.
A
lfredo Palacios starts his job conflicts nationwide. At the time, para- shops, the local restaurant and the
at six o’clock every morning. military groups terrorised the area two hotels flowed into the river unfil-
He was previously a fisher- and used violence to force the inhab- tered. As a result, the water was very
man. Now the 47-year-old is itants from the village. “But now, contaminated and many fishermen in
responsible for the maintenance of the thank God, things are very quiet,” says the village were left without a liveli-
green filter facility in his home village Alfredo, who at the time also had to hood because the fish were inedible.
of Bocas del Carare. “My work makes drop everything and flee from the vil-
me feel good. And when you do a job lage, but returned again later. Clean water thanks to the
that you like, then you always do it power of plants
with love.” The green filter facility cleans the In 2016, the non-governmental organi-
village waste water before it is directed sation Fundación Humedales in Bogotá
For Alfredo, the filter facility symbol- into Colombia’s longest river, the joined forces with the Global Nature
ises the transformation that Bocas del 1,528-kilometre-long Magdalena Fund to tackle the problem. With finan-
Carare has undergone. “This village River. The isolated fishing village is in cial support from Kärcher, the German
has changed considerably,” sums up the north-east of the country in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooper-
the father of five children. Civil wars Santander district and is only one of ation and Development (BMZ) and
have been rife in Colombia for many five places in the country to have such the Swiss company Sika, they installed
decades. Particularly in the 1980s and a facility. Before the system was a remarkably simple system to help
1990s, there were numerous violent installed, the dirty water from houses, Bocas del Carare.THE GREEN FILTER IMPRINT
FACILITY HAS
IMPROVED OUR
QUALITY OF LIFE Publisher KÄRCHER is the world’s leading
SIGNIFICANTLY. Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Bernd Rützler, Executive Vice President
provider of cleaning technol-
ogy. With high- and ultra high-
ALFREDO PALACIOS Corporate Marketing & Brand Management
Alfred-Kärcher-Str. 28–40 pressure cleaners, vacuum and steam
D-71364 Winnenden, Germany cleaners, vacuum sweepers and scrub-
T +49 (0) 7195 14-0 ber dryers, vehicle wash systems,
F +49 (0) 7195 14-2212 detergents and cleaning agents, dry ice
www.kaercher.com
blasters, drinking and waste water
Design, editing, creative direction treatment plants, water dispensers,
Vera Umbrecht, David Wickel-Bajak pumps and watering systems for home
Sabrina Fackler and garden, Kärcher offers a range
Art direction
of innovative solutions. These include
Britta Raab/Studio Somo compatible products and accessories,
along with advice, service and numer-
Authors ous digital applications. In 2020,
Silvia Kling
Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG achieved
Alexandra Lachner
Sabrina Fackler a turnover of 2.721 billion euros, the
The majority of the village Mathew di Salvo highest in its history. The family-run
inhabitants make a living
from fishing. The green filter company employs 13,500 staff in more
Photographs
facility has improved the than 130 companies in 73 countries.
water quality significantly, Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
which in turn has had a pos- David Franck Over 50,000 service outlets provide
itive impact on the health comprehensive service for customers
Luis Cano
of the fish.
all over the world. Innovation is the
Illustrations
most important growth factor for the
Julian Rentzsch
Irene Sackmann/carolineseidler.com company, and it has been a pillar of
Claudia Meitert/ carolineseidler.com our corporate culture since our found-
ing in 1935: around 90 per cent of all
Sources
products are five years old or younger.
https://www.flughafen-management.de/
weltweit-flughaefen/jfk
A total of more than 1,000 employees
work in research and development at
Sustainability at Kärcher the cleaning device manufacturer.
kaercher.com/CSR
Instead of using chemicals, the solar- New habitat for flora and fauna local fauna and flora.” Alfredo wants
powered, 1,600-square-metre facility When the water goes back into the even more visitors. “The green filter
uses plants to treat the waste water – natural cycle, it is 95 % clean. “The facility has improved our quality of life
with a very simple operating principle: local animal world also benefits from significantly. We can now look to the
the community channels its waste the filter system,” explains Alfredo. future full of hope.” ▪
water to the pretreatment area of the “There are now many different birds
green filter facility. Firstly, coarse and insects at the green filter facility More information about the topic
of green filter facilities can be found here:
components are filtered out and the who were not there previously.” In www.kaercher.com/difference
flow rate is reduced. Oils and fats are the late summer of 2019, a small cay-
also separated out in the first stage. man even made himself at home in
The water then ends up in open chan- the shallow water of the green filter
nels filled with water hyacinths. In facility. The local residents hope that
the shallow and narrow channels, the more animal species will follow and
water flows around the plants’ root develop their own ecosystem around
systems and is cleaned by the inter- the green filter, which also offers
action of microorganisms and roots. highly endangered species a new home.
Water samples can be taken from an “Zoologists regularly come to the vil-
inspection tank to test the quality. lage now. Even students from France
The water flows back into the Magda- and Spain were here to research the
lena River.www.kaercher.com amc / Po · 03/ 2021 · Order No. 0.030-404.0 · Subject to technical modifications.
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