Kimberly-Clark Professional Aims to Make Your Restrooms as Smart as the Rest of Your Building

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Oct 19, 2016, 10:15 ET

ROSWELL, Ga., Oct. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Professional is harnessing the machine-to-machine connectivity of the Internet of Things to bring distribution sales professionals and their customers a smart restroom management system called Onvation Technology.

The system provides up-to-the-minute monitoring of restroom conditions from any device or location, 24 hours a day. It will be introduced at ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2016, October 25-28, via a 360° virtual reality experience.

"Buildings today are smarter than ever with sensors and software managing everything from lighting and security to HVAC systems and more," said Terry Sanchez, Marketing and Sales leader, Kimberly-Clark Professional, North America. "However, the restroom, which is one of the top three areas of tenant complaints, has been largely overlooked – until now."

The Onvation Difference

Onvation Technology is a patent-protected system that delivers real-time data and alerts so building managers can identify and fix restroom problems before they become complaints. It can help:

Cut costs and expenses
Reduce waste and boost sustainability
Optimize labor
Enhance tenant satisfaction

In addition to signaling whether dispensers are empty or full, Onvation Technology provides actionable data, analytics and insights that can help building managers better manage their businesses by gaining control of the restroom.

360° Virtual Reality Experience

ISSA/INTERCLEAN attendees will be able to experience Onvation Technology first-hand at the Kimberly-Clark Booth, 2849. "Through virtual reality goggles, a 360° video and a unique environment within the booth, they will be able to see exactly how this smart restroom management system works," Sanchez added.

Onvation Technology delivers and relays information through a web-based dashboard that's accessible 24/7.

Here's how it works:

Connected sensors are embedded into proprietary towel, tissue, soap dispensers and door counters.
Real-time data is sent to the cloud over a secure network.
Automatic text messages alert building managers to product and battery levels, usage, jams and overall traffic.
Remote confirmation is delivered when an issue has been resolved.

The system enables building managers to reallocate resources to enhance productivity. "Instead of treating all restrooms equally, managers can assign staff to the areas that actually need service," Sanchez said.

The system also can be used to make informed decisions about budgeting, planning and scheduling, so building managers can be proactive rather than reactive.

"Seventy-three percent of tenants say a bad restroom signals poor management," Sanchez added. "When you consider that the typical office worker visits the restroom three to four times a day, that's more than 1.1 million annual opportunities to impress or disappoint. With Onvation Technology, building managers can make sure their restrooms measure up to the rest of their properties."

To learn more about Onvation Technology and other Kimberly-Clark Professional offerings, click here or visit Booth 2849 at ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2016.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional
Kimberly-Clark Professional partners with businesses to create Exceptional Workplaces, helping to make them healthier, safer and more productive. Key brands in this segment include: Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech and Jackson Safety. Kimberly-Clark Professional, located in Roswell, Georgia, is one of three Kimberly-Clark business sectors. To see how Kimberly-Clark Professional is helping people around the world to work better, please visit www.kcprofessional.com.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust Kimberly-Clark's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in 80 countries. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the Company's 144-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Professional