Home › blog › 2025 › September › 13th › data is power data is king
Data is power, data is king!
13th of September 2025 Article by Lynn Webster
Lynn Webster in the UK on just how important data is in our industry, and how vulnerable firms can be.
Our world is becoming increasingly dependent on digital technology dominated by access to AI and technology. This was one of the topics raised at a recent Cleaning & Support Services Association (CSSA) ‘Question Time’ event. The question posed related to the application of robotic and autonomous cleaning with thoughts on the use of the data they generate, followed by discussion on the value of this to both clients and business continuous improvement.
There is the ever-increasing challenge of providing significant data to our clients and for our own benefit. Delivery of data is now required from the next generation of clients. What is this data and what is its value?
Data will monitor effective cleaning performance - duration of time spent cleaning, area coverage and cleaning schedules - along with performance management for controlling consumables, improved cleaning processes and information from sensors and cameras.
Benefits include analytics for adjusting cleaning routines and improving overall efficiency. The sharing of data across various platforms ensures consistent cleaning and providing stakeholders with information. The opportunity to monetise such information is becoming the norm. Essentially, data is power, data is king!
Significant data is produced and with this increasing sensitivity of content. It could be the mapping of building layouts for robotic route planning with cloud-based data capture; recording footfall (how many people use a washroom per hour monitors paper usage and indicates the activity on site); or tender documents full of confidential information. So, the question is what we do with it? And how safe is it?
These questions raise the safety aspects of data security and as such vulnerability to a cyber attack. Any data, particularly relating to our clients, is potentially valuable and beneficial to others. Cyber attacks pose a significant threat to the cleaning industry, with some leading companies experiencing seriously disruptive incidents. Attacks can lead to operational disruptions, financial losses and supply chain issues.
Cyber incidents are all too common as in recent months with the attack experienced by UK (and international) retailer, M&S. This serious situation unnerved shoppers, staff and of course their shareholders. Estimated costs are reported to be up to £300 million with a fall in their share price of 8.8 per cent - along with the immeasurable impact on its reputation. CEO Stuart Machin comments include: “I have learned everyone is vulnerable. The hackers only need to be lucky once.”
Everyone vulnerable
Many businesses have the necessary software to mitigate attacks and use secure cloud-based platforms. They can encrypt sensitive data and reduce access by having limited authority, restrictive permissions and regularly updated passwords. The extent of hybrid and remote working also draws attention to the need for securing remote work environments.
Susceptibility to cyber breaches excludes no business. The cleaning industry works across a multitude of industries: manufacturing, energy and utilities, commercial and professional organisations, healthcare and financial institutions. Clients’ personal data, business financials and your business reputation are at stake. A single breach can have ripple effects on business operations, client trust and your bottom line.
Staying on top of data capture, usage and security is essential so your business doesn’t become the weak link in the chain. It protects both you and your customers. Hackers go after easy targets – make sure your company isn’t one of them by securing your cleaning business today!
RSS