For companies managing large-scale warewashing, the challenge lies in balancing operational demands with cost control and stringent hygiene standards. This was the case for a leading warewashing solutions provider in Singapore, which embarked on a transformational journey to revolutionize its operations using automation and AI technology.

Founded in 2015, this Singapore-based company has carved out a niche in the F&B industry by offering tailored warewashing management solutions, including off-site and on-site services, crockery rental, and stewarding.

Several key hurdles emerged as manual processes for pre-washing, sorting, and tracking wares had become increasingly labor-intensive, costly, and prone to errors.

• Labor-Intensive Operations: Manual pre-washing and sorting consumed significant time and manpower.

• High Costs: The reliance on manual labor escalated operational expenses.

• Tracking Inefficiencies: Managing and tracking wares manually resulted in frequent errors.

• Hygiene Concerns: Manual handling increased the risk of contamination.

• Excessive Water Usage: Multiple water changes daily added to costs and environmental impact.

A Game-Changing Solution: Automation and AI in Action

• Securing an Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) from Enterprise Singapore together with Real Inbound Consulting, the company initiated a series of automated solutions designed to optimize efficiency, cut costs, and elevate hygiene standards including:

• Automated Soaking and Sorting: Labor-intensive manual soaking and sorting were replaced with automated systems, freeing up staff for more strategic tasks.

• Advanced Dishwashing and Drying Equipment: State-of-the-art machines streamlined the cleaning process, ensuring thorough drying while reducing manual handling.

• AI-Powered Management Software: AI-driven tracking and process management software minimized human errors and significantly improved productivity.

• Water Recycling System: Integrating a water recycling system dramatically reduced daily water consumption, reinforcing sustainable practices.

Navigating the Challenges of Securing a Grant

Securing EDG involved addressing multiple rounds of inquiries to justify the project’s components and requirements, along with adapting to changes in scope during implementation. 

Expert oversight, and management ensured that all necessary documentation was complete and timely, leading to approval of over SGD 100,000 in funding (covering 70% of qualifying costs) that delivered the following results:

• Productivity Surge: Weekly productivity increased by more than 85%, saving over 800 staff hours per week.

• Cost Reduction: Estimated annual savings surpassed SGD 350,000, with a five-year productivity gain projected at nearly seven times the project cost.

• Improved Hygiene: Reducing manual handling significantly lowered the risk of contamination, elevating food safety standards.

• Water Conservation: The water recycling system led to substantial savings in water consumption, highlighting the commitment to sustainable practices.

• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Superior service quality and operational efficiency fostered stronger client relationships and higher satisfaction.

  
  

Expert Guidance Where It Matters

Securing grants is far from easy, but with over a decade of hands-on experience, we’ve guided more than a thousand companies to turn bold ideas into successful business outcomes – without the usual headaches.