For the past several years, cleaning supply manufacturers have embarked on ambitious R&D initiatives to develop restroom devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), according to an article from Sanitary Maintenance on the CleanLink website. 

IoT-equipped soap and paper dispensers use smart sensors to monitor service life and consumable usage levels. The information is boosted over cellular networks to the cloud, where it is then deployed to janitors in the form of an SMS alert, allowing janitors to view restocking and refilling needs in real-time. 

The data collected from the devices allows distributors and end users to track usage trends over time, monitor foot traffic and even calculate ROI. 

Now that the technology has been piloted, manufacturers are ramping up their efforts — and counting on distributors to help them commercialize their concepts in the field. 

Read the article.