OCS partners with Morrisons to introduce cobotic cleaning solutions

OCS in partnership with Morrisons will introduce innovative cobotic cleaning technology across the supermarket chain’s logistics sites.

Building on an eight-year relationship, OCS services Morrisons stores, all eight logistics sites, and two manufacturing sites.

OCS sought to advance its relationship with Morrisons by introducing resource management and colleague augmentation technology into its contract. Working with a leading provider of cleaning technology and through thorough internal H&S vetting, OCS and Morrisons decided to introduce cobotic cleaning machines onto the logistics sites. The machines were chosen due to their robustness and software capabilities, creating the opportunity to tap into an Internet of Things system for more rounded and sophisticated technology provisions with their services.

The process has been rigorous in maintaining and enhancing health and safety procedures at the logistics sites, aligning further with OCS’s best safety practices for its customers. Initial manned mapping sessions with the machines were conducted before they were released to operate automatically, this ensured that the machines could safely navigate the terrain when operating unmanned. OCS team members also participated in a safety training program with the manufacturers and in partnership with Morrisons’ health and safety teams. Additionally, introducing the machines has improved the team’s knowledge and expertise in cleaning, upskilling them with plans for further training in the future. Once mapped, the machines can clean specific spaces and areas when not in use, allowing for deeper and more efficient cleaning.

With the implementation of the cobotic machines, the technology’s ability to map both scheduled and live use of areas has maximised cleaning time and efficiency. Productivity has increased to seven to eight hours of cleaning per day. The results of a recent ATP test at one site, which assesses surface cleanliness, show that the site’s cleaning efficiency has improved by about 30 per cent, creating a more hygienic space.

Andy Cawdron, Sector Managing Director for Food and Distribution, OCS UK said: “OCS is thrilled to collaborate with Morrisons to introduce cutting-edge cobotic cleaning technology across Morrisons’ logistics sites. By integrating Tennant’s T16 machines, chosen for their robustness and advanced software capabilities, we are enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety standards. We view this as an innovative step to revolutionising our ways of working within OCS and for our customers and we are delighted Morrisons have come on this journey with us.”

Julia Moorhouse, Procurement Manager, Morrisons added: “We are excited to partner with OCS to introduce innovative cobotic technology to our logistics sites. This collaboration not only enhances our cleaning efficiency and hygiene standards but also allows our onsite teams to focus on more critical tasks. This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive operational excellence and cost savings.”