Enhancing Hospitality: The Economic and Operational Benefits of Robotic Cleaning Technology

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the use of automated cleaning solutions in the Original Sokos Hotel of the S-group hospitality industry and on the possible cost aspects and operations management implications. It evaluates the projected benefits to be accrued from investment in automation for human labor in cleaning jobs. From the break-even analysis, it is indicated that with a total investment of €20,000 in cleaning automation, the firm can be breakeven in a short period of time. A five-year net present value (NPV) also shows a positive prospect for the clean automation. Furthermore, according to this study, there is centrality in performance expectations throughout the organization, where employees will be able to devote more of their time to value-adding processes than otherwise, improving guest satisfaction. The study also assesses the sustainability implications of automation cleaning systems, especially on hygiene factors. In preparation for the integration to occur, it is expected the change is going to be well managed throughout the hotel since other facilities like staff training and organization-wide communication will also be made. This study reveals that there is a potential for hospitality organizations to get benefits from automation, as this may enhance the standard of service delivery and organizational performance as well as improve cost effectiveness, as one of the benefits of the study.

This thesis gives significant implications to hospitality organizations that are interested in adopting robotic cleaning services, highlighting the advantages of expense reduction and quality enhancement. The findings assert the use of automation technologies throughout the industry, pointing at the potential for future development of new efficiencies in other functional areas, including maintenance. Finally, this study clearly shows that hospitality industries can greatly benefit from automation, using it to increase the levels of service quality and efficiency while at the same time being a cost-efficient solution.