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At The Clean Show in the USA, it became clear that the future of the industry has already begun – driven by intelligent technologies and new ways of working. We spoke with Mike Nelson, Engineering & Product Development at Dexter Laundry, about this development:
Industry 4.0 in the Laundry Sector: Efficiency through Connectivity
Digital laundry technology and Industry 4.0 solutions have become key drivers of innovation. Sensors, cloud-based controls and automated processes ensure greater precision and reduced energy consumption. Dexter Laundry, a long-established US manufacturer of professional laundry systems, is also increasingly relying on smart production solutions. According to Mike Nelson, modern systems enable better utilisation, improved transparency and, in the long term, more sustainable operations. This confirms a clear trend: automation is no longer limited to large industrial laundries – medium-sized businesses are also benefiting from connected machines and data-driven decision-making.
Changing Work Culture: Trust and Flexibility
Alongside technological progress, the organisation of work is also evolving. Nelson reports that remote work and flexible team structures have now become standard – even in technology-focused product development. A culture of trust is emerging as the foundation of successful digitalisation. Companies that empower their employees to take initiative can implement technological change more quickly and sustainably. This connection between people and machines shows that innovation in textile care does not arise from technology alone – but also from an open mindset and a willingness to embrace change.
Digital Payment Methods: From Coin Laundry to App-Based Solutions
Few areas illustrate digital transformation as clearly as payment in self-service laundries. Traditional coin-operated systems are increasingly being replaced by mobile payment solutions. Whether via smartphone, credit card or app – digital payment systems streamline processes, enable transparent accounting and enhance the customer experience. With solutions such as DexterPay, Dexter Laundry already offers platforms that combine payment, machine control and data analysis. Nelson sees this as the new standard: within five years, he predicts, mobile payment will be commonplace in textile care.
Outlook: Sustainable Digitalisation as a Future Model
The transformation in textile care is not purely technological – it is strategic. Automation creates efficiency, digitalisation opens up new business models, and sustainability becomes the guiding principle connecting them all. The key question remains how well technology, processes and people work together. Those who take a holistic approach to digitalisation – from the production line to the customer experience – are actively shaping the future of the industry.
