The broad direction of developments in laundry production—like much else in today’s economy— is shifting to a greater reliance on automated systems. That trend is coupled with a reliance on a “pull” rather than “push” approach to production scheduling that emphasizes improved efficiency and reduced waste.

“The impact of automation on production in sorting and finishing is poised to be transformational for our operation,” says Andrew Thornbury, COO of Miller’s Textile Services, Wapakoneta, OH. “Over the next 1–3 years, we anticipate significant advances—many driven by RFID technology—that will include automated soil and clean product sorting, mat rolling, conveyance, warehouse storage ...