Sunway Pyramid is introducing Malaysia’s first Internet of Toilet (IoT) system that will see the mall advance from a conventional washroom system to a more efficient management system to deliver a more connected, seamless experience for both the users and supervisors alike.
This effort is part of Sunway Pyramid’s move towards transforming different aspects of the mall digitally, following its various digitalisation efforts before, and during the pandemic and its lockdowns. Previously, Sunway was the first in the Klang Valley to introduce its very own Sunway Smart Parking to encourage greater ticketless and cashless adoptions in its parking areas, as well as an integrated Customer Engagement Hub to address customer needs through various channels and to meet them wherever they may be.
In partnership with Singapore-based amenities experts Rigel Technology, the all-new smart toilet system will help optimise commercial toilet performance and efficiency within the building by utilising a centralised IoT system through data collection. This system by Rigel is the first of its kind in Malaysia, with its only other location being in Singapore to date.
With conventional toilet maintenance, supervisors are faced with challenges such as cleaning performance, faulty equipment and breakdowns that may not be effectively communicated to technicians that will lead to an unhygienic and unpleasant toilet experience for the user.
These are pain points that can be addressed with the IoT system that will bring about benefits in terms of customer experience, sustainability and cost savings. With sustainability at the core of its approach to business and the community, Sunway is constantly on the lookout for more innovative approaches such as these to create a better overall experience for the customer – thus, embarking on the deployment of this new technology that will debut in Sunway Pyramid this month.
Jason Chin, General Manager of Sunway Pyramid shares, “Sunway has always been an advocate of smart cities and sustainable townships. Our venture into the IoT system complements this concept that encompasses a holistic vision, going beyond just being environmentally friendly. Another aspect is in elevating experiences for our customers, which translates to providing excellent facilities and high-performance facility management. That’s what we aim to achieve with IoT.”
This IoT introduction will provide the mall’s management with an overview of the toilet’s function and performance through specialised sensors and monitors attached to toilet consumables such as soap, paper holders, paper towel dispensers and waste receptacles; main water fittings comprising taps, urinals lavatories and push valves, as well as environmental monitoring such as air quality, temperature humidity, people counter and interactive feedback panel. There are also ammonia sensors to timely detect ammonia and prevent foul smell in the washrooms.
All of this will be transmitted to a cloud server that can be accessed through a web platform and mobile smart app for easy management and tracking in just a matter of clicks. For instance, the management team will be able to have a bird’s eye view of washroom performance, water consumption and other valuable data that can lead them to detect any anomalies or faults that can be addressed immediately before the situation progresses to reduce downtime, lower cost and even reduce water consumption for a more sustainable output.
By going smart, Sunway Pyramid also aims to optimize its workforce for maximum productivity. Through the IoT mobile app for example, cleaners will be notified on cubicles that require urgent attention in terms of cleanliness and replenishing of specific materials, as well as receive work allocation instantly.
“We recognise the need to constantly innovate to meet the demands of our customers. From Sunway Smart Parking to Customer Engagement Hub and Sunway eMalls, our journey in digitalisation, innovation and technology has just begun,” Jason concludes.