The roll out of AutoClean will begin with the WMF 5000 S+ due to the machine’s popularity with the target markets that will benefit most from the new feature.
“The WMF 5000 S+ is very well established in high-end convenience, quick service restaurants, gas stations, and office spaces; segments where the Dynamic Milk system is also very popular,” Göltenboth says.
“The machine’s strong customer base will allow for the highest volume of first introductions to AutoClean that is possible.”
Despite adding new technology to the machines, WMF has not had to compromise on its compact designs. All components of AutoClean fit perfectly into the existing machine housing.
“We’ve been performing field tests since November [2020], to ensure the long-term sustainability of the system,” Göltenboth says.
“Feedback from own sales staff, distribution partners, and those customers that have had a sneak peek of the system, is that they are enthusiasts. They recognise that AutoClean can solve some of their operational problems. I’ve heard phrases like ‘game changer’ and ‘this is exactly what we’re waiting for’.”
While Göltenboth says customers may not have asked outright for a fully automatic cleaning system, WMF has “a fine grasp of the needs of its customers”. They wanted to reduce labour costs in off-operating hours, and while they were willing to properly maintain their equipment, it was difficult to organise.
“Customers think in terms of problems, not solutions – that is our job. So, we looked deeper into how we could automate more processes and reduce manual operations as much as possible,” Göltenboth says. “For example, gas stations often have high staff turnover or workers that have to multitask. AutoClean means there’s one less thing for them to do, while making it easier to train or instruct staff.
“In offices, it can even be hard to find someone who will take responsibility for the equipment. At the end of the day, everyone just wants to go home and may leave equipment as it is. Then, the next morning, they find the machine not ready to use and have to start with cleaning. It’s not just inconvenient, it’s a risk in term of hygiene and machine maintenance. Some offices even hire external staff or delegate the job to cleaners, which just adds to costs.”
When developing features like AutoClean, Göltenboth says the WMF engineering team starts with a clear understanding of the target. In this case, it was how the customer could finish the day without any manual cleaning interventions of the coffee and milks systems. Then, they think about how they can automise each and every step and make it a reality. This approach ties into WMF’s brand motto of Designed to Perform.
“Designed to Perform brings together the power of our best-in-class engineering, the aesthetic uniqueness of a timeless design, and the attention to details we put into everything we do. It’s a commitment and promise we make to our customers,” Göltenboth says.
“To our engineering team, Designed to Perform translates to ‘engineered to add value’. AutoClean is a perfect example of this. It adds value to our customers, who can move their focus from the equipment to serving their own customers, while improving the performance of the machine and keeping that alive.”
AutoClean joins a suite of new technologies from WMF designed to improve the operational performance of its machines.
The WMF Cup Sensor recognises the cup placed on the drip tray and moves the automatic spout to precisely the right distance above it. In self-service locations, the machine can even pre-select the correct recipe or beverage size.
Mobile payment solutions and touch-free solutions for operation – like WMF SmartRemote – make the machine easier for the customer to use and simpler for the operator to monitor.
“We haven’t hibernated during the pandemic and instead prepared fresh ideas, creating innovations that will aid the quick recovery of our customers,” Göltenboth says.
“To achieve fully automatic cleaning, we had to think a little bit outside of the box, and really not lose sight of our target. It was a challenge, but it’s one we took on and succeeded.”
For more information, visit www.wmf-coffeemachines.com
