Irish laundry in the frame

In recent times, the linen rental market has recognised that better identification and control of its stock is the key to cost savings, improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies.

The Frames counting system, which was built, supplied and installed by Micross Laundry Systems at National Linen’s new Dublin site that opened in May, is providing information on stock coming into the laundry from National Linen’s customers.

The Frames system incorporates eight counting frames. These use infra-red light to count and record up to four items per second and highlight items that should not be present.

The Frames system is linked to a dedicated PC-based software package, which in this latest version has been extended by the addition of a module to monitor stock, create dispatch notes and invoices and exchange data with financial software packages.

The system produces dispatch notes for delivery back to the customer and provides the laundry with an up-to-date stock record of what is on the customer’s premises. A direct line to SAGE accountancy software allows management accountants to identify areas where efficiency can be improved.

The system also allows the accounts department to generate invoices based on individual customer’s specific services and the companies pricing structure.

Upgraded system

“We have developed this upgraded system in response to a number of enquiries from our customers,” commented Doug Field, sales and marketing director of Micross Laundry Systems. “The operational system at National Linen was part of a contract to supply a complete counting and sorting system including conveyors,” he says.

Mr Desmond, managing director of National Linen, who took charge of the system last month, said: “We are dedicated to providing our customers with a first class service. The Frames system has linked accountancy and control of stock ensuring we have the information we need to deliver this level of service.

“We are also impressed by the flexibility and ease the system offers in changing between different categories and colours of work. We are able to progress the full range of hotel and restaurant work using Frames.”

Since its installation Micross Laundry Systems is reporting significant interest in the new module which it says meets the needs of small and medium sized laundries.