Winter presents unique challenges for life sciences facilities, where compliance, cleanliness, and operational efficiency must always be maintained. Laboratories, cleanrooms, and production areas face risks such as HVAC strain, fluctuating air quality, and contamination threats that can delay operations. Nonetheless, winter’s impact doesn’t have to be a setback. With the right combination of structured cleaning protocols and cutting-edge automation, facility managers can ensure seamless operations even in the most challenging environments.
C&W Services knows firsthand how proactive facility management prevents costly delays and compliance issues. One of the most critical moments in this seasonal cycle occurs after year-end shutdowns when facilities must not only restart but also meet stringent cleanliness and regulatory requirements. Without the right processes, lingering dust from maintenance work or construction upgrades can lead to environmental monitoring (EM) hits, delaying production and putting compliance at risk.
Post-Shutdown Readiness: The Power of Phased Cleaning
For one C&W Services client—among the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies—restarting operations after a shutdown required a carefully orchestrated cleaning strategy. With 5.5 million square feet across four U.S. campuses, the sheer scale of operations made it impossible to complete the necessary cleaning in one day without overwhelming staff and compromising safety.
To tackle this enormous challenge, C&W Services implemented a phased 3X Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) cleaning process using Decon Spore, a specialized cleaning agent for life sciences environments. Instead of attempting a massive cleanup in just a day, C&W Services divided the process into three structured stages:
Step 1: Pre-cleaning dust removal eliminated airborne particulates before wet cleaning began, preventing cross-contamination.
Step 2: Three consecutive days of wet cleaning ensured every area met strict GMP standards while minimizing employee fatigue and reducing safety risks.
Step 3: Continuous improvement: lessons learned from past shutdowns were applied to refine cleaning protocols and optimize future processes.
Immediate and measurable results occurred: a significant reduction in EM hits, faster facility restart times, and improved compliance across cleanrooms and non-cleanrooms. Instead of a rushed, high-risk restart, the facility experienced a structured, low-risk return to full operations.
The Impact of Automation in Winter Facility Management
While structured cleaning protocols are necessary, winter requires efficiency-driven innovation. Facility managers must balance labor costs, compliance demands, and cleaning consistency while keeping operations running smoothly. That’s where autonomous cleaning technology can make a transformative impact.
C&W Services introduced the Avidbots Neo 2 autonomous scrubber at a Rochester life sciences facility to optimize large-scale cleaning operations. Unlike traditional scrubbers that require manual operation, the Neo 2 leverages real-time sensor learning, 24/7 monitoring, and advanced debris-diverting capabilities to navigate complex environments with minimal human intervention.
The benefits of automation extend beyond labor savings—they redefine how facilities maintain compliance and efficiency. Autonomous scrubbers at the Rochester facility delivered $8,000 in projected annual savings while improving GMP compliance.
At another major site—an international airport—a single Avidbot cleaned 2.4 million square feet over 42 days, achieving a productivity rate of 10,735 square feet per hour. These impressive results highlight how automation ensures a consistent, repeatable cleaning process, reducing human fatigue while maintaining cleanliness standards.
Beyond operational savings, real-time monitoring and troubleshooting provide another critical advantage. With the Avidbots Command Center, facility managers can track performance remotely, resolve issues in real time, and optimize cleaning operations with minimal intervention. Combined with a six-hour battery life and scalable deployment options, these scrubbers keep facilities in peak condition, even during high-demand winters. ​
For large-scale deployments, full ROI has been achieved within 14 months when running multiple machines across shifts.
Winter Readiness as a Competitive Advantage
A well-executed winter facility management strategy is about more than meeting compliance. It’s about enhancing operational resilience, reducing downtime, and driving long-term efficiency. By combining structured post-shutdown cleaning protocols with cutting-edge automation, life sciences facilities can proactively tackle winter’s challenges while maintaining the highest levels of cleanliness and compliance.
C&W Services remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering tailored solutions that help life sciences companies confidently navigate seasonal disruptions. By combining expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a proactive approach, we empower facilities to maintain peak performance year-round. In today’s evolving industry, a strategic facility management plan isn’t merely beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success.
