The shift toward remote work has transformed expectations across industries. What was once considered a privilege has become a standard component of modern employment. Even in traditionally location-bound sectors like industrial laundry, this shift is creating new demands on technology and operations.
Rob Helsen (Chief Product Officer) emphasizes that enabling remote work is no longer just a convenience. It is increasingly tied to employee wellbeing, operational flexibility, and even environmental impact.
“If people don’t need to travel to the office, you reduce both stress and emissions.”
A decade ago, remote work was rare and often questioned. Today, it is widely accepted and, in many cases, expected. Organizations are adapting policies to support hybrid working models, balancing office presence with remote flexibility.
This shift places new requirements on enterprise software. Systems that were designed for on-site use are no longer sufficient. Employees expect secure, reliable access from anywhere.
Many legacy platforms in the laundry industry were built for local deployment. They require users to be physically present at a specific location or network.
Rob points out that this creates unnecessary constraints, particularly for back-office functions such as:
“If your system only works on-site, you force people to travel even when it’s not necessary.”
This not only limits flexibility but also increases commuting, costs, and environmental impact.
Modern platforms are evolving to address these challenges. Cloud-based architectures and secure authentication systems enable users to access applications remotely without compromising data integrity.
Key considerations include:
Rob highlights the importance of ensuring that users always access the correct environment, especially in multi-customer systems.
The benefits of remote-enabled systems extend beyond convenience. They contribute to broader social and environmental outcomes:
“Technology can directly support social responsibility, even if that’s not always immediately visible.”
This positions digital accessibility as a meaningful component of corporate responsibility.
ABS is transitioning toward more accessible, cloud-based solutions that allow users to work from any location. By modernizing its platform, the company aims to support both operational efficiency and evolving workforce expectations.
This shift reflects a broader commitment to aligning technology with real-world needs.
Remote work is no longer a temporary trend. It is a structural change that will continue to shape how organizations operate.
For the laundry industry, embracing this shift requires rethinking how software is designed and delivered. Systems must support flexibility without compromising security or performance.
In the long term, enabling remote work is not just about convenience. It is about creating more sustainable, resilient, and human-centered operations.
And that's just the beginning!
Get in touch to discover all of our products and services
Sign-up to our mailing list to receive newsletters, updates and promotions from ABS and Vitec Software Group member companies.
