We've featured Cleany.cz and the solution we've developed for them in previous magazine issues. This time, we spoke with Hanus Zvolsky, founder and managing director of Cleany.cz. He explains why automation is the future for services like laundry.
From Couriers to Absolute Freedom
Mr. Zvolský, when did the idea for self-service laundry lockers come about?
"The idea developed over quite some time. We observed the boom in parcel lockers for e-commerce and realised many customers in our industry don't want to wait at home for a courier. We aimed to offer maximum flexibility: drop off and pick up laundry around the clock, regardless of opening hours. Integrating our software with the ALFA-3 lockers was the logical next step."
How crucial are automation and digitisation for the future of laundry services?
"Absolutely essential. Traditional dry cleaners deliver excellent hand craftsmanship, but they often fall short on customer experience. Modern customers want to handle everything via app, track their order status, and save time. Digitisation allows us to modernise this traditional sector, scale efficiently, and give people back their most valuable resource: time."
Location is everything
Cleany-Box lockers are positioned at prime locations in Prague: Eden in the west, Harfa north by the airport, Hadovka Office Park in Smichov, OC Luziny in the south, and Europark Sterboholy in the east. Is the 'on the go' concept key for customers?
"It's the core of our system. Most people don't want to make a special trip to the dry cleaner. They prefer sorting it on the way to work, during weekend shopping, or heading to the gym. Our lockers make that possible and remove the biggest barrier: planning an extra trip to the cleaners."
.jpg "Even clean clothes can be picked up contactlessly")
.jpg "Our locally-made Cleany box eliminates the need to stop by the dry cleaner's on your way to work")
Do your figures confirm the lockers attract new customer groups?
"Definitely. Our data shows many drop-offs happen outside standard hours, early mornings, late evenings, or weekends. We often hear from managers and parents with young children, for whom getting to a cleaner was previously a logistical challenge. We're reaching customers who would likely never visit a traditional shop. The user experience must be completely straightforward, otherwise they won't return. Support requests about the lockers are minimal."
Techmakes the Difference How do you rate the usability of the lockers? Do customers understand the process right away?
"The access code system is familiar from parcel services. Combined with clear instructions on the display or via SMS, it's intuitive. Simplicity is key to bringing customers back."
Connecting online software to physical hardware is no small task. How did the integration with the ALFA-3 lockers go?
"Linking a digital system in real-time with a physical lock is technically demanding. It required extensive fine-tuning from our IT team and your technicians. The result is a stable, reliable system in continuous operation."
Are expansions beyond Prague and Brno planned?
"Network expansion is a top priority, particularly in Prague where negotiations are underway. Other cities are under consideration, but I'm not revealing concrete plans yet."
What would you highlight about ALFA 3 as a technology partner?
"The hardware's durability is critical for 24/7 public use. Additionally, as a local Czech manufacturer, you simplify logistics and service significantly."