Commercial Restroom Reflections: Smart Systems Mean Smarter Insights

As touch-free, sensor-operated fixtures become standard practice in commercial restrooms, reliability and advanced functionality are of utmost importance. Enter Sloan’s SC Argus® Pro – a cloud-based smart restroom solution that gives facility teams instant visibility into water usage, device health, hygiene metrics, and more.

To learn more about Sloan’s SC Argus Pro and additional Internet of Things (IoT) offerings, we sat down with Lynn Walldorf, Sloan’s Senior Product Manager – IoT, PWT & Parts.

What sets Sloan’s SC Argus Pro platform apart from other IoT solutions in the commercial restroom space?
SC Argus Pro stands apart because it was designed for the real-world needs of facility teams. Many IoT systems simply provide data, but SC Argus Pro focuses on delivering insights that help operators take action quickly. For example, the Lack of Activity report can flag a fixture or stall with no recent use, which may indicate a broken stall door or a maintenance issue that needs attention. The Line Flush report provides facilities with documented flushing for hygiene or compliance purposes, and the Water Bottles Saved report supports sustainability programs by quantifying user behavior at bottle fillers. These are the kinds of reports that matter in day-to-day operations. SC Argus Pro combines practical information with an intuitive dashboard, allowing teams to maintain reliable, efficient restrooms across any size facility.

How does the SC Argus Pro enable remote monitoring and management of restroom fixtures, and what measurable advantages does this deliver to facility managers?
With SC Argus Pro, facility teams can monitor the health and performance of faucets, flushometers, and bottle fillers from anywhere via a cloud-based portal. The system provides real-time status on data such as low batteries, offline fixtures, and water usage, alerting issues that previously were often discovered after a customer complaint. That visibility allows maintenance teams to better anticipate upcoming issues, which saves labor hours and improves the user experience. Facilities using SC Argus Pro reduce response times and disruptions while improving fixture reliability across large campuses and multi-building facilities.

Can you explain how IoT advancements, such as customizable reporting and historical data access, are improving preventative maintenance and reducing unplanned downtime?
Customizable reporting in SC Argus Pro gives facility teams the ability to view their data in ways that match how they actually operate. The platform includes 16 different report types, such as Water Usage, Battery Levels, Usage by Device or Location, Lack of Activity, and Line Flush Reporting. Each report offers flexible filters like location, device type, time frame, or battery percentage, which allows teams to focus on exactly the information they need. SC Argus Pro also offers customizable alerts that can be delivered by SMS or email, so users receive notifications in the format that fits their workflow. As facility needs evolve, these reports and alerts can be adjusted just as easily. This level of flexibility supports smarter preventative maintenance by helping teams identify emerging issues early, track performance over time, and reduce unexpected downtime across their restrooms.

Could you discuss some challenges that businesses might face when adopting IoT technology in their restroom facilities?
The biggest challenge is not the technology itself but the transition to new processes. Many facilities have relied on manual checks or scheduled maintenance cycles for years, so moving to a connected, data-driven approach requires new workflows and sometimes new skills. Network setup, IT coordination, and data integration can also raise questions early in the process. That is why it is important to choose an IoT partner with proven experience and strong customer support. At Sloan, we help customers every step of the way, from set-up and training to ongoing optimization. Once teams become familiar with the intuitive SC Argus Pro portal, they usually find that the system is easy to navigate and quickly becomes a natural part of their maintenance routine.

What impact has IoT-enabled data tracking had on optimizing water usage and supporting sustainability initiatives in large commercial restrooms?
IoT-enabled tracking gives facility managers the data they need to make water-saving decisions confidently. SC Argus Pro identifies trends in fixture usage and peak demand times, allowing quick intervention before waste occurs. These insights help facilities set realistic water reduction goals and track progress over time. In addition, SC Argus Pro provides data about specific event timeframes, sub-metering usage for LEED points, and reclaimed water usage for rebates. In short, IoT turns sustainability from an aspiration into a trackable, achievable objective.

In what ways is IoT technology, including remote operation during low-use periods, addressing the current workforce shortages in facility maintenance?
Staffing shortages have made it harder for maintenance teams to keep up with growing workloads. IoT solutions such as SC Argus Pro help bridge that gap by automating monitoring and providing instant visibility into fixture status. During low-use periods, facilities can remotely activate flush cycles or program scheduled flushes to ensure hygiene and performance without sending someone on site. These remote flush cycles also help remove stagnant water from the lines and reduce the potential buildup of harmful bacteria, which supports overall water quality.

Can you share specific examples of how facilities are using user activation and traffic pattern data to inform restroom design, renovations, or resource planning?
Facilities are starting to use SC Argus Pro data in new and creative ways. For example, a baseball stadium in Las Vegas is using it to monitor the status of restroom fixtures across the entire facility, schedule automated line flushes to maintain water quality by clearing stagnant water and troubleshoot issues remotely before they impact guests. By analyzing activation counts and traffic patterns, managers can see which restrooms experience the heaviest use and adjust cleaning schedules or staffing accordingly. Some customers are using this data when planning renovations, ensuring that fixture layouts and equipment types match real user behavior. These insights lead to smarter design decisions and better resource allocation, ultimately improving both efficiency and user experience.

What future IoT-driven innovations are Sloan developing to further advance restroom management, hygiene monitoring, and sustainability for facility owners?
We are continually exploring new ways to make connected restroom management more intelligent and seamless. Much of the added functionality we included within SC Argus Pro, as well as our plans for expanded connectivity, comes directly from voice-of-customer insights and a deep understanding of what maintenance teams need to manage restrooms effectively. Our focus remains on giving facility staff the tools and data that help them maintain restrooms that are cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable. IoT technology continues to evolve rapidly, and Sloan’s goal is to stay ahead of that curve by transforming the commercial restroom into a smarter and more responsive environment.