'EditionConn@ct' for washing machines and dishwashers: Automatic reminders and mobile ordering for detergent 1

With its new EditionConn@ct washing machine, Miele is presenting the world's first networked dispensing system at the IFA trade show. When detergent is almost used up, the machine automatically sends a message to a mobile device. Re-ordering detergent is never more than three clicks away. Also on show in Berlin: a similar pilot project for dishwashers.

For more than 10 years, Miele has repeatedly reasserted and consolidated its leading position in networking domestic appliances. At the same time, only Miele offers an integrated two-phase automatic dispensing system on its washing machine together with the specially formulated matching detergents UltraPhase 1 and 2. EditionConn@ct now combines the two. In doing so, Miele is for the first time linking its washing machines to the Internet.

When detergent levels get low, the machine automatically sends a message to the user's mobile device. This offers the opportunity to reorder immediately. Only three clicks are required and the entire process - from reading the message to submitting the order - takes no more than one minute. Delivery is expedited within a matter of days. 'Never before has buying detergent been as simple and convenient for consumers', says Gernot Trettenbrein, director of Miele's Domestic Appliances International business unit.

The connection of the WMH 721 WPS EditionConn@ct with the home's own router is via a standard WLAN module, obviating the need for additional hardware. All that is needed is the new Miele EditionConn@ct app, available free-of-charge for iOS and Android. Opening the message (push notification) routes straight through to the shop where the detergent needed is displayed. The electronic controls on the washing machine detect the level of product in the cartridges and automatically issue a message when needed.

The new TwinDos system for the automatic dispensing of liquid detergent in two phases was first introduced by Miele two years ago on its W1 generation of washing machines. The specially formulated UltraPhase 1 detergent combats grease and protein soils. UltraPhase 2, on the other hand, removes even stubborn stains and ensures that whites come out of the wash brilliantly white. Furthermore, automatic dispensing saves up to 30% on detergent, according to scientific studies.

EditionConn@ct also for dishwashers

A similar automatic messaging and ordering system via the Miele@mobile app is also planned for dishwashers. This puts dishwashers in a position to directly connect to a wireless LAN network. Users are informed when salt, rinse aid or dishwasher tabs need replenishing.

In the case of tablets, the machine calculates consumption on the basis of one tablet per cycle. Reminders for rinse aid and salt are via the integrated level-fill indicator which dishwashers already feature.

'With mobile ordering, we are doing justice to the changing needs of consumers, who are increasingly purchasing their general supplies and consumables online', explains Miele manager Gernot Trettenbrein. The EditionConn@ct washing machine will be launched in early 2016 as part of a pilot project involving some 2000 units; full-scale marketing of dishwashers with this feature will commence in April.

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Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has 8 production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2014/15 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.49 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for around 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. The Miele company, now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of around 17,740, 10,350 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.