Laundry care: Automatic messages and mobile ordering with EditionConn@ct

A short bleep and a message appears on your smartphone: 'UltraPhase 1 almost empty. Re-order?' If this is what you want, ordering detergent is only three clicks away. The EditionConn@ct washing machine with the world's first networked dispensing system is to be presented at IFA 2015 by the Gütersloh-based family-owned company.

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 also for the first time linking its washing machines directly 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 re-order 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. If the network function is not active, the pending shortage is brought to the user's attention in the washing machine display. Detergent can then be ordered via the Miele Shop or from selected specialist retailers.

The 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 spotlessly white, unlike with conventional liquid detergents. The combination of TwinDos and UltraPhase 1 and 2 guarantees first-class wash results. And, on top of all that, automatic dispensing saves up to 30% detergent, as confirmed by an independent report by the renowned Öko-Institut in Freiburg. Naturally, all washing machines from Miele also feature the traditional detergent dispenser drawer.

'With mobile ordering, we are doing justice to the changing needs of consumers who are increasingly purchasing their general supplies and consumables online', says Miele manager Gernot Trettenbrein. The EditionConn@ct washing machine is due to be launched at the end of 2015 as part of a pilot project. Further product groups such as dishwashers will follow later.

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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. 2013/14 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.22 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 17,660, 10,411 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.