Elevating Campus Experience at Dulwich College Suzhou

From concept to daily operation

The goal was to integrate advanced digital tools and tailored safety protocols to ensure operational efficiency, enhance environmental quality, and uphold the school’s commitment to a “global perspective” and student well-being. By leveraging technologies like IoT, AI, and digital twins, Aden aimed to create an “invisible protection” system that seamlessly supported daily campus life.

Diagnosing challenges, crafting vision

Aden’s team worked closely with Dulwich to gain a detailed understanding of the campus facilities and to identify opportunities where integrated facility management, centralized operations, and digital tools could drive improvements. This process highlighted several key areas of focus:

• Digitalized asset management: Applying predictive maintenance and digital monitoring to critical systems such as HVAC and air purification, ensuring maximum reliability and uninterrupted operation.
• Optimized workflows: Streamlining cleaning, maintenance, and security processes in an environment with heavy daily foot traffic, supported by the introduction of autonomous cleaning robots to reduce strain on staff.
• Clear communications: Building transparent channels to communicate service quality, sustainability benefits, and environmental impact in a multicultural setting with diverse stakeholders, staff, and students.

Aden addressed these challenges through a three-pillar strategy: Preventive Maintenance, a Safety-Centric Culture, and Digital Empowerment. This approach ensured minimal disruption while reinforcing the school’s mission of providing a safe, supportive, and globally minded environment.

Bridging technology and human expertise

Aden’s teams worked through the Akila data platform, Aiden’s tool for digitalizing IFM, improving workforce efficiency, and enabling advanced predictive maintenance. Beyond this digital foundation, Aden also introduced complementary initiatives:

• Multilingual Training Modules: Role-specific workshops in multiple languages for technicians and cleaners, reinforcing safety protocols such as chemical handling and zero contact with students.
• Robotic Reinforcements: Autonomous floor-cleaning robots maintained hygiene in high-traffic areas overnight, freeing staff to focus on urgent daytime tasks.
• Cultural Integration: Weekly feedback sessions with staff to adapt communication styles and ensure solutions respected the diversity of the school community.

Safety as a shared responsibility

Safety was built into everyday routines:

• Pre-Shift Huddles: Daily reviews of safety checklists, from cleaning supplies to emergency exits.
• Incident Simulations: Regular drills prepared staff for medical emergencies or unauthorized visitors.
• Parent Engagement: A simplified Akila platform allowed parents to report concerns, building trust with the community.

Sustaining excellence

Two years after implementation, Aden’s partnership with Dulwich continues to deliver results:

• 40% fewer equipment failures: Predictive maintenance reduced HVAC and water system downtime.
• 20% cost savings: Autonomous cleaning robots reduced overtime costs and enabled staff upskilling.
• Zero safety incidents: Rigorous protocols and real-time monitoring maintained a flawless record.

The Dulwich Suzhou campus now stands as a testament to how operational excellence and educational values reinforce one another—creating an environment where students thrive, parents have confidence, and the school community is supported to the highest standards.