CMS Berlin 2025 Highlights: Cleaning Industry Shifts Towards Proof, Workforce Efficiency, and Smart Coordination
October 3, 2025
From September 23 to 26, CMS Berlin once again confirmed its role as the central meeting point for the cleaning and facility services industry. Over four days, industry leaders explored how cleaning providers can balance rising expectations for hygiene and transparency with workforce constraints and sustainability goals.
Most of the show floor was dedicated to cleaning machinery, tools, and chemical agents. Among the few software exhibitors, Fieldcode brought a different perspective to cleaning experts: how Zero-Touch automation streamlines coordination by cutting out manual calls, emails, and paperwork — giving cleaning teams clear schedules and automatic proof of completed work.
Industry Insights That Stood Out at CMS
First-Hand Feedback: Flexibility Beyond Regular Shift Planning
Fieldcode’s discussions at the booth revealed a recurring concern: many existing solutions lack the flexibility needed to address the variety of demands cleaning providers face. As a platform serving multiple industries, Fieldcode places flexibility at the core of its approach. This was especially relevant for providers managing special service requests that go beyond regular shift planning or time tracking.
Staff shortages and the role of digitalization
Labor gaps dominated the discussions. With non-wage labor costs in Germany at 42.3 %, companies are under pressure to find structural solutions. Many speakers pointed to digitalization, automation, and robotics as ways to make better use of limited personnel.
Proving cleaning cycles, not just performing them
Public transport hygiene, building services, and healthcare cleaning all reflected a trend: proving that work was done is now as important as carrying it out. Digital records, sensor-supported inspections, and real-time reporting are fast becoming standard.
CMS Practice Forum: Integrating robotics and digital workflows
At the CMS Practice Forum, delivered with industry associations, digitalization, AI, and sustainability were flagged as the three defining themes shaping the sector. Autonomous scrubbers and robotics were strongly represented, but experts noted that these machines must be integrated into broader workflows — from scheduling cycles to ensuring smooth handovers with human operatives.
Sustainability through efficient operations
Beyond eco-products and packaging, operational sustainability was a recurring theme. Speakers noted that reducing unnecessary site visits, optimising cleaning routes, and balancing workloads are now essential to meet both cost and ESG goals.
Why the Digital Perspective Matters
The cleaning industry is now as much about smart coordination as it is about advanced equipment. By showing how cleaning providers can optimize scheduling, automate updates, and generate proof of service without additional paperwork, Fieldcode highlighted the invisible layer that will increasingly support frontline teams in the years ahead.
About CMS Berlin 2025
CMS Berlin is Europe’s leading trade fair for cleaning systems, building services, and hygiene management. The 2025 edition focused on efficiency, workforce challenges, sustainability, and digitalization.
About Fieldcode
Fieldcode is a field service management software built on 20 years of global expertise. It delivers a fully automated Zero-Touch process, automating ticket movement from creation to technician without manual intervention and easing the workload for dispatchers. The software leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize field operations, simplify processes, and improve efficiency across every stage of service management.
Links
- CMS Berlin 2025 official website: www.cms-berlin.de
- Fieldcode official website: www.fieldcode.com
