Each dry cleaner operates a bit differently, but here's a sample workflow that showcases how a modern, high-performance dry cleaning business might function with the help of Caramel Software. This isn't a one-size-fits-all model — Caramel is flexible, allowing each operation to define its own flow, requirements, and rules.
1. Seamless Order Registration
Whether the order is placed in person or online, Caramel ensures it's processed smoothly:
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The customer submits garments, optionally requesting pickup and delivery.
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Caramel handles pickup scheduling, assigns drivers based on availability, and confirms the address.
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An expert then confirms the order, providing precise pricing based on service type, garment material, color, extra options, and special notes.
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Photos of garments can be captured, and visible stains or damages are marked for transparency.
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A washable, permanent barcode tag is attached — it may be sewn on and used repeatedly.
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Caramel proposes a smart delivery date using its capacity-aware scheduler.
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A complete invoice and garment photos are sent to the customer via app or a web link.
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Customers can track order status, view garment-specific details, and pay online.
2. Operational Workflow Begins
Once accepted, the order enters the operational phase (workflow):
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If a central workshop is used, garments are logged out of the branch and into the facility using barcode or RFID scanning.
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Items can be automatically sorted by fabric type (light/dark), service type (dry cleaning vs pressing), or need for stain treatment.
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If stain removal is needed:
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The technician scans the garment, and a screen shows the stain location, type, and notes left by the customer.
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Recommended cleaning agents may also be shown.
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Next, garments enter dry cleaning or wet cleaning machines:
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Barcodes log the machine used, responsible operator, start/end time, and even prevent errors — for instance, if a stained item is mistakenly sent for cleaning, Caramel can block the action and sound an alert.
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Machine usage is tracked for future maintenance planning.
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After washing, garments go to pressing/ironing:
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Staff scan items, see images and details, and register time spent.
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Use of specialized pressing mannequins and operation history is logged.
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Again, Caramel ensures no garment skips necessary steps (e.g., ironing a garment that hasn't been washed).
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Garments ironed, staff performance, and time per item are all recorded.
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3. Quality Control
Before delivery, items undergo quality inspection:
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The inspector verifies everything based on photos and order details.
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Once approved (via barcode scan), a printed label is generated automatically and attached to the garment cover.
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Items can be returned for re-cleaning or pressing if needed.
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Finally, garments are stored in an intelligent way: Caramel helps staff place items from the same order together in specific shelves or racks, reducing mistakes and speeding up delivery prep.
4. Delivery
The last stage is efficient and reliable:
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Delivery is scheduled and tracked via Caramel.
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Thanks to smart storage, pickup is fast.
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When scanned by the driver or delivery staff, the system records who is delivering what and when.
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Error prevention is active: delivering the wrong item to the wrong customer is caught in real-time.
Flexibility for Every Dry Cleaner
This is just one possible scenario. Your dry cleaning business may include additional steps, custom services, or unique requirements. Caramel is built to support custom workflows, preconditions, and validations — all tailored to how your team operates.
Related Articles:
» Smart Workflows, Seamless Operations
» Barcodes in Laundry and Dry-Cleaning software
» Laundry and dry cleaning software: Introducing the unique features of Caramel