New Product Launch - manufacturing platform

Sloan | New Revolutionary BASYS® Faucets

🤔 BACKGROUND
Sloan is widely recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems, serving airports, stadiums, and other high-traffic facilities globally. Its faucets, flushometers, sinks, and integrated restroom systems are considered industry benchmarks for durability and performance. Sloan’s reputation leaned toward “workhorse” functionality; they sought to elevate their brand into high design, to better compete with Kohler, Grohe, Brizo and other brands.

Sustainability is central to Sloan’s brand. They offer water-efficient products, publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and have committed to carbon-neutral products. Their Chicago showroom is the first commercial plumbing showroom to earn LEED Silver and WELL Gold certifications, reinforcing their role in green building initiatives.

🥅 OBJECTIVES
Develop and showcase a new line of high-design faucets that met the needs of all members of the value chain.

💡 STRATEGY
Sloan’s BASYS faucets were launched after extensive research into user experience, serviceability, sustainability, and adaptability into commercial restrooms from the viewpoint of every member of the value chain, from architects to end users. Product development focused on ergonomics, sensor placement, modular design and water/energy efficiency.

Architects – Quality and Flexibility Needs
Multiple spout heights (low, mid, high, wall-mounted) were developed to meet the needs of healthcare, food service, and general commercial restrooms. Architects could specify faucets with battery, solar, turbine or hardwired power sources, depending upon sustainability goals and facility infrastructure.

Designers – High Design Needs
Designers liked the unified design language, clean, modern lines with polished chrome and other finish options. The spout heights complemented both minimalist’s commercial restrooms and high traffic healthcare/food service environment. BASYS also supported brand engraving.

Building Owners – Energy Savings and Lower Lifetime Cost Needs
Building owners liked the interchangeable components (spouts, sensors, power options) so facilities could adapt faucets without replacing entire units. Building owners also achieved energy savings and water conservation goals with reduced flow rates meet LEED and CALGreen standards. And single-hole or double-hole installation options allowed for seamless integration with existing sinks.

Maintenance - Ease of Maintenance and Serviceability Needs
Unlike traditional faucets that require crawling under sinks, BASYS places batteries, sensors, and control modules above the counter. This reduces labor time and makes troubleshooting more efficient. BASYS also features adjustable sensor ranges and cleaning modes to prevent false activations and mineral buildup.

End Users - Improved Hygiene and Ease of Use Needs
Consumer enjoyed the touch-free commercial restroom experience for improved hygiene and ease of use.

The result was a sleek, modular faucet line with interchangeable components, above-deck serviceability, and options for solar power, LCD displays, and multiple power sources. Offered in low, mid, high, and wall-mounted designs with custom finishes, BASYS also supported brand engraving.

🏆 RESULTS
BASYS faucets typically retail between $700–$1,500 per unit, depending on configuration and finish. This positions them in the premium commercial faucet segment. BASYS was a staged rollout and continues to see product enhancements, showing continued commercial success and adoption in sustainable building projects. The platform has also expanded to matching soap dispensers, hand dryers, and sinks, and today includes app-based remote monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance reminders.

👩 MY ROLE
As the faucet product manager, my role was to support the initial launch and subsequent product enhancements, managing a cross functional team including engineering, quality, operations, customer service and supply chain personnel. First year sales topped $9M for a limited launch.