Thursday, October 16, 2014

How An Elevator Modernization Company Improves Service By Increasing Efficiency

By Patty Goff


In some buildings, calling an elevator becomes an exercise in patience. Inaccurate timing creates lengthy waits, and an overcrowded car may be followed by two that are nearly empty. Units older than a decade may regularly experience service issues, making a timely update of existing facilities necessary to attract and retain good tenants. An elevator modernization company makes that process as efficient as possible.

Although a popular device in suspense thrillers, crashing elevators are rare. More commonly, there is a gradual increase in service calls and user complaints. Making the decision to upgrade is a considerable financial investment, and is based on financial forecasts as well as operational conditions. Although costly, updated equipment can add considerably to overall building value, especially during resale.

Long-term system data collection is also important in making the decision to make improvements. Acceptable service meets certain metrics and standards, including the length of time traveling between floors, vibration and noise levels, how long it takes doors to close, and the average wait time for passengers. If there is a gradual decline or deterioration, the problems may require a full overhaul.

In older structures, obsolescence also drives an upgrade. Even when a system still works well for its age, replacement parts may be hard to get, making repairs more difficult than necessary. Many manufacturers have merged, and discontinued making and maintaining outdated equipment. Newer hardware is usually controlled by microprocessors, and like most computer chips, improved models appear before the old ones wear out.

If a building was built more than two decades ago, some deterioration is inevitable. The extent can be analyzed by a modernization firm, which is able to assess both acceleration and stopping time, how long it takes doors to close and open, and whether riders are bothered by excess vibration. An assessment relies on realistic, factual data rather than basing recommendations on user ratings alone.

An assessment also prevents hidden costs from arising during construction. In order to conform to regional seismic and building codes, there may be related improvements needed to improve smoke detection systems, or aging electrical wiring. Elevators that performed satisfactorily using old forms of wiring and outdated types of backup power may not work as well when connected digitally, requiring upgrades building-wide.

Modernization involves more than increasing speed. Most new systems do not actually move faster, but give that impression due to the increased efficiency created by computerization. Like other forms of 21st century technology, new microprocessors are not only able to recognize and meet higher demand, but are also capable of learning when peak traffic occurs, and of compensating when changes in passenger loads occur.

They also reduce long-term operating costs by being more energy-efficient. In addition to cutting down on waiting time, they are able to skip unnecessary travel between floors, greatly reduce or eliminate noise, and arrive in a reliably short time when summoned. The most advanced can alter their own destination, or can group riders together using wireless technology. Service is improved, and that translates to greater overall building value.




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