How An Elevator Modernization Company Improves Service By Increasing Efficiency

By Patty Goff


Summoning an elevator in some older structures can become an exercise in personal patience. Overloaded cars arrive, only to be followed by others that are empty due to poor electrical timing. Buildings older than ten years may develop chronic service problems, making it imperative to install a system that attracts and retains desirable tenants. An elevator modernization company helps building owners plan and carry out that transition.

While dramatic films use falling elevators to their advantage, that situation rarely occurs. More often there is simply an increase in complaints and emergency service calls. Deciding when to make the substantial investment that accompanies an upgrade is based on financial forecasting as well as actual physical conditions. An upgrade adds value to a building, and determines when it can be sold profitably.

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 Many manufacturers have merged, and discontinued making and maintaining outdated equipment.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 Elevators that performed satisfactorily using old forms of wiring and outdated types of backup power may not work as well when connected digitally, requiring upgrades building-wide.

There is more to modernization than providing faster service. Although most new systems seem much speedier than the old, that perception is usually based on increased efficiency rather than actual changes in acceleration. Similar to other forms of digital technology, the microprocessors employed can often recognize and adjust to greater demand, and some are able to compensate for heavier traffic by adjusting their operations independently.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment