vendredi 24 octobre 2014

How An Elevator Modernization Company Improves Service And Increases 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.

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.

Technological obsolescence drives many upgrades in existing older buildings. A system may still perform reasonably well, but repairs may be difficult because replacement parts become hard to locate. Some manufacturers have merged, and discontinued production of parts for older units. New systems today are controlled primarily by microchips that become superseded by the next generation in an astonishingly short amount of time.

If a building was constructed more than two decades ago, deterioration is likely. Modernization firms can confirm the extent of aging by creating an assessment that accurately measures acceleration and slowing, the level of vibration riders experience, and the length of time doors take opening and closing. This evaluation details objective facts rather than relying on user opinions.

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.




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