Cloud-based predictive maintenance (PdM) processes historical and real-time data – such as elevator trips, call volume and door movements – captured from building system sensors to help guide better decisionmaking. In the case of a lift, artificial intelligence (AI) anticipates system failures and proactive service needs by sending alerts to dispatch a technician before problems even occur.
Henry H. Chamberlain, president and chief operating officer of the USA’s BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) International, said: “There’s a lot of excitement around 5G, AI and big data analytics. The use of smart technology that can prevent the disruption of lifts breaking down is golden. Lifts are the backbone of the building. Predictive maintenance creates more productive environments and frees up building managers to focus on the tenant experience.”
A PdM solution dramatically minimises the possibility of riders being stuck inside an elevator car or having to walk multiple flights of stairs to reach their destination. Delivering on a positive passenger experience spotlights the importance of implementing a PdM solution that can ensure maximum elevator uptime.
Running digital elevators on cloud-based technology gives the on-site facilities personnel or digital operations centre remotely monitoring them anytime, anywhere access to rich data and analytics. When service technicians receive an alert, they can promptly address the problem before riders or building managers might even know it exists. If a rider gets stuck on an elevator, a digital operations centre can remotely handle diagnosis and potentially intervene, freeing the passenger faster while allowing technicians more time to be thorough. During a remote rescue, the passenger interacts with an agent, who at the right time seamlessly switches the communication over to a technician, who can readily assess the problem and act promptly.
Faster computing speeds, lower computing costs and data storage have combined to make data-driven maintenance a highly accessible, compelling solution for commercial buildings. According to McKinsey & Company, predictive maintenance typically reduces machine downtime by 30 to 50%. Reducing and even preventing downtime increases building efficiency, availability and reliability along with safety and satisfaction.
From our global perspective, we expect cloud-based PdM to accelerate faster in Asia and Europe since the technology experience is similar to those of ride-share services.
BOX: NEW LIFT DRIVE
WEG Automation Europe, a new business unit born from the acquisition of the motion control unit of Gefran in early 2023, is highlighting the ADL500 lift drive. Functionalities include brake management tools such as safe brake test (SBT) to check the motor brakes effectively and safe brake control (SBC) with the EBC500 accessory to replace electromechanical brake controls with electronics. Communication capabilities include WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, which facilitate monitoring and configuration via an app available for laptops and mobile devices.
Also launched recently was the WEG Drives Remote Management System (RMS), a tool that facilitates remote monitoring of elevator drives. WEG Drives’ RMS joins other smart maintenance tools, including WEGscan and WEG Motion Fleet Management. A related product is ADL550-ICS, an integrated control system that creates a single environment between the inverter and control card.