Tag Archives: Elevator ADA

The Services Elevator Consulting Does Offer

In the intricate world of building management, whether it is a commercial property, hospital, residential multifamily, retail, condominium association, or hotel, elevators are pivotal in ensuring seamless vertical transportation. However, managing these complex systems requires specialized knowledge and expertise. This is where elevator consulting services come into play. The second installment of our five-part series on elevator consulting services delves into the various services offered by elevator consultants, highlighting why hiring one is a smart move for building owners and property managers.

elevator consulting services

Understanding the Role of an Elevator Consultant

Elevator consultants are professionals with extensive knowledge of elevator systems, regulations, and industry best practices. They offer a wide range of elevator consulting services that ensure your elevators operate efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Their expertise covers everything from initial assessments and maintenance planning to modernization advice and compliance checks to invoice review and reconciliation.

Key Services Offered by Elevator Consultants

1. Elevator System and Service Audits

An elevator system audit is a comprehensive assessment of your existing elevator infrastructure condition and the service the location is receiving. Consultants evaluate the condition, performance, and compliance of your elevators, identifying areas for improvement. This audit includes:

  • Condition Assessment: Surveying the physical and operational state of the elevator components.
  • Performance Evaluation: Analyzing the efficiency and reliability of the elevator system.
  • Compliance Check: Ensuring the elevator meets all relevant safety codes and regulations.

Service Assessment: Reviewing the quality and quantity of service the building and equipment is receiving from the elevator service provider.

An audit provides a detailed report with actionable recommendations, helping you make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

2. Maintenance Planning and Management

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity, cost, and safety of elevators. Elevator consultants develop customized maintenance plans tailored to your building’s specific needs. These plans include:

  • Scheduled Assessments: Regularly scheduled check-ups to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
  • Preventive Maintenance Monitoring: Daily monitoring of the service to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the equipment.
  • Vendor Management: Overseeing the performance of maintenance service providers to ensure they meet contractual obligations and industry standards.

Effective maintenance planning minimizes downtime, reduces repair costs, and enhances the overall safety and performance of your elevators.

3. Invoice Review and Coverage

Elevator systems are complex and understanding what is covered and what is not covered is difficult to decipher by non-elevator professionals. Consultants provide:

  • Invoice: Reviewing the invoice received to understand why the invoice was generated by the service provide is a cost-effective measure that may save money.
  • Proposals: Suggesting specific improvements or plan proposals are common procedures by the elevator companies, determining if the work is needed is key.
  • Charges: The fees charged by a service provider need help evaluated by a building to understand if it are covered.

Reviewing invoices and charges you may receive from the service provider is a difficult task and having someone on your side to work through these fees to see if they are necessary, covered in the contract, or just plain understanding the situation is what a consultant can do for you. .

4. Modernization and Upgrade Consultation

Elevator systems, like all technology, evolve over time. Upgrading or modernizing your elevators can improve performance, energy efficiency, and user experience. Consultants provide:

  • Modernization Assessments: Evaluating the current system to determine if modernization is necessary.
  • Upgrade Recommendations: Suggest specific improvements, such as new control systems, energy-efficient motors, or updated safety features.
  • Project Management: Overseeing the entire modernization process, from planning and budgeting to implementation and final inspection.

Modernization not only enhances the functionality of your elevators but also adds value to your property and can eliminate the unnecessary service issues of an older elevator.

5. New Installation Consultation

When constructing a new building or adding elevators to an existing one, the expertise of an elevator consultant is invaluable. They assist with:

  • Design and Planning: Advising on the best elevator systems to meet the building’s needs and usage patterns.
  • Vendor Selection: Recommending reliable manufacturers and installation contractors.
  • Project Oversight: Ensuring the installation is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.

6. Compliance and Safety Checks

  • Elevator consultants are well-versed in the latest safety codes and regulations. They conduct thorough compliance checks to ensure your elevators adhere to all legal requirements. This includes:
  • Safety Inspections: Regularly surveying the elevators to ensure they meet safety standards.
  • Regulatory Updates: Keeping you informed about changes in elevator codes and regulations.
  • Documentation and Certification: Ensuring the elevators are ready for inspection and all proper and necessary documentation is on-site to prove compliance during inspections by regulatory authorities.

Compliance checks are crucial for avoiding fines, and legal issues, and ensuring the safety of elevator users.

7. Emergency Consultation and Issue Resolution

When an elevator breaks down or encounters a significant issue, swift action is required. Elevator consultants offer emergency consultation services to address urgent problems efficiently. This involves:

  • Root Cause Analysis: Identifying the underlying cause of the issue.
  • Immediate Repairs: Coordinating with service providers to ensure prompt and effective repairs.
  • Preventive Measures: Implementing strategies to prevent future occurrences.

Having an expert available during emergencies can significantly reduce downtime and restore normal operations quickly.

8. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Consulting

With a growing emphasis on sustainability, elevator consultants help buildings reduce their carbon footprint. They provide:

  • Energy Audits: Assessing the energy consumption of your elevator systems.
  • Efficiency Upgrades: Recommending and implementing energy-saving technologies and practices.
  • Sustainability Certifications: Assisting in obtaining certifications for green building practices.

Energy-efficient elevators not only reduce operating costs but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

9. Elevator Service Monitoring

Installing the elevatorApp to ensure the building is receiving service and has all the proper documentation in one location is essential for the operation of elevators. The ElevatorApp offers:

  • Maintenance Tracking: Buildings will have all routine maintenance, callbacks, entrapments, repairs, response time, testing data, and more in one area at the click of a button.
  • Building data: A building can review its data at any time to understand the service the elevators are receiving, and issues and make sound decisions based on best practices.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Keeping staff informed about relevant codes and compliance requirements in one area needed for compliance.

The ElevatorApp empowers your team to understand the day-to-day operations effectively and safely.

Why Hire an Elevator Consultant?

Expertise and Experience

Elevator consultants bring specialized knowledge and years of experience to the table. Their expertise ensures that all aspects of your elevator systems are managed efficiently and safely.

Cost Savings

By optimizing maintenance schedules, avoiding unnecessary repairs, and implementing energy-efficient solutions, consultants help you save money in the long run. Their ability to negotiate better contracts with service providers also results in cost reductions.

Enhanced Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount in elevator management. Consultants ensure that your elevators comply with all safety standards and regulations, reducing the risk of accidents and legal issues.

Peace of Mind

With a professional consultant managing your elevators, you can focus on other aspects of building management, knowing that your vertical transportation systems are in capable hands.

Hiring an elevator consultant is a strategic investment in the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your elevator systems. From audits and maintenance planning to modernization advice and compliance checks, elevator consultants offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the unique needs of your building. As the demands on vertical transportation continue to grow, the expertise of an elevator consultant becomes increasingly invaluable. Contact The Elevator Consultants today to learn more about how their elevator consulting services can elevate your building’s performance and reliability.

Have a Question About Elevators Consultants?

OR CALL US AT

(312) 519-9949

Elevator Consulting Services: How Elevator Vendor Management Can Benefit Your Organization

As a building owner, property manager, building engineer, or facility manager, you are responsible for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your property’s vertical transportation systems. Elevators are a critical component of any multi-story building, and their proper management can significantly impact your organization’s bottom line and reputation. In this first installment of our five-part series on elevator consulting services, we will explore how professional elevator vendor management can transform your approach to elevator maintenance and operations.

Elevator Consulting Services

Understanding Elevator Vendor Management

Elevator vendor management is a specialized service provided by elevator consulting firms to oversee and optimize the relationship between building owners and elevator service providers. This crucial aspect of elevator consulting aims to ensure that you receive the best possible service, maximize the value of your maintenance contracts, ensure you are receiving services contracted and maintain your elevators in peak condition. This elevator consulting service allows you to be free of managing your elevators to the level you require.

Key Benefits of Professional Elevator Vendor Management

One of the primary advantages of engaging an elevator consultant for vendor management is the potential for significant cost savings and proper maintenance of your elevators. Experienced consultants have in-depth knowledge of industry standards, industry nuances, pricing structures, and contract terms. They can analyze your current maintenance contracts to identify areas of overspending, negotiate more favorable terms with service providers, ensure you are only paying for services you actually need, and identify opportunities for preventive maintenance that can reduce long-term costs.

Elevator consultants act as your advocate, ensuring that service providers meet or exceed agreed-upon standards. They can develop comprehensive performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs), regularly audit service quality, hold vendors accountable, facilitate communication between your organization and service providers, and address issues promptly and efficiently.

Safety is paramount when it comes to elevator operations. Professional vendor management helps ensure that your elevators not only meet but exceed safety standards. Consultants can stay up-to-date with the latest safety regulations and industry best practices, ensure timely completion of required testing and certifications, and develop and implement safety improvement plans. Safety is not compromised as cost are saved.

Managing multiple elevator service providers can be complex and time-consuming. An elevator consultant can simplify this process by centralizing communication and documentation, implementing efficient reporting systems, coordinating maintenance schedules to minimize disruptions, and managing response protocols all in the ElevatorApp. A key to successful elevator consulting services is using software that works within the building to gain control of the elevator information.

Elevator consultants bring a wealth of industry knowledge and foresight to your organization. They can help you develop long-term strategies for your elevator systems, including lifecycle planning and budgeting for major repairs or modernizations, evaluating new trends and their potential benefits for your building, developing efficiency plans to reduce operational costs, and assessing the impact of building changes or repairs of your elevator systems.

Implementing Effective Elevator Vendor Management

To reap the full benefits of elevator vendor management, consider the following steps:

Begin by evaluating your existing elevator maintenance contracts, service history, and overall satisfaction with your current providers. This will help identify areas for improvement and establish a baseline for measuring future success.

Look for a consultant with a proven track record in true elevator vendor management where they take ownership. They should have extensive industry experience, software to track data, and a deep understanding of local regulations and market conditions.

Work with your consultant to establish specific, measurable goals for your elevator vendor management program. These might include cost reduction targets, improved uptime percentages, or enhanced user satisfaction ratings.

Your consultant should set up systems to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and generate regular reports on vendor performance, maintenance activities, and cost trends in the ElevatorApp software.

Encourage open dialogue between all stakeholders – your organization, the elevator consultant, and service providers. This promotes transparency and allows for quick resolution of any issues that arise.

The elevator industry is constantly evolving. Schedule regular reviews of your vendor management strategy to ensure it remains aligned with your organization’s needs and takes advantage of new opportunities for improvement. Quarterly business reviews re a must with monthly meetings as well.

Overall, effective elevator vendor management is a powerful tool for building owners, property managers, building engineers, and facility managers looking to optimize their vertical transportation systems. By partnering with a knowledgeable elevator consultant, you can reduce costs, enhance safety, improve service quality, and develop a strategic approach to elevator maintenance and operations.

In our next installment, we will delve into the critical role of preventive maintenance in extending the life of your elevator systems and reducing unexpected downtime. Stay tuned for more insights on how elevator consulting services can transform your approach to elevator management and maintenance.

Remember, your elevators are more than just a convenience – they are a vital component of your building’s infrastructure. Investing in professional vendor management today can lead to significant benefits for your organization in the years to come.

Have a Question About Elevators Consultants?

OR CALL US AT

(312) 519-9949

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services.

How Elevator Consultants Ensure Proper Installation Amid Construction Challenges

In the complex world of construction whether new or a modernization, elevator consultants play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cost-effective development and long-term safety and efficiency. It is common for developers or construction companies to prioritize quick and cost-effective elevator installations to meet tight deadlines. This often leads to the selection of equipment that may not meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, or longevity. However, hiring an elevator consultant can change the dynamic of this process, ensuring that the right equipment is installed properly meeting the needs of the buildings.

elevator-challenges

Expertise and Experience:

Elevator consultants bring a wealth of specialized knowledge to construction projects. Their deep understanding of the elevator industry standards, cutting-edge technologies, and regulatory requirements positions them as essential advisors in the decision-making process. This expertise is critical in making informed decisions about the best equipment and installation practices for a specific building.

When a project arises elevator consultants conduct comprehensive surveys or reviews of all design documents to understand the unique needs of the building. This includes assessing the expected traffic, the building’s design, and any specific requirements that might influence the choice of elevator system.

Unlike contractors who might be inclined to save costs and time, elevator consultants provide unbiased recommendations that prioritize the building’s best interests when recommending an elevator system. They ensure that only the appropriate equipment, compliant with all building goals, relevant codes and standards, is installed.

Authoritative Oversight:

As impartial experts, elevator consultants provide authoritative oversight throughout the installation process. Their recommendations are rooted in a comprehensive understanding of elevator systems, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and long-term value over short-term cost savings. This level of scrutiny often leads to the selection of elevator equipment and rigorous installation practices, which can initially cause friction with developers focused on immediate cost reduction.

An elevator consultant work closely with building owners, the developer, and the construction company to understand their specific goals, whether it’s cost efficiency, enhanced safety, or improved performance. They work collaboratively with the entire team to meet the need of the client.

Effective communication is key to a successful project. Consultants maintain open lines of communication with building owners, the developer and the construction company, providing regular updates and seeking feedback to ensure that the project stays on track and aligned with the building’s expectations.

Trustworthy Advocacy:

Elevator consultants serve as trusted advocates for building owners, ensuring that installations adhere to the highest standards of safety and performance. Their involvement often results in:

  • Enhanced Safety and Reliability: By enforcing strict compliance with safety standards, consultants significantly reduce the risk of accidents, system failures and eliminate common elevator industry nuances.
  • Long-term Cost Efficiency: While initial costs may be higher, the proper selection and installation of elevator systems lead to substantial savings in maintenance, repairs, obsolesces and unnecessary headaches over time.
  • Improved Tenant Satisfaction: Reliable, efficient elevator systems contribute to meeting the building operational requirements both long and short term.

Alignment with Building Goals:

Despite potential stresses, an elevator consultants are committed to aligning their recommendations with the overall objectives of the building project. Through collaborative planning and ongoing communication, they ensure that the final elevator system not only meets safety and efficiency standards but also supports the building’s operational and financial goals. They are an advocate to the their client.

The involvement of elevator consultants in construction and modernization projects is a testament to the industry’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and long-term value. While their rigorous approach may initially challenge conventional construction timelines and budgets, the expertise, authority, and trustworthiness they bring to projects ultimately result in superior elevator systems that enhance building safety, efficiency, and overall value.

Have a Question About Elevators Consultants?

OR CALL US AT

(312) 519-9949

For building owners and developers, embracing the expertise of elevator consultants represents not just a regulatory necessity, but a strategic investment in the future of their properties. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the role of these specialized consultants will remain crucial in ensuring that vertical transportation systems meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elevator Standards: Codes and Standards All Buildings Should Know

Elevators are an essential part of our daily lives, providing convenience and accessibility in buildings of all types. However, without adherence to strict standards, elevators can pose safety risks and limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities. In this article, we will provide some of the most important elevator standards that building owners should consider to ensure the safety, accessibility, and compliance of their elevator systems, as well as promote energy efficiency and optimal performance, among other attributes as well.

ASME A17.1: The Ultimate Safety Code

ASME A17.1 stands as the primary safety code governing the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of elevators and escalators in the USA. This comprehensive code covers a wide range of critical aspects, including required safety features, maximum travel distances, equipment specifications, and inspection procedures. Complying with ASME A17.1 is crucial for building owners to ensure the safety and performance of their elevator systems.

ADA Standards: Ensuring Accessibility for All

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes requirements for elevator car sizes, door widths, control heights, audible and visible signals, and more. These standards aim to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access and use elevators without any barriers. Following ADA standards is not only important for new buildings but also for existing ones, as retrofitting elevators to meet these accessibility requirements is paramount in creating inclusive environments for everyone. ADA Standards

Local Codes and Amendments: The Fine Print

Most jurisdictions have adopted some version of the International Building Code (IBC), which references ASME A17.1 and includes additional elevator regulations. It is crucial for building owners to consult local authorities and be aware of any amendments or additional elevator rules specific to their jurisdiction. Staying up to date with local codes guarantees compliance and enhances overall safety and efficiency in elevator operations.

EN 81: The European Standard

For building owners with operations in Europe, adherence to EN 81, the main international standard for elevator safety, dimensions, and operations, is essential. This standard ensures that elevators meet the safety requirements across European countries, contributing to a harmonized and safe transportation system.

Fire Service Access Elevators: Preparedness in Emergency Situations

Some jurisdictions require elevators to have additional features to facilitate their use by fire departments during emergencies. These requirements may include larger car sizes, water exposure protection, emergency power provisions, and more. Building owners must ensure compliance with these additional rules to aid first responders in their firefighting and rescue efforts.

Energy Efficiency: Promoting Sustainable Practices

In addition to safety and accessibility, energy efficiency is an important aspect of elevator systems. Building owners should consider standards and codes that promote energy-saving practices, such as using energy-efficient lighting, regenerative drives, and efficient operation modes. By implementing these measures, building owners can reduce energy consumption and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Maintenance & Inspections: The Lifeline of Elevator Systems

Proper maintenance, repair, and regular inspections conducted by qualified technicians are crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of elevator systems. Standards dictate minimum inspection frequencies and procedures that must be followed, and documentation of maintenance activities must be retained. Regular maintenance and inspections help identify potential issues before they become safety hazards and ensure the smooth operation of elevators.

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Enhancing Collaboration and Efficiency

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital modeling and information management process that enhances the design, construction, and operation of buildings. Many standards and codes related to elevators have incorporated BIM requirements to promote better collaboration, communication, and coordination between stakeholders involved in elevator projects.

Meeting elevator standards is vital for building owners to ensure the safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency of their elevators. Codes such as ASME A17.1, ADA standards, local codes, EN 81, fire service access requirements, energy efficiency standards, maintenance regulations, and BIM guidelines protect the welfare of elevator users, promote accessibility, reduce energy consumption, and help avoid potential legal issues and mishaps. Staying current with the latest editions of these standards and incorporating sustainable practices guarantees compliance and enhances overall safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and performance within any building.

Elevator services overcharges

Today it is common for elevator consulting firms to witness several companies being overcharged for elevator services. Overcharges have always been common throughout the years, however in present times – it is a daily occurrence. It has always been common in certain industries, but has become a daily occurrence in all industries – whether it be a hospital, a hotel, a retailer, or a commercial property that is being overcharged. The overcharge reasons might be for overtime labor, missed preventative maintenance, parts, unnecessary repairs, travel time, or repairs that are already covered in your contract. Those elevator services may be justified, but often times the amount being charged is rarely accurate. When managing a building that has an elevator, escalator, or lift, busy property managers, general managers, portfolio managers, asset managers, building engineers, building owners, (or whatever your title or role maybe) must review their elevator information carefully. An elevator service contract that has been given to you may be difficult to comprehend unless you are an elevator expert that deals with elevator issues daily. Elevator consulting firms exist because the elevator industry is difficult for common building professionals to be adequately knowledgeable on the subject. Elevators, escalators, and lifts have always been a mechanical conundrum within a building, and there are several things that a building professional should know in order to safeguard the building from paying expensive over charges.

Over ninety percent of buildings with elevators have a maintenance service agreement that was presented by the service provider and signed by the building. That percentage is an estimate based on what The Elevator Consultants repeatedly observes. Although we believe it is higher since our clients are working with a consulting firm. Many times, buildings sign these contracts without being aware that they have another option: They can have a maintenance agreement specification written by an elevator consulting firm, or they can utilize the elevatorapp.com website and have one created. The fee for an elevator maintenance service agreement specification that favors the building and its operations is well worth the cost. Over charges are eliminated and costs are contained, so the return on investment is almost always immediate, and a contract written for the building is easier to comprehend and drafted with terms that are in line with a specific building.

If you have a contract that has been executed by the service provider, it is crucial that you understand it. The contract will incorporate language that declares what is included, excluded, and what the elevator service contract will provide. When a proposal or invoice is received from the service provider, the building will need to review it carefully in order to verify if the service that you’re being charged for is included in the contract. If it is in the contract, then you will know that its covered and there should be no charge to you. If it’s not covered in your contract, you’ll be charged for the cost of any materials used as well as the labor to do the install or repair. The building should also scrutinize the labor rates and time for the repair to make certain that the charges are accurate. You will be able to determine the amount of time it for the install or repair by referring to the logs that you are keeping at your building. This is such a simple task that can save a building a significant amount of money and should always be done.. The elevatorapp.com automates the process and simplifies things making these tasks remarkably easy. These simple, upfront tasks can help protect the building from being overcharged on elevators. It is important to realize that while its common for buildings to rely on their elevator service provider, the code dictates that the responsibility ultimately lies with the building owner. The building owner is required to have records of all maintenance.

In today’s world, there are many unprecedent things going on that no one could have ever predicted, resulting in various stresses laid upon everyone and everything. The elevator industry is certainly not

the only industry that is being exposed to overcharges, and the overcharges can happen for numerous reasons – including simple human or computer error, and inquiring about it may get the charges eliminated if they were in fact charged in error. If a building is faced with a confusing proposal or invoice, they can always reach out to an elevator consulting firm at any time. The Elevator Consultants will always let the building know in advance if they can be help a building with their elevator issues. The building will have to spend some money to save a significant amount of money, but the savings will pay for any consulting fees in no time at all. A building professional has an extreme work load – and elevators, escalators, and lifts should not have to be a part of it.

Elevator ADA Requirements

Many people have heard about the horrifying story of the woman who died in an elevator in the Chinese city of Xi’an. What makes it even more disturbing? However, is the fact that the woman had been in the elevator for over a month before being found.

Basic Guide to Commercial Elevators

The elevator mechanics had cut off power to the elevator without properly assessing whether or not anyone was inside. Unfortunately, the country “has poor records on workplace safety where proper safety procedures and practices are routinely ignored,” according to the AP.

This terrible incident begs the question of whether or not this woman’s death could have been avoided if the code had been enforced more strictly by the Chinese government.

Moreover, there are no laws in place in China that resemble the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that we have here in America. The elevator ADA code requires that there be a telephone in each elevator car that relays to a 24-hour answering service.

Had this code been in place, the woman would have been able to call to the answering service and they would have been able to get her out immediately. Elevator ADA requirements also state that any failure to take prompt action to effect repairs to an elevator could constitute a violation of Federal laws.

Have a Question About Elevators Consultants?

OR CALL US AT

(312) 519-9949

If these elevator ADA codes had been implemented. The elevator would not have been shut down for thirty days for risk of violating ADA elevator requirements and the woman would have been found and promptly removed from the elevator cab. This situation highlights the importance of elevators being code compliant, in terms of ASME A17.1, CSA B44, ADA, and any Authority Having Jurisdiction. America is much more diligent than many other countries in terms of code compliance but is not immune to tragic events.