ANACAM on the COVID-19 Frontlines

An update on ANACAM’s industrious, helpful response to the pandemic

by Titti Lo Papa

The striking fact that the COVID-19 pandemic represents an epoch-making event that struck openly and suddenly, as one of the most difficult moments that the planet has faced since the postwar period, cannot be denied. Especially in its initial phase, there was a certain amount of confusion that highlighted weaknesses and criticalities at both national and European levels. ANACAM (Italian elevator association), which represents more than 400 companies, has been able to overcome difficulties to react quickly by rethinking its organizational models, being open to smart working and experimenting with innovative operational tools to be able to support companies in the sector in the most useful and fastest way possible, while respecting the various measures established by the Italian government.

One of ANACAM’s first concerns was to make sure that no associated company felt alone. An initiative called “mutual aid” was, therefore, launched, through which member companies made their resources available to help those in difficulty, and shared useful information on operating procedures and sourcing for spare parts. Some companies have also set up local purchasing groups to find and collect the personal protective equipment needed to protect workers’ health. Suppliers of components and services associated with ANACAM have also joined the initiative, allowing maintenance companies to continue to ensure equipment operation and safety.

ANACAM has also organized a series of videoconferences at the regional level, following a fixed schedule, and strengthened its presence on social networks to quickly provide information to the widest possible audience, not only to member companies, but also to elevator users. ANACAM also had users in mind with its cartoon made to remind them that it is better to travel alone in the elevator. A group of member companies also drew a poster to stick in the elevators that was made available to the association and all members. The organization believes “mutual aid” includes sharing ideas, resources and projects. ANACAM’s effort and commitment were naturally aimed at safeguarding the health of its employees and the organization of its member companies. As long as at least temporary and mobile construction sites could remain open, there was economic sustainability to resist in such a difficult moment.

All the work done for the safety of employees has been translated into guidelines. The ANACAM Technical Commission took the main activities carried out by small and medium-sized elevator companies into consideration for the realization of its document. Reference was made to the access of personnel and company activities. The guidelines were presented at the first national webinar organized by ANACAM on April 29 and subsequently served as an input for the European-level guidelines by the European Federation for Elevator Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises available at bit.ly/2YKan0A. The members-only conference brought together 367 participants online to hear useful information to manage the exit from the lockdown in various areas, from the purely corporate point-of-view to a more fiscal aspect, as well as information on the operations of Notified Bodies and condominium managers.

Though it was not possible to resume training seminars in person, it was still necessary to continue the activities. Therefore, ANACAM has set up four multiregional online meetings in May and June open to all companies in the sector. In part, these resumed the topics covered during the workshops interrupted due to the coronavirus. They also delved into new, current topics such as various forms of support for businesses provided by the government and sanitizing equipment in the cabin. During the same period, online training meetings were also organized on UNI 10411-1&2 standards, reserved only for member companies. 

With Phase Two Lockdown over, the association has launched a new initiative to contribute to the recovery of the sector’s activities and business relations. Thanks to “Good Morning ANACAM,” three member companies supplying goods and services to installers and maintainers have the opportunity to present themselves twice a week to launch a new product or give a commercial proposal. These are, of course, online appointments, leading up to finally meeting again December 2-4 for ANACAM 2020 and the 49th ANACAM National Assembly.