Building Transportation in the Digital Age

The industry and AHJs are leveraging digitalization, but in this partnership, more needs to be done.

by Philip W. Grone

More than 40 years have passed since the initial “intelligent buildings” came into view. Innovation in the built environment then focused on automated building systems and the deployment of building controls to regulate heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). These systems were groundbreaking in integrating information technology into the management of energy consumption, improving building efficiency and taking advantage of improved computing power and connectivity. They were the foundation for the “smart buildings” of today.

We are now in the next phase of transformation in the built environment. Rapid advancements in digital technologies are enhancing building transportation design with significant positive effects on safety, whole building and conveyance system efficiency and the overall user experience. Deeper digital integration and the emergence of machine learning models are creating higher levels of performance in elevators, escalators and moving walks. 

The digitalization wave is generating new concepts in predictive maintenance to reduce downtime, energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Building transportation systems now manage passenger traffic load to examine usage patterns and optimize operations. Touchless controls and digital displays, critically important during the COVID-19 pandemic, are seeing continuing innovation. Elevator access control systems and emergency communications are two other significant innovations that rely on secure data and an extensive digital operating environment.

As building transportation digitalization moves ahead, data privacy and cybersecurity are paramount considerations. Cybersecurity measures must be fully implemented. The 2022 edition of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 contains significant new cybersecurity requirements for devices and components that provide a direct or indirect gateway to the internet for elevator controllers. These provisions are paired with other new requirements that address remote interaction with elevator equipment, the first time ASME A17.1 has addressed these functions. Importantly, remote interaction operations are a permissive function within ASME A17.1. They may be either enabled or not included in the device, which permits the latest equipment to meet specific user demands. 

Whether remote interaction operations are enabled and installed, all conveyances must meet the cybersecurity requirements of the latest elevator code — making it imperative for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to move toward adoption. For digitalization in the industry to reach its full potential, the role of AHJs should not be overlooked. The regulatory environment must keep pace with the advancement of technology to ensure the highest level of safety and to provide the greatest range of customer choice.

Over the last five years, considerable progress has been made in modernizing elevator codes across the country. By August 2023, 19 states had adopted the latest edition of ASME A17.1 — a 72% increase in the adoption rate for the latest edition compared to 2018. Several states have indicated they will begin regulatory adoption of the latest 2022 edition in the coming year. While the COVID-19 pandemic slowed regulatory processes across the country, the surge in adoption and the desire by many AHJs to “catch up” also reflects a realization that adopted codes are not keeping pace with the rate of change in the industry and user expectations. 

Beyond meeting code requirements, the industry’s ability to deliver needed equipment and solutions depends upon a transparent and agile regulatory oversight system. Administrative and management systems, as well as databases, that both the regulator and the regulated community rely upon must be modern, user-friendly and transparent. Digitalization of the regulatory process and recordkeeping requirements allow for “anytime, anywhere” access by an authorized user for any authorized purpose. Anyone from an elevator mechanic, supervisor, building owner, inspector, head of the regulatory agency, elevator company or member of the public should be able to access appropriate, accurate information that meets their need — anytime, anywhere.

In the private sector, digital business strategies are highly leveraged. According to an assessment by the Gartner consulting firm, nearly 90% of companies have adopted a digital-first business strategy or are planning to do so. However, many AHJs have been slower to embrace digital solutions and are often confronted with legacy data systems that do not respond to their oversight requirements. In some cases, governments have chosen not to make the needed investment. For the industry, the inability to schedule inspections, manage administrative processes or make electronic payments creates inefficiencies that delay the delivery of product and services and make the jurisdiction less competitive. That should be a concern for everyone.

For an AHJ to develop, maintain and continuously improve these administrative and management systems, a partnership with the industry and users is imperative. Two current examples highlight this opportunity. In NYC, the Department of Buildings (DOB) meets routinely with industry partners to address system challenges and to keep them informed of updates within the Department’s online management system, DOB NOW. The State of Washington Department of Labor & Industries has held extensive stakeholder meetings in designing a new Conveyance Management System, which will roll out in 2024. Consistent engagement yields positive results in ensuring administrative and management systems are fit for purpose and can facilitate, rather than impede, both the timely delivery of equipment and services and the AHJ’s oversight of the industry.

Over the last five years, considerable progress has been made in modernizing elevator codes across the country. By August 2023, 19 states had adopted the latest edition of ASME A17.1 — a 72% increase in the adoption rate for the latest edition compared to 2018.

Deeper digital integration and the emergence of machine learning models are creating higher levels of performance in elevators, escalators and moving walks.

Alan Kay, a giant of computer science innovation, once observed that “the best way to predict the future is to create it.” The trends in digitalization are all around us. To maximize their potential, a commitment by AHJs to modernize codes, to streamline administrative procedures and business processes and to maintain reliable, transparent management systems is critical. The building transportation industry is poised to create the future — but it is the partnership between the private and public sector that will make it reality.

To learn more about digitalization in the elevator industry, visit NEII website.