New Uses for Existing Technology

MAD Elevator describes a simple solution that saves time and money.

submitted by MAD Elevator

We can all remember the frustration we experienced as children when we finally received a toy we’d wanted for months, only to read the three most annoying words in the English language: batteries sold separately. When an elevator is under maintenance, time spent identifying the parts needed and accessing them can be a significant drain on a mechanic’s time. Enter a new process that uses existing QR codes and smartphone technology.

QR codes unique to each job are printed on the back of all MAD Elevator fixtures. They can be scanned to take the user (mechanic) to the MAD online store, where a list of job-specific replacement parts may be selected and ordered directly from the store. Overnight shipping is available for rush jobs. This saves time and money for everyone involved. The QR codes are available from MAD’s parts app (iOS/Android) or can be scanned using any smartphone camera.

Brandon Lalsingh, Inside Sales at Mississauga, Canada-headquartered MAD, said that since each elevator fixture is manufactured custom per job, QR codes help identify the fixture’s replacement components. The biggest benefit, he said, is time saved by customer service teams that normally would have to look through old files and photographs. “Instead, the part is identified simply by scanning the code, and a list of parts and details is provided right away.” He provided two specific examples. The QR code system can help:

1. ensure the appropriate key switch is provided. Rather than the customer saying he needs a “two-position, maintained, fire-service key switch as per fixture,” the technician is able to identify the key switch part number and avoid any confusion. This ensures the appropriate key switch is ordered, and in a timely manner, so it is received prior to inspection.
2. with position-indicator ordering. Usually, position indicators need to be programmed according to a job, or a new one ordered, so lead time in this case is important. When a replacement is needed, it saves the team a lot of time when a part can be identified based on what was used previously.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, we used existing technology to provide an easy solution to a simple problem. With the customer in mind, we asked, “How can we use technology to make identification and ordering replacement parts easier?”

Solutions like this can be applied in different areas of a business, such as supply chain, inventory management, cost reduction and more. Mechanics using this QR code solution an average of 33 times a week adds up to hundreds of hours saved not doing tedious tasks like typing in SKUs (stock keeping units) or coordinating manually to order replacement parts.