Sustainability And Digitalization?

Dear readers,

I want to share some of my opinions on sustainability and digitalization, which are the subjects of this issue. 

Sustainability and digitalization are the most popular, interesting and magical terms in the lift and escalator industry, as is the case with every line of work and sector. Manufacturers, installation companies and service companies are constantly working on both subjects and placing new products and services on the market. The first developments that come to my mind are machine-room-less lifts, permanent-magnet machines, polyurethane-coated suspension devices, talking lifts for preventive maintenance, and lifts that give feedback. 

From my standpoint, it is necessary to evaluate the technologies and innovations developed to increase sustainability and the livability of our planet in more detail, in terms of sustainability, putting aside advertising and sales pressures. We, of course, support the innovations but they should be considered more exhaustively. For example, permanent-magnet motors are more efficient than induction motors for sure. However, this efficiency needs to be evaluated considering the fact that magnets are mainly supplied from China and the damage and toxic waste created in the environment during the mining activities in China. 

Machine-room-less lifts are perceived as a revolution in the lift industry. Although the lack of need for a machine room is a great development, there is actually no decrease or change in the number of lift components. In fact, in some machine-room-less lifts that we have seen, we should not ignore the enormous steel fabrication at the top of the shaft and the operational difficulties that arise.

There are also polyurethane-coated suspension assemblies to consider. It reduces the sheave diameter, saving space. However, the difficulty of controlling fractures may cause them not to be controlled, or the need for a device for control. The environmental effects of the production and supply process of the device must also be evaluated. The production of polyurethane material and its lifetime in nature shows us that we need to evaluate the use of polyurethane-coated rope in detail.

There are also digital innovations developed regarding the maintenance of lifts and escalators. In terms of preventive maintenance, it seems quite innovative that the scope or frequency of maintenance is determined according to information obtained from sensors attached to lift. Does the digitalization in question also aim to shorten the already short maintenance times and further reduce maintenance labor costs? How efficient is lift maintenance with the times reduced to less than 1 hour for one lift? If maintenance efficiency is increased and component adjustments are made in a more timely manner, as claimed, then why have component and lift lifespans decreased compared to 20-30 years ago? Why not have a lifespan of more than 7 years for the suspension mechanisms? It is claimed that more innovative materials and equipment are being used, more efficient preventive maintenance is being carried out, necessary adjustments will be made and precautions will be taken before components are damaged. So, suspension ropes or other components should have a longer lifespan, shouldn’t they?

Today, it is investigated in various countries to perform periodic examinations remotely and using software. In fact, it seems that reducing the examination costs and excluding the human factor will make periodic examinations more efficient, economical and effective. However, controls should be made thoroughly, and the issues requiring interpretations should not be fudged. I am looking forward to developments in this subject.

It may be thought that I am against technology and digitalization because of what I wrote above, but what I want to draw attention to is that these two magic words (sustainability and digitalization) are used only for the sake of sales and profitability in the supply of jobs that do not actually coincide with sustainability and technological development. 

Have a healthy day.