In his latest article, Colin Craney explores how digitalisation, and particularly AI and smart systems, is quietly reshaping the vertical-transportation industry in his piece titled “Digitalisation’s Impact” (published in Elevator World UK).
He argues that while technology promises plenty, the real challenge lies in integrating it with people, processes and purpose.
Craney acknowledges the distinction between digitisation (converting paper into digital) and digitalisation (using digital data to transform services and operations).
He writes:
“Lift maintenance is a service and part of a service industry … an effective integration of people and technology is fundamental to the management of a successful lift maintenance firm and subsequently to customer experience and contract retention.”
And later:
“Whilst digitalisation and developments in AI will undoubtedly develop and change our industry … the current focus should be upon identifying the areas in which digitalisation may be most effectively applied, together with those areas in which traditional intervention and work planning … should be maintained.”
In essence, Craney assesses that the future isn’t about replacing technicians with machines, but about ensuring the human and technological elements of the business evolve together.
He emphasises that many monitoring systems “developed to date have been … under-utilised” and that management will determine whether digital tools realise their potential.
Read more here – Click to the image to read the full article
Colin Craney has 42 years of industry experience, initially in a number of field and management roles with Otis, followed by 17 years in consulting, currently for SVM Associates. Colin is a U.K. chartered engineer and a fellow of CIBSE, European engineer, chartered safety and health practitioner, accredited consultant on the HSE Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Colin is a barrister, having been called to the bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
Established in 2004, SVM Associates pride ourselves on our industry expertise, persistent attention to detail, personable working style and unique approach to all aspects of building services, including; Lifts, Escalators and Facade Access, Mechanical Electrical, and Public Health and Facilities Management.
