What Is the Best Touchless Elevator Solution for You?
The demands for touchless and smart elevator solutions have skyrocketed to provide more hygienic solutions for users during this outspread of Covid-19 and will likely continue to make waves post pandemic. Moreover, such efforts has a lot more to offer in providing efficient and practical solutions for building management & security than conventional elevator systems!
In the quickly evolving and competitive environment of commercial real estate, one of the biggest question is "How can I offer the best in this market?". As such, newer automated systems are becoming less of an option and more of an industry standard which most tenants look out for. Yet with everything that can be updated, a building's elevator is often neglected even though it is such an important & intrinsic component that shapes the user's experience. And that may be what will set your building apart! But if you're here, then you probably know this already and just trying to figure out "What solution are there? or which solution should I invest in?". Well let's jump right in! We're dedicating this entire blog to help you navigate through the pros and cons of the most popular options in the current market! Depending on the application, some may work better than others. Some requires a huge budget. And some perhaps are not even available in certain states or countries! So let us help you!
Touchless Buttons
These are buttons that you hover your finger over and they get activated. Are easy to retrofit into most manufacturers. This only requires changing all the buttons on the Control panel and the hall buttons. The buttons work as a conventional buttons, so it can serve a s long term solutions for the elevator. There are many vendors that provide this type of buttons, the price ranges from $50-$100 per button plus labor for the installation, which requires an elevator mechanic for installation.
Pros
Easy to install.
Inexpensive.
Can be install in any elevator.
Cons
Time consuming installed for tall buildings.
Can easily press all buttons by accident.
Not everyone will know they are touchless as they look the same.
Voice Activated Command System
This system works like your Alexa at your home or Siri in your phone, one will say the floor they wish to go to and the elevator will select it. The system can be installed in almost any elevator. Is easy to install and many manufacturers include an additional box with a microphone which will need to be connected to the buttons. The items to take in consideration is to choose a company that has extensive technology on voice recognition as some software have difficulty understanding different accents. The price ranges from $1,000-$5000 plus install. Many manufacturers only have the system for inside the elevator for the hall buttons and will require another type of buttons to be touchless.
Pros
Works like Alexa and don't have to press buttons.
Can be install in any elevator.
Cons
Will not understand all accents.
Not for busy elevators.
OEM Smart Elevators & Apps
Many OEM’s like OTIS, Schindler, Mitsubishi, have come up with their own touchless solutions, which include a phone app that can control the elevator, which is the leap to smart elevators.
Since they know their controller and are able to integrate their app with the system by adding hardware to the system, their control is really unique and allows them to do a lot more. Such as incorporating destination dispatch with their app as people place calls, some OEM like OTIS also integrate service solutions through the app for building management or owner. The price for said equipment varies a lot, as you also want to have more features. They range from $20,000- $100,000 depending on Company plus some have a monthly fee which can vary from $15-$50 a month per elevator. The system is also recommended to be new equipment, as many old elevators are not able to be easily converted to these systems.
Pros
Call elevator through app and directly controls the elevator Controller.
Connect with destination dispatch.
All the bells and whistles.
Elevator and app are all in one, so if issues arise you will only need to contact one company.
Cons
Expensive and monthly fees with many companies.
Need to be the same brand as the elevator, which if you change your service contract to another company might be an issue.
Not optimal for Modernization of elevator.
Some are not yet legal in state of California.
Smart Elevator Modules
There are a variety of Smart Modular Technologies available in the market which may operate differently and provide different benefits. However many offer similar traits and functions which will be explained. Smart elevator modules are devices that can be integrated with a wide range of elevator systems, which will convert them to smart elevators. With the nature of being an add-on system, these devices can be much less intrusive than the other touchless systems mentioned in this article which may require full conversion or replacement of major components. Moreover, some smart modules can even be integrated into older or newer systems depending on their hardware and operating system, and can take as little as half a day to install.
These systems also allow users to operate the elevator via an App, and can be as seamless as OEM smart systems. The cost for the system can vary a lot, but are much more budget friendly and less intrusive compared to Fully converted OEM systems for small to mid sized buildings.
Because the technology of smart modules can vary quite a bit. It is important to contact individual producers or manufacturers for details— of how their system operates and how they are installed— to better suit your needs & to verify that their systems are code compliant in your respective city, state or country.
Pros
Easy to install
Affordable and non intrusive installation.
Some companies offer low monthly fees.
Can be used with a wide variety of elevator systems, brands & models
Cons
Not connected to the elevator controller
May not be code compliant in certain locations
Some devices don't offer an automated calling system.
Not ideal for high rise buildings 40+ floors
May not offer option for security access control
What is the Sesame System?
Sesame's elevator system is made up of our 3 main proprietary modules (Hall seeds, Cab seeds & Security Seed). Although it shares the benefits of many existing smart modules, we've taken it further to create a simple system that offers comparable integration as even some OEM elevator systems. A 10 stop elevator can take as little as 4hrs to convert. And our user friendly app offers functions for both manual & automatic floor selection for a truly hands free experience.
With the addition of our optional Security Seed module, floor access can also be managed by Building Admins through the same app. This will eliminate the need for a FOB or RFID reader, which is proven to be more secure as it is not easily cloned or stolen.
Our modules are designed to operate only within close proximity and does not interfere with existing elevator signals-- this is made to be code compliant even in California.
The Sesame app is free to download and our basic service plan for building owners starts at no cost. For more info on pricing please contact us or click here to get a (quote).
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