The Critical role of Safety in Elevator manufacturing

Safety should be first and top concern for the manufacturer of escalator and elevators. The safety of the installation personnel and the user should be kept in mind at every step. This starts from the preparation of blueprint to manufacturing even the smallest component. 

Indian manufacturers have not been able to compete with global or Chinese elevator manufacturers due to various issues. In India many components, like guide rails are still being imported. This is because both  the quality and price of Indian products are unable to  withstand competition  from global brands.

 Industry observers have felt that Chinese manufacturers take time to understand buyer requirements and only after that they deliver high quality products. Those manufacturers are also able to scale the production as and when necessary. These are the qualities which Indian OEM producers should be looking to integrate in their production processes. 

If Indian OEMs are to be compared/ competitive or on par with international manufacturer they will have to concentrate on following parameters. Rajesh Bywar who is responsible for new equipment for Kone Elevators, managing frontline business for SAARC countries and India suggests the following for a better growth for Indian OEMs: –

1. Sustainability – It goes without saying that sustainable processes are for long term growth of the company and industry. When builders are promoting environmentally sustainable buildings, the elevators will also need to be energy efficient and raw materials will also have to be sourced in a sustainable manner. The demand to produce components in ethical environment will grow, but Fairtrade practices have to be adhered to in the manufacturing plants. Employee well-being and opportunity for their industry education and upskill should also be provided. Legal compliance of the products as per the destination market needs to be very stringent process when exporting products from India.  
2. Quality and consistency – While the quality of each product is critical, the consistency of maintaining this quality over time is as important for a successful export business.
3.  We as a sector have failed to come up to the mark and have a bad reputation. This is due to negligence by just a few manufacturers who are only looking to increase the profit by lowering the quality. This attitude has to change if Indian OEMs have to become global players. 

“There is a misconception in market that Indian components are not safe”, says Rajesh Bywar of Kone elevators India. “ This perception has been created due to inconsistency of quality products by Indian manufacturers. We have often seen that once the supplier gains the confidence from a firm, he tends to cut edges, by either cutting down on quality of raw material or not by inspecting the parts properly.”  

1. Sticking to standards – Since only a few states have clear and documented elevator standards, and even if they are, not all manufacturers are aware of the standards to be followed. With each passing year the global standards are being rewritten , as technologies evolve and most countries are very stringent  on these. European standards are very strict and highest in the world.  Hence, while exporting to such markets, it is important to be very clear on compliances and adherence to standards, for the products to be acceptable in all markets. 

Indian standard 8100 is being implemented for lifts. The components will also have to follow these standards. It is the need of the hour to educate all about the evolving industry standards. 

1. Ability to Future proof – Going digital is the new mantra. Digitization needs to be undertaken for all the departments, since the use of AI, robotics and ML in manufacturing greatly increases consistency and precision of the products. It will not only help in timely delivery but also increase precision, reliability and quality consistency. Customer experience can also be enhanced with digitization.   Every company should be preparing for the Industry 4.0 revolution.
2. R&D – Some resources should be spent for the research and development, whether to launch new product, or making the existing ones more efficient. Better products need not be at a higher price. More technology research can help in delivering cost effective quality products.

Here are some of the key things that can help Indian brands enjoy increased acceptance in foreign markets, adding to exports.: 

1. Government support – As an industry we need to lobby for good infrastructure for setting up manufacturing units from government. 
2. Process Discipline – Our market is good in imbibing new processes, but following them consistently does not happen. We need to inculcate that discipline
3. Accountability – Once a specification is given the client expects manufacturers to adhere to it. If it does not happen there, it shows lack of accountability. The blame game begins. under any circumstances, the product should be delivered as promised.  

There is no doubt that Chinese are leading in global share of manufacturing, and as a market, and their demand is also high. But with Indian urbanization speeding up, we have a big domestic market to cater too. If the above-mentioned aspects are followed Indian OEM’s future look bright.