SMARTER LIFT MAINTENANCE FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

From fixing problems to preventing them – how technology is changing lift care

We’ve all experienced the frustration of a lift breaking down at the worst possible time – whether during peak school drop-off or in the middle of a busy workday. Traditional maintenance often waits for something to fail before taking action. However, predictive maintenance changes the game by spotting issues before they become problems.

Why reactive maintenance falls short

Reactive maintenance often means residents face long waits when a lift breaks down, sometimes hours or even days before it’s back in service. Emergency callouts quickly drive-up costs, and because repairs are carried out under pressure, the same issues often resurface if the root cause isn’t addressed.

Over time, frequent outages chip away at resident confidence, leaving managers to handle frustration and complaints. In today’s busier, denser buildings, where reliable vertical transport is essential, this old approach simply doesn’t measure up.

How predictive maintenance changes the game

Predictive maintenance uses sensors and data analysis to track lift performance and identify issues before they cause a breakdown.

KONE 24/7 Connect

KONE 24/7 Connect uses smart sensors and cloud-based technology to continuously monitor your lift’s performance. Instead of waiting for something to break down, the system detects subtle changes (e.g. such as a door starting to slow down or a motor drawing more power than usual) and flags them early.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Fewer unexpected outages
  As potential faults are picked up before they turn into bigger issues, breakdowns are less likely to happen. This keeps lifts available and residents moving smoothly.
• Faster, more accurate repairs
  When an issue does need attention, technicians receive detailed fault information in advance. They can arrive prepared with the right tools and parts, which means quicker fixes and less downtime.
• Smarter maintenance planning
  Continuous insights allow maintenance to be scheduled at the most convenient times —like quieter hours of the day—minimising disruption for residents, visitors, and building managers.
• Remote support and passenger release
  In some cases, problems can be solved remotely without anyone needing to come onsite. If passengers are inside the lift, trained experts can even safely release them using remote technology which reduces wait times and provides peace of mind.

Benefits for Strata and Facility Managers

Predictive maintenance delivers more than just fewer breakdowns—it provides a foundation for smoother building operations and better resident experiences. Some of the key benefits include:

• Higher reliability and safety
• Predictable maintenance budgets
• Data and reporting to support long-term planning

Shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance isn’t just about technology; it’s about improving the everyday experience for the people who live and work in your building. By using smart systems and continuous monitoring, you can keep your lift running smoothly and residents moving without interruption.

Article Contributed by KONE Service and Modernisation Team.