COA 8903 Strategies for IT Adoption in the Building Industry Amol Kane Construction Engg & Management Georgia Institute of Technology ELEVATORS

Contents 1.Background 2.Main Components 3.Current Status of Industry 4.Working Model 5.Key areas of IT integration 6.New Technologies 7.Conclusion 8.Recommendations 9.References Source: Fujitec America, Inc

Background Elevators have become an integral part of any building facility over the past few decades. In our everyday life, we depend on them for vertical transportation in offices, schools, public bldgs, airports, sub-stations etc.

Background (contd.) This sector of the construction industry is dominated by a few giant players who between them, control almost 90% of the total $4 billion plus US market. Smaller manufacturers are far and few, and would not really make a noticeable difference to the big picture. * Figures approximate. Source: Bob Beyer, Elevator Advisors The biggies: Otis………….…..…20% Schindler…….…..20% Thyssen-Krupp...20% Kone………….……15% Fujitec…………… 15% Others…………….10% (% market share in the US elevator market)

Background (contd.) Decision to install the new building with an elevator is taken early on, during the design stage. An order is placed with an elevator company as per requirements. Production of the elevator (or array) takes place in parallel to the construction of the building. The elevator is then brought to the site in Semi Knocked Down Kits (SKD) and assembled at the appropriate phase of construction. Decision to install Elevator Phases of Construction Elevator ready for installation Construction of building begins Manufacturer given order Elevator put into place at allocated time of construction [Parallel Processes]

Owner of Building Architect General Contractor Elevator Manufacturer Consultant Structural Engineer Sub- Contractors Main Components

Current Status of Industry This Industry is actually quite developed and is already using parametric 3D models and knowledge-rich IT systems. Apart from the mainstream tools available, many big companies have even developed their own computer-based tools to aid in effective information exchange: OfficeCAD SchindlerDraw & SchindlerSpec OtisPlan

Architect Structural Engineer Elevator Consultant Electrical Engineer Elevator Design Decision for Elevator units in a building Tender open for Sub-Contractors Installed in Building General Contractor selects best bid General Contractor Elevator Company Regional Office Specs submitted Elevator design Final requirements Std models list Submit bids Technical specs to factory Select best bid Scheduling Production Engineering Company HQ’s Product manufactured Product ready to be installed License Inspector Rework and maintenance START: :FINISH Working Model

Key Areas of IT Adoption General Contractor Owner License Inspector Electrical Engineer Structural Engineer Architect Sub- Contractors Elevator Manufacturer Suppliers License Inspector Assembly Unit Engineers Designers Sub- Contractors O&M Team

New Technologies Customer General Contractor Accept order Scheduling Engineering & Production Manufacturing elevator unit Installation Rework & Maintenance Complete Integration using IT Companies like Otis, Schindler and Kone now offer a fully integrated production program.

New Technologies (contd.) Click on the link for a simulation video of a complete elevator installation. * Source: Fujitec America, Inc Many software’s have been developed by these various companies that allow 3D modeling of elevator design according to user requirement. A Contractor can now simply look up the website of an elevator company and obtain standard sizes and models of elevators that may suit the building. At the same time, an order may be placed if a tailor-made fit is needed. This also enable the Contractor to submit their requirements online and get a real time model and estimate of the products that could be made available.

Conclusions The 2 key areas of intensive information flow are: General Contractor & Elevator Manufacturing Company 95% of the Elevator manufacturers are already using IT; hence there is not much scope for adoption in this segment. Industry giants like Otis, Schindler, Thyssen-Krupp, Kone and Fujitec have made tremendous progress in application of 3D modeling and integration of elevator production. General Contractors are also using IT in large high-rise building projects, but not so much in smaller projects. However, they are using CAD, Excel and 2D software for information exchange. 3D modeling is not really being used by them because they say it does not justify the economics in projects of this scale.

Recommendations General Contractors (and his elevator sub-contractor) will benefit immensely if they also have access to the advanced 3D models that are being used by elevator manufacturers. If they are able to put in their specific building in the simulation model, then they could realize difficulties and hurdles, if any, at the beginning of the construction stage. This will enable them to adapt the building construction accordingly and save time and the amount of rework required. It will also reduce the duration of approval process. Also, if the information flow between Architect, General Contractor and specialist Sub- Contractor is enhanced with the help of 3D models, it will result in saving time and rework. BIFURCATE / SHARE the existing knowledge Focus on: GENERAL CONTRACTORS * Currently, only General Contractors of extremely large projects like super high-rise buildings are using 3D models

Recommendations (contd.) Otees Architect General Contractor Sub-Contractor for Elevators Structural Consultant Share existing technology Exchange information * Otees – Fictional Elevator Company

References People Contacted: Kent Dickinson, Otis, Atlanta Office Teresa Shirley, NAEC Bob Beyer, Elevator Advisors, Atlanta