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. 

The “Safe-T Rider” program has been designed to educate primary age children on the safe and proper way of riding elevators, escalators and moving walks. In spite of design, development, manufacture and installation of escalators and elevators being compliant to recommended safety codes, needless accidents do occur. Children as a group, are involved in a majority of these avoidable accidents. The objective of this program is to make children (and indirectly their families) aware of proper conduct while riding on escalators, elevators and moving walks.
The Elevator Escalator Safety Trust is a NOT FOR PROFIT and is 100% funded through donations. EEST has obtained exemption for donations received by it vide order of Director of Income Tax (Exemptions), Mumbai. It is registered with the Charity Commissioner and also under section 12A of Income Tax Act, 1961
These funds are used to pay for materials, promote safety through advertisement and cover all expenses related to furthering the goals and mission of EEST.
We carry out these programs through the support of the Industry Players, Manufacturers of Elevators and Escalators. Many of the supporting organizations treat this activity as their CSR activities.
The primary objective of the Trust is
∙ Educate young children on safe practices while using elevators and escalators
∙ Educate adults and seniors on safe practices while using elevators and escalators
∙ Promote safety awareness amongst Property Owners and Managers

The Safe-T – Rider program for children is conducted in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam & Telegu.

EEST along with prominent elevator companies, have been conducting training programs in different Schools & societies across INDIA and have trained approx. 4,02,298 till date and continue to train. For further details you may visit our website – www.eest.in or our FB page https://www.facebook.com/EEST.in/

Although dangerous elevator breakdowns are frequently depicted on television and in movies, the truth is considerably different. Elevators are supported by a network of steel cables, each of which is capable of supporting a fully laden vehicle. As a result, a screaming elevator car is more Hollywood fiction than reality.

The ASME A17.1-2019 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators underwent several amendments in early 2020. The following are significant changes:

-Door standards for private dwelling elevators and occupant evacuation elevators have been updated.
-Elevator and escalator seismic standards were clarified.
-Emergency communication regulations for an elevator have been updated to ensure contact with trapped passengers, including those who are deaf.
-In addition, regulations for increased door protection on passenger elevators were changed.

However, there are a few precautions and best practices that maintenance personnel and elevator users should take to ensure their safety when using or working on an elevator. For further information, see the elevator safety advice and resources listed below.

Tips for Elevator Safety for Employees, Employers, and Building Owners

Elevators and construction workers are the most vulnerable to elevator accidents. People working on or near elevators, such as those installing, repairing and maintaining elevators, or those working in or near elevator shafts, account for about half of all elevator-related deaths. Falls into the shaft, workers caught between moving parts or platforms, and workers injured by elevator cars or counterweights are the most prevalent events.

Employers and employees should take the following precautions to help avoid elevator-related deaths and injuries:
Ascertain that workplace safety procedures and training are adequate.
When elevators are out of operation or being repaired, de-energize and electrical lockout circuits and mechanical equipment.
Establish a confined-space program for elevator shafts that requires a permit.
When working in or near elevator shafts, be sure you have sufficient fall protection.
Create a comprehensive inspection and maintenance program.
For elevator repair and maintenance, only hire qualified businesses or individuals.
Install suitable elevator safety signs for emergency operations, freight elevators, counterweights, elevator shafts, inspection tags, and other situations.

Riders’ Elevator Safety Tips

When you’re waiting for an elevator, keep these things in mind:
Keep a safe distance from the elevator doors and make room for passengers exiting.
Wait for the next lot if the arriving one is full. Don’t be overweight.
Wait for the next one instead of attempting to maneuver in or halt closing doors.
Take the stairs if there is a fire or other scenario that could cause an interruption in electricity service.
Allow people exiting the elevator to clear before joining the elevator.
Keep an eye on your step because the elevator door might not be completely level with the ground.
Keep your garments and carry-ons out of the path of the doors by standing clear of them.
If you need to keep doors open, press and hold the DOOR OPEN button or have someone else do it for you.

When taking the elevator:

If a handrail is available, grab it.
If possible, take a seat against the elevator wall.
When given, pay attention to the floor indicators and announcements.
If the elevator doors do not open when it stops, use the DOOR OPEN button.
If you’re stranded in an elevator, keep your cool. To summon assistance, press the elevator’s alarm or emergency contact buttons. Elevator vehicles are supposed to be “safe rooms,” with the inside of the car being the safest place to be.

In the event of an elevator malfunction:
Don’t be alarmed if the elevator stops between floors; there is plenty of air in the elevator.
Assist and reassure anyone who is worried about being trapped in the elevator.
To get help, press the ALARM or HELP buttons, dial 911, or use the intercom. To use them, follow the provided instructions.
Don’t try to pry the doors open.
A stalled elevator should never be climbed out of. Allow time for qualified assistance to come.