August 2016
If people are trapped in a lift, they can call for help, using the emergency call. But if a lift gets stuck because of a defect without occupants, there is still the collective fault notification of the lift on the spot, but the operator/employer initially does not learn anything of this - unless remote monitoring is installed.
Inside M2M GmbH – a specialist for remote monitoring and control – developed the LiNDA system for this purpose. LiNDA stands for "Lift Notification Data Access.” The system is connected to the lift control in question and allows the operator or employer "insight” into the control from any workplace connected to the Internet.
LiNDA makes the error notifications of the lift control visible in a web portal and reports them to a control room or directly to the service staff - and this long before a lift makes an unplanned stop.
LiNDA is based on the M2MGate Network communication framework, whose first version was already developed in 2004 by Inside M2M. This software permits reliable communication across building, company and national boundaries, focusing on the use of mobile communications. As a universal platform in the machine-to-machine environment, the M2MGate Network is already in use many different industries. Currently over 260,000 devices worldwide are integrated in telemetric networks via this software.
The LiNDA monitoring device is installed directly in the switch cabinet of the lift. This is a tried-and-tested MC 80 GRPS mobile communications terminal from MC Technologies, known for its great reliability. Avoiding high subsequent costs (e.g. for replacing devices) is particularly important in the telemetric area. The module is connected to the lift via RS 232 with the control device and communicates using the protocols of the control manufacturer.
The LiNDA monitoring device connects independently via mobile communications with the cloud-based LiNDA server, which administers all mobile communication terminals connected and integrates them in the monitoring system. The databases, which include all master data (portal users, lifts, lift controls, GPRS terminals) and status data of the lifts, run on the LiNDA server.
The user can access its lifts via the LiNDA web portal (for visualisation and configuration of the lift control data) using a normal web browser. No software has to be installed for this purpose, meaning LiNDA is accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone with an Internet connection.
LiNDA also has a mobile app for smartphones that makes the system particularly user-friendly. Service technicians are at all times up-to-date about the status of ‘their’ lifts even when are on the road and have system access at all times with the app.
The LiNDA system is compatible with the lift controls of different manufacturers. The type of query can be configured according to the desires of the lift operator or service provider commissioned. It can actively query data and for example evaluate control error messages. But the system also sends data sets cyclically to the LiNDA server on its own.
The LiNDA server can in addition also communicate event-based (alarm) messages (via e-mail or push message to smartphone) to ensure the availability of the lift is restored as quickly as possible. All data retrieved or registered (malfunctions, breakdowns, history, etc.) can be presented clearly and evaluated.
Thanks to these characteristics and functions, the LiNDA system is an ideal service tool for tailor-made maintenance. Installation companies and maintenance firms can provide their customers with availability pledges with the support of LiNDA and in the event of irregularities immediately inform the next available service technician.
LUTZ Aufzüge has been using LiNDA since 2014 as part of its M2M project, in which the data is evaluated via the company’s own web portal, as well as via an interface in the service management system. This permits preventive fault clearance and provides a good overview of the availability of the lifts.
Michael Emmert, Geschäftsführer der INSIDE M2M GmbH, stellte LiNDA auf dem Schwelmer Symposium vor / Michael Emmert, managing director of INSIDE M2M GmbH, presented LiNDA at the Schwelm Symposium.
Digitalpaper
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