Recently you must have heard or seen new lifts being installed in your Sector/Pocket. Thanks to the efforts and perseverance of Wg. Cdr. Raj (retired), a resident of Sector B, Pocket 11, Vasant Kunj, now all the residents of Vasant Kunj can get lifts installed. The government has finally conceded to the demands of the DDA Flat owners. A survey conducted by Vasant Kunj RWA recently highlighted that a majority of Vasant Kunj residents are not clear on how to find and select Lift manufacturing companies and infrastructure building companies.
The confusion exists because Lifts are a highly complex combination of Electro-Mechanical equipment with lots of electronics and software. With the advancements in technology, the normal life of a Lift is now over 20 years.
A whole lot of Engineering expertise & resources are required to accomplish Design, Manufacturing, Installation and Maintenance of Lifts Safely and Successfully.
Due to very high demand of Lifts, many fly by night operators have entered this industry.
“BEWARE OF THEM”
It is very important that you know what to look for when buying a lift. There are many other factors to consider – not just the Fancy look and price.
Here are a few things that you may want to know before you take a decision for a new lift for your home or business.
1. Websites & ISO Certificate
Don’t just get swayed with nice looking, dashing and fancy websites. Nowadays making fancy websites are very easy to make and cost just a few thousand rupees to make. Often the fancier the website, poorer the company in terms of infrastructure (at least in Elevator industry).
Similarly today these ISO 9001 certificates are very confusing. They are available almost off the shelves, at a very low price.
2. Purpose
What is the purpose of buying the Lift
You should know what is the purpose of buying your Lift. This will help you to narrow down your options and allow you to choose from the models that are appropriate in design and duty.
3. Duty and Life
How much per day and how long you wish to use Lift.
Duty is something which can be described in simple words as numbers of times Lift to be used in a day. For example, A lift which is to be installed in a low rise building or home (used 15 -20 times a day) may be called a light duty lift. Whereas a lift installed in an office/commercial building (used more than 60 times per hour) may be called a heavy duty lift. The components used can be of different ratings and can affect the price.
It is very well possible that two Lifts having the same feel and looks in design can have a different duty capacity and hence a different pricing.
Also, many a time user and/or owner does not buy the Lift for a building, the person who is buying does not have interest in the duty and long life of the lift. His focus is only on lower price. When a supplier does not get the right price, it ultimately affects the quality of the Lift. Many a time, poor quality and poor life comes to light after 2/3 years, by that time it may be too late.
4. Design
How your Lift is designed
This is quite an important factor. Unfortunately, today when you talk of design, a lift supplier emphasizes on the interior design of Lift cabin and doors. A highly misused word is a misnomer. Actually, design means that “does your supplier have the capability to design mechanical or electrical parts”. Do they have the infrastructure and capability to do that? Many a times buyer just get influenced by the fancy interior, designer finishes.
Good quality manufacturers do not demand a higher price in the name of designer finishes and LED Lighting. One has to take into consideration other important aspects of duty and life of other important components/parts of the lift. Yes If you’re buying a home lift, the design of the elevator is probably a concern. You may also have some reservations about interior design. But a question must be asked, is it really required or important? Does your building really need designer finishes and fancy LED lighting?
5. Flexibility
Are you free to decide your space and design?
Flexibility means getting a lift solution that fits your designs and requirements, and not the other way around. It may look like a subtle difference, but does your supplier offer actual flexibility in terms of Mechanical and Electrical design (Not only interior decoration) specially having smallest sizes for pit, headroom and shaft while keeping within the safety limits, quality as per Lift codes and standards.
Flexibility is also about catering to a wide variety of needs and requirements. Whether you need an elevator installed indoors, outdoors, in a glass tower, in a residential building, a service lift, goods lift or a dumbwaiter lift.
6. Quality
Today the average life of a lift is over 15-20 years. Thus you need to ask, does your supplier has the resources, background and history in this highly specialized business. Most importantly will they last long enough to provide you with consistent and quality service over the years?
7. Safety
One of your top priorities when purchasing a lift should be your safety, making sure that the lift meets the highest of building safety standards and is reliable for daily usage is critical. Do not hesitate to ask for the MTBF (mean time between failures)
Most of the lifts have special safety features implemented including emergency lowering, which in the event of power failure, will return the lift to the nearest floor and unlock the door to allow passengers to exit safely, giving you extra peace of mind. Make sure your chosen lift has this feature.
Besides the above
Some of the questions you may wish to ask and confirm; is your supplier is an established player in the lifts field or just a fly by night operator who has entered this business for some quick money?
- Does your supplier has all necessary Govt tax registration.
- GST
- Excise
- Pan number
- Tan/Tin number
- Does your supplier has valid Electrical Contractor License?
- Ask for a copy. It must be noted that this is a mandatory requirement in Delhi and many other states
- Will your supplier get you a Lift License?
- Ask for at least 5 copy of previous Lift licenses.
- If you want an OEM as your Lift supplier than you may check manufacturing license
- Simplest would be to ask for Excise registration number. However, if you are happy with a trader/assembler than you may ask for their GST registration.
- By asking excise, you would also ensure that your supplier has a turnover of at least a few crores and would be an established player in lift industry.
- Some supplier may give you reasons for not having an Excise and/or GST registrations, but that’s only an excuse and not a good thing.
- Does your supplier has a team of technical people and engineers to support you or it is just a one-man show. Investigate thoroughly, you may in for a surprise.
- What Happens in case any Lift installation worker meets with an accident at your site or any third party meets with an accident.
- Does your supplier have any insurance coverage in place? ask for a copy.
- Check if your supplier registered with PF department?
- Check if your supplier registered with ESIC department?
- Is your supplier registered with MSME?
- This can be very important. It ensures that your supplier may be small enterprise but the company still have basic minimum infrastructure required for a long term commitment.
- Does your supplier have a company bank account?
- Don’t hesitate to ask for their statement for last one year. You may be in for a surprise.
- Does your supplier have a valid membership of any trade associations?
- DEA, Delhi Elevator Association, Chamber of commerce etc .
- Does your supplier have an import export licence IEC code? (In case the lift is to be imported)
- Since there are many imported parts used in Lift, This may be an advantage.
- Does your supplier have a track record of at least 5-10 years in the elevator business?
- Ask for a copy of the last balance sheet and audit report. Most of the big manufacturers make this information available on their websites.
- Does your supplier has a permanent office? you may be in for a surprise.
- Before you take a decision, it’s a good idea to visit the supplier office and meet the staff. Meet the people with whom you are going to deal with. This first hand experience may bring in surprises and this may save you from many headaches later.
- Call the suppliers’ service helpline number and you will get a fair idea of how it is going to be after your lift is installed.
If you feel you need help with deciphering all this jargon, feel free to give us a call. We are available to discuss your needs and suggest the best options.
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