A Realistic Approach to 'Interesting' Claims - Lessons in Lift Traffic Analysis

Over the past 10 years as a lift consultant, I have encountered a great deal of disorder and confusion with regard to traffic analysis. Elevator suppliers make unsubstantiated claims about performance of their elevators. Clients use the terminology Interval synonymously with Average Waiting Time. Consultants run simulation studies applied to high rise residential tower under the assumption of up peak traffic. If we in the lift consulting business are honest with ourselves, we would not have to look very far to find disorder and confusion. Although it is easy to contend that the confusion is due to “those other guys, not me,” it is my contention that we lift professionals should do all we can to minimize the confusion. This paper will present four related lessons that I have learned as a specialist in elevator traffic analysis. The bottom line is something that I’m sure everyone would agree with ... that clarity and the attention to technical detail are of the utmost importance. We will present four examples where disorder might occur and recommend steps to minimize the confusion. These examples involve claims of lift performance, Destination Control, simulation, and modernization studies.