Maintenance Management

Lifts, escalators and all types of mechanical handling systems often represent considerable capital investment. It is important to ensure that the performance, reliability and life expectancy of the equipment is maximised over its economic life. This requires competent and effective preventive lift maintenance to be carried out by qualified organisations. We can assist the owner in a variety of ways to obtain these goals as well as ensuring full compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation in a cost effective manner. Some of our services within this specialist area are outlined below. The keynote of our service revolves around ensuring the safety and availability of equipment on an ongoing basis.

Maintenance Management Service

This is a cost-effective managed service we offer that, in effect, ‘outsources’ the management of the lift maintenance contract to ourselves. We, in turn, ensure that the condition of the equipment is maintained or improved through regular audits and adoption of our maintenance contract. Excellent budget control and longer term financial planning are possible from the information we provide for the property owner or manager.  Experienced consultants will also intervene and resolve problems quickly and efficiently. We certify all payments due to the Contractor and use a web accessible management information system that allows clients to review any aspect of their costs or safety records. As part of this service we ensure risk assessments are available, safety certificates are issued on time and review and action all items related to the statutory reports which are received and actioned electronically. We offer our clients direct access to all the information we hold on their behalf and this can be viewed as a “dashboard” where key performance indicators such as cost, statutory reports, safety certificates, risk assessments and equipment availability etc can be viewed and information downloaded whenever required. Lift repairs and minor upgrades are all tracked by our dedicated application that allows us to keep tabs on “downtime” and planned lift repairs and upgrades.

We have also pioneered innovative web-based “real time” performance tracking systems enabling “downtime” and maintenance visits to be monitored and measured using a device known as a “site terminal” (shown here).

A “site terminal” is a web browser fixed within a property able to capture “site events” in real time. It can be in the form of a  “web kiosk“ (as shown here) or an IP touch-screen phone. Currently the “site terminal” is patented in 11 countries including the UK. Patents are pending in Europe and USA. The site terminal was developed with an application development partner, Conssero plc, who became Cisco’s first accredited CTDP partner in the “connected real estate” group. Over £1.5m has been invested in the development of the application platform and interface devices. Lerch Bates utilise the Conssero platform to deliver their maintenance management service.

Lerch Bates look after more than 6,000 lifts, escalators and facade access installations and these are just some of the organisations that take advantage of our cost-effective service…

Maintenance Audits

A comprehensive report that will identify the present condition and performance of the lift or escalator equipment, evaluate the standard of maintenance being upheld and pinpoint deficiencies or adjustments necessary. The report will also advise upon deficiencies against current codes and standards and improvements that may be required to’ meet current accepted safety standards. Detailed technical evaluation of areas such as ride quality, computer datalogging of traffic performance etc can also be made where appropriate.

Comprehensive “Performance Related” Contracts

A preferred form of contract prepared ‘by us will ensure that the ongoing performance and availability of the equipment’ is tied to measurable parameters with cost penalties if not achieved. It will identify costs clearly with comprehensive coverage and include for all call-backs 24 hours per day/7 days per week with defined response times to be met. All recommended periodic tests and inspections and certification thereof are also included. The contract will also dictate performance criteria in terms of serviceability, traffic and equipment operation etc. It will also allow for all remedial work required-to make good all maintenance deficiencies reported to the Contractor.