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Do you still have questions about the “black-tech” elevator cloud? Here’s the answer!

2022-05-20

Do you still have questions about the “black-tech” elevator cloud? Here’s the answer!

   In Q1, does the elevator cloud’s accessory certification feature enable full lifecycle management and traceability of accessories?

 

  An elevator cloud platform records the factory information of elevator components, on-site certification and activation status, as well as component replacement information. Through component certification, it’s possible to accurately track and record which specific elevator a given component is attached to. Throughout the entire lifecycle of an elevator—from installation and acceptance completion to the end of its operational life—component management remains fully controllable, and component traceability is supported by verifiable data.

 

 

  

 

   Q2: Does the elevator manufacturer have its own cloud platform? How can the accessory certification feature be used, and what is its underlying principle?

 

  The STEP EMES system can be integrated with the customer’s cloud platform. During shipment, the STEP EMES system can push electronic identification numbers (eIDs) and barcode information for component boards to the customer’s cloud platform. The STEP key server is connected to the customer’s cloud platform via the STEP key firewall. When authenticating on-site master controllers and component boards, the customer’s cloud platform calls the STEP Elevator Cloud Platform interface to perform data encryption and decryption operations, and then uses the component authentication pathway to verify the on-site master controllers and component boards.

 

   Q3: The elevator user employs an agency model. Can authorization for accessory certification be granted to the agency?

 

  The elevator cloud accessory certification is technically implemented via software, offering sufficient flexibility. End-users of complete elevators have control over the activation process and, through account permission management, can authorize agents to create sub-accounts and grant accessory certification licenses.

 

   Q4: When using STEP certified components, is there a risk of being locked-in or tied to specific suppliers?

 

  The accessory certification feature of STEP Elevator Cloud is implemented via software, offering sufficient flexibility. By default, this feature is not enabled at the factory; the decision to enable it rests with the elevator system customer or their authorized agent.

 

   Q5: Regarding the accessory certification feature, mobile phone SMS verification is required. So, for overseas users, what verification method should be adopted?

 

  When using the Elevator Cloud app to authenticate accessories, a verification step is required to further ensure safety. In China, users are verified using their registered mobile phone numbers. For users overseas, you can configure the user management module on the platform to use email verification instead; in this case, the verification code will be sent via email to the specified mailbox.

 

   Can the data from Q6 EOCD be sent to the user company’s platform?

 

  After the EOCD data is collected, the STEP Elevator Cloud Service team can assist in transferring the vibration data to the customer’s app and cloud platform. For the vibration data cloud computing processing module, our platform can establish a call interface with the customer’s cloud platform. The customer’s cloud platform can then call our cloud computing processing module to perform processing and analysis of the vibration data and display the results on the customer’s cloud platform.

 

  

 

  Q7: Can EOCD replace PMT? Is there a third-party testing report?

 

  The portable EOCD is comparable to a PMT in terms of vibration data acquisition and analysis, yet it’s much more convenient to carry and use. It can provide third-party testing and calibration reports. For detailed instructions and supporting documentation, please refer to the elevator cloud product materials at the end of this document.

 

   Q8 Elevator Cloud EOCD is fixed to the elevator. What are the installation requirements?

 

  The EOCD is available in two types: portable and roof-integrated. The portable EOCD comes with its own counterweight and stability feedback; simply place it steadily in the center of the elevator car and follow the instructions or demonstration videos to perform the test. As for the roof-integrated EOCD, it can be integrated into the roof inspection box or a suitable location on the elevator roof. When paired with the elevator cloud terminal in the machine room, this system enables on-demand and scheduled collection of vibration data and uploads it to the elevator’s cloud-based archive. Instructions for using the roof-integrated EOCD system will be further refined and completed at a later stage—stay tuned!

 

   Q9: Does the content displayed on the monitoring wall support customization? Can you help us set up a monitoring wall?

 

  The monitoring wall is part of the elevator cloud platform. Building on the existing content, it can be designed with different styles and display contents according to customer requirements.

 

  

 

   Q10: Has the cloud-based wireless converter for elevators, which is convenient for on-site debugging, been released to the market?

 

  The wireless converter (Bluetooth module) required for elevator cloud accessory certification and wireless debugging has been mass-produced and is now available on the market. You can leave a message in the backend or contact our sales representative for further inquiries.

 

  Q11: How does the Elevator Cloud differ in nature from the original Xingchen IoT?

 

  The original Xingchen IoT platform has now been unified into the STEP Elevator Cloud Platform. The STEP Elevator Cloud Platform not only encompasses and enhances the original functionalities of Xingchen IoT but also integrates a range of core features such as accessory certification, EOCD, and a monitoring dashboard. In addition, its IoT capabilities now include real-time elevator status monitoring, fault alerts, paperless maintenance, elevator health assessment, mobile phone-based elevator call requests, robot-assisted elevator rides, and integration with government data systems. By integrating these multiple functions, the STEP Elevator Cloud Platform enables customers from different roles to use it in a targeted and convenient manner.

 

  

 

  Q12 Can the Elevator Cloud provide guidance for elevator maintenance?

 

  The Elevator Cloud EOCD can detect vibration patterns that reflect the operational status of elevators and generate analytical reports. Combined with elevator operation data collected by Elevator Cloud IoT terminals, it can identify abnormal issues in elevators and notify maintenance personnel, making it easier to guide repairs.

 

   Q13: The IC cards, ARD, and multimedia systems our company uses aren’t from your company. Can they be integrated with your cloud management platform?

 

  The STEP Elevator Cloud platform is open and accessible; all communication-enabled accessories integrated into STEP’s control system meet the basic requirements for seamless integration with the Elevator Cloud. The accessory certification algorithms are portable, and STEP Elevator Cloud is eager to collaborate with everyone to expand the coverage of the Elevator Cloud and provide even better assurance for the safe operation of elevators.

 

   Q14: Can the elevator cloud platform be integrated with local government platforms?

 

  The STEP Elevator Cloud team actively participates in the development of national standards, association standards, and local standards related to elevator IoT. Currently, we have completed integration with government platforms in Shanghai, Chongqing, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Huzhou, Jinhua, Jiaxing, Putian, Longyan, Fuzhou, Nanchang, Wuxi, Beihai in Guangxi, and other regions. We also provide detailed operation guides for integration in the Elevator Cloud product documentation. STEP Elevator Cloud will continue to closely monitor the release of local policies and proactively respond to integration requirements.

  

 

   Q15: Can the elevator cloud-related products be used overseas?

 

  STEP Elevator’s cloud-related products are now available to serve overseas customers. The cloud platform and its English-language app have been successfully upgraded. For customers using on-premises servers, the relevant features of the STEP Elevator cloud platform can be quickly migrated and customized to meet specific needs.

 

   Q16: Can the elevator cloud platform provide an interface for service robots to use when riding elevators?

 

  The STEP Elevator Cloud Platform provides a standard API interface for robots using the STEP control system. Feel free to leave a message if you’d like to learn more.

 

   Q17: How do I install the elevator cloud system, and what are the costs?

 

  The Elevator Cloud includes three core functions as well as IoT-related features. For detailed installation and usage instructions, please refer to the Elevator Cloud product documentation at the end of this document. Regarding associated costs, please contact our sales team for a quote based on your specific requirements.

 

   Q18 After the vibration data is uploaded to the cloud platform, do you plan to integrate it with other information such as elevator operation data to provide predictive maintenance services?

 

  A: This is a highly forward-looking question. While the industry has largely matured in terms of post-event alarm mechanisms for elevators, the issue of proactive early warning—also known as predictive maintenance—remains a significant challenge. STEPeng Elevator Cloud has been continuously pondering this very issue. Currently, STEPeng Elevator Cloud is integrating elevator vibration data collected by EOCD, operational data gathered by smart terminals, and data on the number of operating cycles or service life of elevator components to build a comprehensive database and develop relevant algorithms. The ultimate goal is to establish a predictive assessment mechanism for potential safety hazards, enabling proactive early warnings.

 

  Q19: Regarding the big-data fault prediction feature that many manufacturers are now touting, from the current industry perspective, no company has truly succeeded in unlocking the value of big data and reducing elevator failure rates. On this front, what’s your take on the future direction of IoT development for elevators?

 

  Collecting and analyzing elevator-related data comprehensively to enable functions such as fault prediction is one of the current trends in elevator development. The advancement of the Internet of Things has made it increasingly easy to collect and transmit elevator data; however, the real focus—and also the greatest challenge—lies in the analysis of the collected data. This is precisely the key research area we are currently concentrating on. Leveraging its own advantages in developing control systems, STEP Elevator Cloud integrates elevator operation data, vibration data, component databases, and other relevant information to build a predictive maintenance system centered on fault prediction.

 

   Q20: Are the features of accessory certification, EOCD, and wireless debugging integrated into a single app? How can I download and use this app?

 

  The STEP Elevator Cloud App is a feature-integrated, service-oriented app that not only incorporates core functions such as accessory certification and EOCD capabilities, but also includes features like wireless debugging, mobile call-for-elevator service, operational monitoring, fault alerts, and paperless maintenance. The functionality of the STEP Elevator Cloud App continues to expand gradually. In addition to meeting users’ standard functional requirements, the app also supports custom app feature development and porting. You can scan the QR code at the end of this document to download the Elevator Cloud App; it’s compatible with both Android and Apple systems. For detailed usage instructions, please refer to the Elevator Cloud product documentation.

 

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