The proof is always in the pudding, so we spoke to architects around the world that are using Schindler’s Plan & Design tool to find out what they think.
We know that a lot of architects think that planning and designing an elevator can be a cumbersome task. There are a lot of important aspects to keep in mind, such as regulation and design.
One of the key challenges’ architects face is that the design options and details are not readily available. They must be researched or plucked from previous projects. We knew we could help with this, since we have all the necessary information around elevator design and requirements at our fingertips. After all, this is what we do. So, we created the Schindler Elevator Plan & Design tool.
If you haven’t heard about the Schindler Plan & Design tool, here’s a brief introduction.
The tool was designed to make it easy for users to plan and design an elevator based on the requirements of their specific project. They insert the data and are given a variety of options depending on what works best for that building.
The tool consists of three different modules:
The planning module. This helps users define the requirements for their elevator.
The Design Module. This is where the architect designs the interior of the elevator - style, lighting, mirrors, etc. The result can be rendered in 3D, so it’s easy to get a feel for what it will look like in reality.
The Project Cloud. Basically, it is a personal library or database where you can download planning data in the form of CAD drawings (dwg, dxf), BIM models (ifc) or written specifications (docx). And, of course, save them for use later.
Naturally, we are very curious to find out what architects and other users think about the tool. Since we designed it for them. So, we asked architects all around the world for their opinion. Here’s what they said.
One thing several of them mentioned is that using the Schindler Plan & Design tool saves them time. An expert working with Schindler distribution in China summed it up like this:
First of all, it will definitely improve the efficiency of developing drawings and solutions. If we report the parameters to the manufacturer and wait for their drawings, it takes time. If we have such software, we can produce drawings on the spot, and the efficiency will be improved.
One German architect told us that he considered the tool to be "an immense time saver". We know that architects, designers etc. often work under a lot of time pressure, and anything that can reduce their workload is highly appreciated.
The ability to store projects in the clouds means that users of the Plan and Design tool can work more efficiently. Or as a Spanish architect described it: "It allows me to save configurations: to use the same model for similar buildings."
One of the key functions of the Schindler Plan & Design tool is that it holistically addresses the entire building planning process. What size elevator should be consider based on the size of this specific building? Or how many people that will use the elevators and for what purpose? What regulations and requirements must be considered? Normally, this information is scattered. But in the tool, it is all there.
Like one of the interviewees in Germany pointed out: "The tool brings all the information we need... Especially the size of the box that I need to include in the project."
Another great point was made by a Chinese designer, who said "The good thing is that the whole system is very complete, without missing anything."
Users can find answers to all their questions directly in the system, which is an absolute must for a tool to be really useful.
Another German architect touched upon the same area when she said “It was very well structured". Structure is everything in a tool like this - if the users can’t find the right functions, they will get so lost that they cannot find the information they need.
Another well-liked part of the tool is the design module. The ability to play around with different color schemes, materials, etc. speaks to the creative side of an architect or designer. One German Specialist construction manager said enthusiastically that the design selection was "really great".
And a Brazilian planning and construction manager echoed him, saying: "The selection of details is very cool; the image already shows what you are selecting."
Another Chinese professional, working in Management engineering projects, highlighted that the tool also makes life easier for her customers: "The client may want to change the parameters in the process, so if I make the change, it will jump to another page of recommendation. I can make changes anytime and my client can see directly, which is even better."