The lift and escalator industry is undergoing a clear technological shift. As legacy 2G/3G networks are phased out, connectivity, IoT, and cloud platforms are no longer future visions but everyday tools. At the same time, building owners and operators expect uptime, transparency, and measurable sustainability.
The challenge: future-proof today’s installations
Implementing VoIP, monitoring energy consumption, and upgrading emergency systems are essential starting points—but only the beginning. The real shift is moving from reactive to data-driven maintenance.
With IoT sensors and modern platforms, service teams can detect anomalies early, plan interventions more intelligently, and reduce downtime. The outcome is fewer interruptions, better resource planning, and lower life-cycle cost—and, above all, a new customer relationship where you don’t just sell technology, you deliver value over time.
Emerging trend: AI-assisted guidance in service and troubleshooting
A clear industry trend is that data, cloud, and AI are increasingly used to prepare service work before technicians are on site. By consolidating logs, alarm codes, and history, it becomes possible to form indicative fault pictures, suggest possible action steps, and highlight likely spare parts. The aim is to enhance planning, increase first-time-fix rates, and minimize unnecessary call-outs. As connectivity and access to operating data improve—and analysis methods mature—solutions will evolve in scope and precision over time.
New rules through 2030
We are rapidly moving toward a norm where connected lifts and data sharing are standard. EU initiatives such as the Smart Readiness Indicator and new building requirements push digital, remotely controllable systems that integrate with smart buildings. Sustainability is no longer optional: with CSRD, stakeholders are expected to report measurable impacts across energy, materials, and life cycle.
In parallel, cybersecurity becomes a hygiene factor. NIS2 and IEC 62443 raise the bar for everything from remote access to supplier chains. Those who design security in from the start—segmentation, hardening, update routines, and logging—earn trust and business.
Add to this tighter safety and communication requirements in lift standards, including EN 81-28:2022 for digital alarm and monitoring systems, which further accelerate the move to connected solutions.
The road ahead: from components to capabilities
The leaders will be those who:
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Audit their installed base: model, comms module, SIM/APN, energy profile.
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Migrate communications to 4G/LTE and ensure compliance with standards and operator timelines.
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Standardise parts and processes (spares, firmware, documentation) to scale efficiently.
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Integrate data into building and service platforms for predictive maintenance and ESG tracking.
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Build security in: zero-trust mindset, segmentation, and continuous security updates.
SafeLine’s role
Since day one, SafeLine has focused on the specific needs of the lift industry. Our devices—such as GL1, GL6, and SL6—in robust metal enclosures are engineered for demanding environments, serviceability and long life. Depending on generation, they are 4G-ready or can be upgraded with approved components and firmware. With our field guide and support, technicians can quickly identify devices, verify 4G/SIM readiness, select the right upgrade kits, and carry out testing and commissioning—without unnecessary downtime.
Companies that adapt now will not only future-proof their operations—they will be tomorrow’s leaders. We at SafeLine are proud to take that journey together with our customers and partners.
Henrik Gyllander
CEO, SafeLine Group
