BLOG CATEGORIES
Destination Dispatch Systems : Thumbs Up or Down?
The jury is still out on the marketability and success of elevator destination dispatch systems. Here, we size up the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your property.
Destination dispatch system groups together passengers who share similar floors. By simply using a proximity card, keypad or — even better still — a touchscreen interface, passengers quickly and efficiently get to where they need to go. In the meantime, the building benefits from energy savings, traffic reduction and complaints about wait times.
Find out how to improve safety and reduce costs at your property
Our best-in-class emergency phone + monitoring solutions provide peace of mind and are backed by decades of expertise
Learn More
2022 ELLIES WINNER
Best Supplier -
Communication System
Find out how to improve safety and reduce costs at your property
Our best-in-class emergency phone + monitoring solutions provide peace of mind and are backed by decades of expertise
Learn More2022 ELLIES WINNER
Best Supplier -
Communication System
However, destination dispatch systems remain only a small percentage of elevators operating in the United States. They’re difficult to retrofit in existing buildings (modernization can cost anywhere between $60,000 and $250,000, depending on the building); they’re most successfully installed during new construction. Most are able to adapt to smartphone technology, which allows more convenience for occupants and employees. Is a destination dispatch system the right choice for you? Consider the following.
Learn about more elevator upgrades of all scopes in this free guide >>
The overall benefits of these elevators include:
- Reduced waiting and travel time
- Reduced overcrowding
- Quick emergency response with a special swipe card.
- Saves energy by converting to standby mode during quiet times
- Often perceived as more modern and dependable than traditional elevators
- Customization for individuals who need special access, such as VIP service or occupants with pets
- Fewer elevators are needed (however, under-elevating a building should not be automatically assumed)
- Safety: restricted access
- Special features available for people with disabilities
On the other hand, not everybody is on board for destination dispatch systems. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Reduced privacy. Regular passengers will learn where other occupants are going on a regular basis — and sometimes why.
- A lack or absence of buttons can cause anxiety in some passengers.
- Passengers often ride with the same people every day, and may not get a chance to network or meet new people.
- Passengers can push unnecessary buttons, resulting in wasted stops.
- Waiting time and transit time are two different things: many passengers assume that a destination dispatch system elevator automatically gets to their waiting floor faster; this is not necessarily so.
- Unfamiliarity with the system can cause confusion or dissatisfaction.
- The person who is standing in the elevator the longest (who has the furthest to travel) can become frustrated with the length of travel time, despite the stated convenience of the system. This frustration could compound if the passenger uses the elevator frequently.
- Many people have a preconceived negative connotation regarding elevator systems, especially in tall buildings.
- The elevator can’t distinguish between a single passenger and a group of passengers going to the same floor. This could lead to overcrowding. One solution to this could be a load vane sensor, which tells the elevator controller that there is a high load in car and doesn’t stop at other floors until the load is low enough to pick up more passengers.
Most occupants don’t realize that elevator dispatch system upgrades don’t make elevators faster — only more efficient. Elevators, no matter how modern, still operate in a physical space, with physical limitations.
Ultimately, a good elevator system, no matter which type you choose, should meet the needs of the people.
Click here to learn more about how to test your emergency phones, and how Kings III can help.
For more information on how Kings III can help you with your communications solutions for both destination dispatch systems and traditional elevators, visit www.kingsiii.com.
CATEGORIES TAGGED
ELEVATORS
PROPERTY SAFETY
CATEGORIES
KEEP LEARNING
How is Your Premise Liability Law IQ?
A premises liability lawsuit holds a property owner responsible for any damages arising out of an injury on that person or entity's property. Keeping your property safe is, therefore, your number-one priority. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Kings III of America Announces CEO Transition
Kings III today announced that as part of a thoughtful succession process, Dennis Mason will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and transitioning to Senior Advisor. Norm Nelson, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018, will succeed Mr. Mason as CEO.
Apple iPhone Setting Ties Up 911 Call Centers
A recent news story highlights how an iPhone safety feature may be adversely affecting 911 call centers. Here's what property managers should be thinking about when it comes to their own onsite emergencies.
Types of Emergency Phones: Glossary and Resources
If you are looking into information on emergency phones, it’s worth getting some context on all emergency response options at a high level. Here, we’ll attempt to do just that with a ‘types of emergency phones’ glossary where we’ll provide important facts and links to outside resources for ALL types of emergency phones, along with special considerations.
Winter-Proof Your Elevators
When elevators break down or work improperly, especially during inclement weather, we are reminded of their vital importance. Pay attention to the following items, especially in winter weather, to help keep your elevators running safely and smoothly.
Kings III Makes The Dallas Morning News Top 100 Places to Work List Becoming a 3x Winner
We're honored to be recognized by our employees and The Dallas Morning News by making the daily newspaper’s Top 100 Places to Work list for the 3rd year in a row, falling in at 28th in the midsize companies category.
Best Practices for Using Video Surveillance on Your Property
Video surveillance is a common life safety tool for property managers. In fact, the latest elevator safety codes show how it can even be an essential component of emergency response for those with a disability. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when adding video surveillance to your security mix.
Arcline Investment Management to Acquire Kings III of America
Arcline Investment Management ("Arcline"), a growth-oriented private equity firm, today announced the acquisition of Kings III of America ("Kings III"), a leading third-party provider of elevator and pool emergency monitoring solutions in North America, from Rockbridge Growth Equity and Thayer Street Partners.
Saving Labor and Service Costs During Inflation
We simply can’t ignore the elephant in the room: inflation is causing unprecedented rises in prices. Learn how turnkey solutions with maintenance included can be your saving grace as a property manager.