Lift Modernisation Plan, why it matters and how it empowers owners for long-term gains

Lift Modernisation Plan, why it matters and how it empowers owners for long-term gains

Lift modernization is, therefore, a crucial step in ensuring seamless mobility, enhanced safety, and long-term value for both users and building owners.

The Challenge of Aging Lift Infrastructure in Singapore

In Singapore’s urban landscape, lifts are more than just a convenience—they are critical to a building’s functionality, directly influencing property value, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction. However, as buildings age, lift systems face increasing wear and tear, leading to frequent breakdowns, outdated control systems, and mechanical failures. To address these challenges, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore recommends that owners conduct a comprehensive condition assessment of lifts approaching 15 years of service to evaluate the need for modernisation. Based on this assessment, owners should develop a detailed modernisation plan if modernisation is deemed necessary. Owners may initiate this assessment earlier for lifts with high usage patterns. Without timely upgrades, aging lifts can compromise safety, reliability, and overall building performance, placing added pressure on property owners to manage rising maintenance costs and reputational risks. Lift modernization is, therefore, a crucial step in ensuring seamless mobility, enhanced safety, and long-term value for both users and building owners.

Why Lift Modernisation Matters

One of the key challenges with aging lifts is the rapid evolution of lift technology. As manufacturers continually update designs and components, older lift models face obsolescence, making replacement parts increasingly difficult to source. This scarcity not only drives up maintenance costs but also extends downtime, impacting building operations and user experience. Over time, this creates a compounding effect—rising servicing costs paired with declining reliability—posing a significant challenge for property owners who must balance operational efficiency with budget constraints. Lift modernization helps mitigate these risks by integrating updated systems, ensuring long-term performance, cost-effectiveness, and user safety.

Long-term Gains: How Modernisation Empowers Owners

Value Propositions of Lift Modernization

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Lift modernization significantly improves both safety and reliability by integrating advanced technologies. Modern lift systems come equipped with enhanced safety features such as door protection mechanisms, improved communication systems, and real-time monitoring capabilities to minimize breakdown incidents. Case studies in Singapore have shown that modernization projects can drastically reduce lift failures within months of installation. By replacing outdated components with high-performance, durable parts, property owners can enhance operational consistency while reducing the frequency and cost of maintenance.

Long-Term Economic Benefits

While the upfront investment in lift modernization may seem substantial, the long-term financial advantages make it a worthwhile decision for property owners. Modernised lifts help reduce maintenance work caused by equipment breakdowns, although routine maintenance work must be performed regularly. Additionally, they are designed for energy efficiency, leading to significant operational savings over time. Beyond cost reductions, updated lift systems enhance property value, signaling to tenants and buyers that the building is well-maintained and future-ready—making modernization an investment in both functionality and marketability.

Implementing MCP (Maintenance Control Program) for Lift Modernisation

TÜV SÜD: Your Trusted Partner in Lift Modernization

TÜV SÜD is a globally recognized testing, inspection, and certification organization with over 80 years of industry expertise. Our comprehensive services enhance safety, performance, and reliability throughout the lift modernization process. As an independent consultancy, TÜV SÜD provides unbiased, expert guidance, ensuring the best solutions for property owners without any conflicts of interest.

Comprehensive Assessments for Effective Modernization

Successful lift modernization begins with a thorough assessment. Our specialists conduct detailed evaluations to diagnose recurring issues, set modernization requirements, and develop tailored specifications. We offer risk assessments, budget planning, and technical problem-solving to address unique modernization challenges, drawing on our extensive experience with diverse lift systems across various environments and building types.

Innovative Technology: Lift Manager

TÜV SÜD’s Lift Manager represents a major technological advancement in predictive maintenance. This remote monitoring system continuously collects and analyzes lift performance data, using algorithms with over 80% accuracy to detect potential failures before they occur. Compatible with any lift—regardless of age, brand, or model—this system helps property owners reduce inspection frequency, minimize maintenance costs, and improve operational efficiency.

End-to-End Project Management Support
TÜV SÜD provides seamless project management support throughout the entire modernization process. From coordinating stakeholders and setting project timelines to ensuring quality control, we help streamline operations, prevent delays, manage costs, and maintain high standards at every stage.

Key Aspects of Lift Modernization Using the Maintenance Control Plan (MCP)

1. Handover of MCP – The Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) is prepared by the contractor or OEM and handed over to the building owner after the lift installation. In addition to the replacement criteria, the Maintenance Control Plan (MCP) should include estimated costs to assist owners with lifecycle maintenance budgeting. Owners should plan and set aside sufficient funds early for future lift replacement and modernisation.
2. Pre-15 Years: Budgeting and Proactive Maintenance – Before the lift reaches 15 years of operation, building owners should review their maintenance budget to ensure sufficient funding for future modernization. During this period:
   • Critical parts are replaced on time based on predefined replacement and monitoring criteria.
   • A logbook is actively maintained by the owner, contractor, and Specialist Professional Engineer (SPE) to track and analyze the lift’s performance, helping to identify potential issues early.
3. 15-Year Mark: Condition Assessment & Modernization Planning – Around the 15th year, a detailed condition assessment of the lift should be conducted. Based on the findings, a comprehensive modernization plan is developed to address aging components, efficiency improvements, and long-term operational reliability.
4. 20 Years Onward*: Implementation of Modernization – By the 20th year and beyond, full lift modernization is carried out to upgrade outdated systems, enhance safety, improve energy efficiency, and ensure continued reliability for years to come.

Following a structured MCP approach allows property owners to proactively manage maintenance, reduce unexpected failures, and optimize lift performance over its lifecycle.

*Please note that owners may need to conduct the condition assessment and modernisation earlier based on lift usage patterns

Reference: 
Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Maintenance Control Plan (MCP):
https://www1.bca.gov.sg/regulatory-info/lifts-escalators/maintenance-control-plan-(mcp)