Why use a consultancy for Façade Access and Building Maintenance Units?

 

Creating Façade Access systems and deploying the correct Building Maintenance Units (BMU) or Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) is specialised work that requires both project management experience and a detailed knowledge of the technology and technological advances in the industry. The requirements of each building will be different and very often are complex. This complexity is one of the reasons that companies around the world choose to work with a specialist consultancy for Façade Access & BMUs. The other major reasons are listed below.

Planning

The development of a Façade Access solution is a long term process and the building maintenance strategy will be ongoing over the life of the building. It is essential that a maintenance strategy is considered and incorporated into the initial building design and implemented during the construction phases. The maintenance programme and longevity of the equipment must be considered. A consultancy will be able to achieve all of this and enable the facility management team to use the maintenance equipment for a minimum of 25 years.

Efficiency

When creating a schedule of Façade Access and selecting the most suitable solution a key objective will be the need to optimise the usage of the access equipment, as well as the operability of the Façade Cleaning Equipment (FCE).  By choosing a consultancy to manage the process a company reduces the risk of making a poor choice, in addition the consultancy will carry professional indemnity insurance to give further peace of mind.

Bespoke Solutions

If a developer or client were to approach a manufacturer directly there is a real chance that they would be guided into the purchase of one of the manufacturer’s existing product solutions. An evaluation based on the commercial interests of the manufacturer would be undertaken; rather than the comprehensive and unfettered approach taken by a specialist consultancy. Using a consultancy ensures that the best solution will be sought and found.

Independence

A consultancy can set up and manage a formal tender process with 3 or 4 bidders and invite them to submit a tender for the project.  Following post tender evaluation the most appropriate solution and supplier can be chosen. The final decision and award of the contract will be based completely on merit.

Commercial Negotiations

Consultancies are aware of industry norms and charging rates and therefore have a stronger hand when it comes to negotiating commercial contracts. Using a consultancy could save you money in the short and long term. Naturally the possibility and scope of any saving can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Industry & Legislative Standards

A consultancy will be able to create façade-cleaning solutions that minimize the impact on building design and meet the highest safety according to EN standards. Furthermore they will be able to ensure that the equipment is provided within International Quality & Safety Standards and that health & safety requirements for the particular environment are met.

Dunbar and Boardman is a specialist consultancy that has provided global clients with bespoke solutions for façade access equipment and BMUs for over 30 years.

Do you have a current or planned project that would benefit from our expertise? We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why do you need an elevator & escalator equipment consultancy? 6 reasons.

 

Dunbar and Boardman is an elevator & escalator consultancy that has provided global clients with bespoke solutions for vertical or horizontal transportation and access equipment for over 30 years. Why have so many companies chosen to work with a specialist consultancy? The key reasons are listed below.

Independence

If you were to approach an elevator or escalator manufacturer the solution to your project is likely to be presented in the form of one of their products. A consultancy can take an impartial overview and recommend the best solution for your project’s needs.

Experience

We have a wealth of practical experience working on a number of projects similar to the one that you are about to start. You will be able to tap into our experience and complete your project efficiently safe in the knowledge that we have completed many similar projects. For example, we have the biggest pool of lift experience in the UK.

Systems

We have workflow systems and procedures in place that we have refined over the last 30 years. Our systems and the professional relationships we have with lift companies at the highest management level mean that you can transfer any ‘risks’ to the experts and of course we carry Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Technology & Industry Knowledge

We proactively keep up to date with technological advancements within the vertical transportation industry. This is why we are able recommend the right technology and supplier for your project. We also follow relevant changes in legislation to ensure that projects remain compliant with all applicable standards and legislative requirements.

International Scope

We are operational throughout the UK, Europe, The Gulf, Asia & India, and have consultants available to manage your projects. We have successfully delivered projects in 30 countries worldwide.

Maintenance

Once your project has been completed we can manage maintenance and technical support throughout the life of the lifts.

Do you have a current or planned project that would benefit from our expertise? We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0)20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com  to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

What have we done to enable Equality Access?

The Equality Act of Ist October 2010 replaced the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 and requires service providers to make changes, where needed to improve service for disabled customers or potential customers. Within the vertical transportation industry this often means making changes to existing buildings to enable better access and considering access requirements during the planning stages of a project. Almost 10 million people in the UK are identified as having a disability and are protected from direct discrimination and harassment. Also protected are those who are mistakenly thought to be disabled and those who experience discrimination because of their association with a disabled person. Dunbar and Boardman have worked on another number of projects where the brief was to facilitate improved access for disabled customers. The Millennium Bridge Inclined Lift also known as the Millennium Inclinator is a good example of this type of project.

What was the project challenge?

There was already a lift on site – one that was frequently out of service due to electro-mechanical breakdowns. The doors were a particular concern as the lift arrangement has entrances on opposing sides of the car, which means coupling the doors conventionally is complex and was a major contribution to unreliability on the original lift. 

What was the solution?

Due to the planning restriction the doors had to be glazed and the operator mounted on the underside of the car. The solution involved the first time the application of this type of Wireless Sematic door system being installed in this configuration. Due to space restrictions the lift was delivered in three stages from Germany then stored locally before being brought to site as needed, due to the limited space available. The lift was completed before the Golden Jubilee River Festival weekend.

What were the results?

In March 2014 an in-house report commissioned by the City of London the Millennium Inclinator was reviewed and it confirmed that there had been a general improvement of ‘in service’ time in the period up until January 2014.  The report also set out plans for future improvements and detailed processes for ordering spare parts.

Are you currently considering equality access for a project you are working on? We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0)20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.