Schindler Escalator Division Takes Digital Prototyping Further with Autodesk Manufacturing Software Portfolio
FARNBOROUGH, England - Schindler, one of the leading global manufacturers of elevators, escalators and moving walkways, is using Autodesk Digital Prototyping software to cut the costs and risks of replacing or retro-fitting escalators in existing buildings.
"When working on a new-build project, the installation of an escalator can be scheduled before certain walls are built to ensure both simplicity and safety. However when replacing or transforming we need to work with an existing building and install the escalator with minimum disruption."
Schindler's escalator division is a long-term customer of Autodesk manufacturing solutions and uses Autodesk Inventor as its standard 3D mechanical design and engineering software. Working with Autodesk Consulting, the company has now expanded its Autodesk software deployment to include Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk Showcase.
To perform a simulation for an installation of a new escalator at a Vienna railway station, the Schindler escalator division migrated its Autodesk Inventor escalator digital prototypes into Autodesk Navisworks project review software, which enables the integration of multi-format data into a single 3D model. This enabled Schindler to combine scans of the surrounding environment with digital models of the escalator to create a more accurate virtual model of the entire metro station. Schindler's escalator division then used Navisworks to simulate the installation of the escalator, calculate space requirements and minimize the number of times an escalator needs to be divided to fit into the building. Every time an escalator needs to be divided, there are significant overhead costs, so exploring digital alternatives helps to reduce installation costs significantly.
The project team then used Autodesk Showcase to create a high-end presentation from the Navisworks simulation. Schindler uses the presentation to show colleagues across the globe how installing an escalator virtually, before actual work begins, can save time, money and reduce the risk of damage to existing structures. Presentations such as this will also be valuable in demonstrating to clients how an escalator can be installed and illustrate how downtime can be minimized.
"A large portion of our business comes from maintenance and service, including the replacement of existing escalators," explains Gerhard Lindstädt, head of marketing at Schindler's escalator division. "When working on a new-build project, the installation of an escalator can be scheduled before certain walls are built to ensure both simplicity and safety. However when replacing or transforming we need to work with an existing building and install the escalator with minimum disruption."
He adds that the Schindler escalator division is currently seeing significant demand from shopping centers for simulations and presentations where the management is looking for evidence that disruption will not lead to loss of business or an installation won't damage the building and surroundings.
"We are working closely with Autodesk Consulting to optimize our Autodesk portfolio. The Vienna project is a good example of how we can gain significant added value from our software, and we foresee this being replicated by Schindler teams worldwide," concludes Lindstädt.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries - including the last 17 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects - use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
About Schindler
Founded in Switzerland in 1874, the Schindler Group is a leading global provider of elevators, escalators and related services. Its innovative and environmentally-friendly access and transit-management systems make an important contribution to mobility in urban societies.
A pioneer of sustainable mobility, Schindler is once again at the forefront of technological advance through its partnership with Solar Impulse, a cutting-edge project to fly around the world in a plane powered only by solar energy.
In 2010, the Schindler Group generated operating revenue of more than CHF 8 billion. Schindler mobility solutions move one billion people every day all over the world. Behind the company's success are 44,000 employees in over 100 countries.
Contacts
Autodesk, Inc.
Mikael Löwenhielm, +46 31 726 0137
mikael.lowenhielm@autodesk.com
