As a regulatory authority, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) values smart governance and innovation, and has developed the Digital Log-books for Lifts and Escalators (the Digital Log-books) as a replacement for the conventional paperbound log-books. The Digital Log-books enable owners/property management personnel (the responsible persons), contractors, trade practitioners and the EMSD to record, view, manage and analyse lift/escalator data in real-time via a mobile app or web portal, thus strengthening joint monitoring of lift/escalator repair and maintenance works for the benefit of the trade and the public.

A Breakthrough in Regulatory Approach

Users can sign in the system via the iAM Smart app or biometric authentication in a secure and convenient manner. The Digital Log-books apply Blockchain technology and Global Positioning System (GPS) to ensure the authenticity of the works record. The benefits include: the responsible persons could understand thoroughly the conditions of the lifts/escalators and manage the facilities more effectively; trade practitioners could conveniently access and input works record and improve their work efficiency; contractors would be able to monitor the work progress easily and enhance their planning and resource allocation; and the EMSD could benefit from data analysis for formulation of suitable strategies to enhance the effectiveness of governance. Furthermore, the system would issue smart notifications, such as the expiry of the use permits for lifts/escalators. It would also enable the EMSD to disseminate safety tips to stakeholders to step up publicity and public education.

Dedicated Collaboration to Achieve Continuous Enhancement

The EMSD worked hand-in-hand with different stakeholders (including the lift/escalator trade, property management personnel, professional bodies, public utilities, etc.) to develop, design and promote the use of the Digital Log-books. We hosted a system trial operation for more than six months in which multiple stakeholders carried out testing on more than 3 000 lifts and escalators. Moreover, various means of support such as hotlines, training courses and seminars were provided for troubleshooting and collecting user feedback, in order to achieve continuous enhancement of the system.

An All-inclusive Advancement with Limitless Potential

Overall, the introduction of the Digital Log-books has ushered stakeholders (the trade and the responsible persons) into an era of collaboration with the EMSD, signifying an important stride in boosting lift/escalator management and safety standard. The concept of the Digital Log-books can also be applied to other sectors of works or facility management to accelerate the development of smart city and promote wider application of digital technology in society.