Today’s buildings are expected to do more than ever – deliver seamless user experiences, support sustainability targets and run reliably around the clock.
For facilities managers, meeting these demands means turning to technologies that offer both control and insight.
KONE Australia is at the forefront of this transformation, with digital services that are redefining how vertical transportation is managed.
“We’re shifting from reactive responses to predictive strategies,” KONE Australia Service Director William Lee says.
“With our 24/7 Connected Services, elevators, escalators and doors are continuously monitored using AI and cloud-based analytics. This allows us to detect anomalies early, often before building occupants notice any disruption.”
That shift delivers real results. Since implementing 24/7 Connected Services, KONE reports it has seen a 70 percent boost in proactive fault identification and a 30 percent drop in faults visible to users.
These figures represent tangible operational improvements for facility teams, freeing up time, reducing emergency callouts and supporting tenant satisfaction.
In the hospitality sector, Sudima Hotels offers a compelling case study. Sudima’s Auckland and Christchurch properties use KONE’S digital solutions to support autonomous service robots.
Integrated with KONE’S elevator systems through open APIs, the robots – affectionately known as Flashbots – navigate across multiple floors to deliver room service. This kind of automation enhances both efficiency and guest experience while easing the load on hotel staff.
“What’s exciting is how easily our digital tools integrate with a building’s broader systems,” KONE Australia national Service manager Mark McLeod says. “From real-time status updates to elevator call functionality, our APIs enable facility managers to centralise monitoring and control, improving response times and overall building performance.”
Another key enabler is the KONE 24/7 Planner. This intelligent planning tool combines predictive maintenance data with expert analysis, helping asset managers make informed decisions around maintenance and capital upgrades. Rather than relying on fixed schedules, facilities teams can plan based on actual usage and condition-saving costs and reducing disruption.
When urgent situations arise, the company says its KONE Remote Services can offer immediate support, including remote elevator recovery in certain scenarios, reducing the need for physical technician dispatches. This is especially valuable in high-traffic environments where downtime can quickly lead to frustration.
All of KONE’S digital innovations are built on a foundation of cybersecurity. “We don’t compromise on data protection,” McLeod adds. “Our systems are constantly monitored to maintain high standards of privacy and reliability.”
As Australian cities continue to grow vertically, the importance of connected, intelligent infrastructure is only increasing. Smart elevator services are no longer a luxury-they are becoming an essential part of building operations.
For facility professionals looking to stay ahead, KONE’S digital services offer a powerful combination of efficiency, safety and future-readiness, helping transform buildings into smarter, more responsive environments.
Read more: KONE is shaping the future of cities through energy-efficient vertical transportation
