Proprietary vs Non-Proprietary Elevator Parts: What Building Owners Should Know

Building owners and planners face many decisions when installing or modernizing elevators in commercial or residential buildings. The decisions made during this time can lock owners into a single vendor for elevator components and software for decades or allow them to use independent manufacturers that use components that meet industry standards. 

This is known as proprietary vs non-proprietary ecosystems regarding elevators and their components, design and software. Let’s take a closer look at the important differences between proprietary and non-proprietary elevator components. 

Defining Two Elevator Ecosystems 

Selecting the right elevator for your building is rarely a simple choice. A fundamental decision you will need to make is choosing between a proprietary and a non-proprietary system. Because each approach has distinct pros and cons, understanding the differences is essential. 

What Are Proprietary Elevator Components? 

At their core, proprietary elevator parts are components designed, manufactured, and software-locked by a specific major manufacturer, such as Otis, Schindler, Kone, or TK Elevator (formerly Thyssenkrupp). 

Think of these systems as a “black box” ecosystem; the manufacturer intentionally restricts access to the essential software and diagnostic tools required for upkeep. Because only the original manufacturer’s technicians hold the specific digital keys, access codes, and proprietary tools needed to troubleshoot or reprogram the system, building owners are effectively locked into using that specific brand for all future maintenance and repairs.

What Are Non-Proprietary Elevator Components? 

In contrast, non-proprietary elevator systems offer building owners ultimate flexibility and freedom of choice. Because these components are built to industry-wide standards, owners are never locked into a single vendor. In other words, they can openly shop around for competitive maintenance contracts, and replacement parts are widely available from multiple third-party suppliers. This open competition naturally keeps long-term service and repair costs lower. 

The trade-off, however, is that non-proprietary options may occasionally lack some hyper-customized aesthetic designs or niche technological “bells and whistles” exclusively engineered by major global brands.

Key Factors & Impacts on Elevator Owners

Building owners should consider three factors and impacts: long-term maintenance costs, downtime and part availability, and the test of the “independent mechanic.” 

Long-Term Maintenance Costs

Long-term maintenance costs can differ considerably because proprietary contracts usually command a premium (due to limited competition), while non-proprietary contracts allow competitive bidding.

Downtime & Part Availability

When parts break and systems go down, proprietary parts may be harder to come by. For instance, if a proprietary part fails and the manufacturer has a supply chain delay, your elevator stays down for an unknown amount of time. Non-proprietary parts can often be sourced overnight from multiple distributors.

The “Independent Mechanic” Test

Building owners often want fast, sometimes overnight, repairs completed by a local or regional repair technician. If a technician needs to lease a diagnostic tool from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) at a massive fee, the system is proprietary. This means it fails the ‘Independent Mechanic’ test, as it cannot be serviced by independent professionals without significant barriers.

A Final Word 

Choosing between proprietary and non-proprietary elevator systems is a pivotal decision that impacts your building’s long-term operational freedom and bottom line. While proprietary systems may offer short-term convenience, they often lock you into restrictive contracts and limited service options. 

Buckley Elevator explicitly installs and uses non-proprietary equipment and components, ensuring you retain control over your property’s infrastructure. By strictly using non-proprietary parts for new installations and modernizations, Buckley ensures that parts are widely available, maintenance is competitive and upgrades are easier. Future modifications or component replacements can be completed using high-quality, universally compatible parts at market-competitive prices.

Don’t let your elevator system limit your building’s potential. Contact the team at Buckley Elevator today to learn how non-proprietary solutions can provide you with lasting flexibility and peace of mind.