Think globally, act locally – this mantra lies at the heart of our global account management business, which services a client’s global operations through one integrated global account. We’ve used that setup since 2017 – and we’ve never looked back.
What’s in it for our clients? Excellent service across their entire equipment portfolio, a more attractive fee structure, and a shortened time to market in the case of new installations.
We recently sat down with Michael Dobler, Head of Global Account Management, who spearheaded this initiative to talk about the benefits this setup brings and how it’s helped us forge successful partnerships around the world.
The main goal for the global account management team is to create personal, robust partnerships with large clients with global footprints, because these types of relationships are greatly beneficial to all involved.
Large companies recognize that it's more efficient to work with a limited number of suppliers to help build and maintain their portfolio – it makes things a lot more straightforward. Quite simply they know what to expect and there are fewer agreements to be negotiated.
For us, the benefits are clear, too, but to set up the right strategy for each key account, we must understand the client's DNA. We can promise and say whatever we want, but we must show that we can deliver and go the extra mile for this client in each and every country where it has operations – which is something we pride ourselves on.
With our global accounts it’s like an ongoing conversation – we’re not starting from the beginning for each project. There’s constant communication between both sides.
The main benefit is an even greater level of trust and understanding. We know what’s important for the client, so we’re able to provide the right products and services.
With our global accounts, it’s like an ongoing conversation – we’re not starting from scratch with each new project. There’s constant communication between both sides so when new projects come up, we can get involved from the beginning and the process is much smoother. We can help to consult on the design, they are aware of our latest innovations and technology, and we can bring projects in line with our clients’ ESG (Environmental, Social, & Governance) goals and our own.
Working this closely really has a lot of benefits. With a direct and mutual access to senior management on a global level, we’re able to arrange and organize things much quicker, and we have the potential to develop innovative solutions together.
We derive a lot of value from this partnership, which spans four decades. CTBUH helps us keep a finger on the pulse of the industry, as they bring together so many experts in all aspects of the high-rise business.
They also run numerous research projects covering a lot of different business areas. For us, it’s a great source of information to keep up to date on the latest trends and developments in high-rise buildings. A couple of years ago, we conducted a research project together, to learn more about robotic application in the construction industry and how the technology was perceived.
Across our industry, we’re seeing a lot of exciting developments. New innovations are coming out, shaking up every stage of the high-rise lifecycle. I believe that robotic technology, combined with artificial intelligence, will change the way we work. Our Schindler R.I.S.E (Robotic Installation System for Elevators) is a good example of how automation can improve efficiency, safety and working conditions on a construction site.
Digital twin technology, which provides a fully functioning digital copy of every aspect of a project, will not only allow us to plan and develop projects more proficiently, but will also allow us to maintain and modernize existing buildings more effectively. It's not just the efficiency level of how to build, it's also how efficient the building is afterwards.
Building repurposing is a trend that’s here to stay. In many cities, repurposing projects will soon outpace new constructions. New York is just one proven example.
Demolishing large buildings has such a huge environmental impact that it will continue to get harder to secure a demolition permit – so rejuvenating buildings will be key. Single-use office towers will increasingly be replaced by multi-purpose buildings – providing living, working, and leisure all within the same building.
We are able to support this trend with Schindler MetaCore, which is a cost-effective and flexible way of transforming a single-use building into a multi-purpose building. It’s a solution that works on top of a lot of the innovations and equipment we already provide, and it allows any building to become a multi-use building. Schindler MetaCore provides a lot of options for both modernization and new build projects. Developers will be given more possibilities on what they can do with the existing core of buildings, while architects can design for larger floor spaces as more can be done with fewer elevator shafts with Schindler MetaCore.
Humanizing High Density – People, Nature & the Urban Realm will advance the fundamental premise that high-density urbanization can support healthy living, working, and civic and social engagement.