Patni Computer Systems has announced that it has partnered with Schindler for the development, enhancement and testing services for Schindler's double-deck elevator. Patni's dedicated lab for Schindler is based in Mumbai and forms an essential part of the company's R&D efforts. This includes the creation of complex algorithms as well as hosting of various simulators of Schindler elevators.

A double-deck elevator is a revolutionary product designed in such a way that two cabins of an elevator are attached on top of one another. This enables passengers on two consecutive floors to use the elevator simultaneously. The doors of either elevator can be kept closed, in cases where a particular floor is not being served.

Guided by Schindler's R&D team, Patni designed an efficient load-measurement system, positioning of the deck and managed exceptions such as building sway caused by high winds. Patni's role in this project was to ensure that the product conformed to the highest safety and technical excellence standards followed by Schindler.

Commenting on the reasons for choosing Patni for this project, Ronnie Dante, director-engineering, Schindler India, says, "Over the years, Patni has helped Schindler use outsourcing effectively to focus on our core competencies through shorter product development cycles and efficient use of resources. This substantial contribution towards Schindler's innovation process made Patni the obvious choice for enhancing Schindler's double-deck elevator functionalities."

"Our long standing partnership with Schindler is an endorsement of the maturity of our product engineering services (PES) practice, strong domain expertise and over-a-decade long experience in the segment", states Ajay Chamania, senior vice president and head - Embedded Technology Solutions (ETS), Patni. "We are happy to partner Schindler in their journey towards engineering innovation. What began as a simple arrangement for providing support for Schindler's elevator control software has now progressed to a stage where we are considered as an extended R&D arm and an integral part of Schindler's outsourcing strategy. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen in years to come," he elaborates.

In addition to the latest double-deck elevator project, Patni has collaborated with Schindler on various projects over the past seven years. The Schindler-Patni partnership has covered support for Schindler's elevator-control software, development of a middleware framework, an IDL compiler, a web-based advanced diagnostic and measurement tool, as well as the provision of maintenance and support services for Schindler's products, Miconic 10, Varidor 70 door system and PF91.