Lift companies operate in a complex environment where manufacturing precision, installation efficiency, and ongoing maintenance excellence are essential.
Yet, many organisations in this sector face operational fragmentation, with disconnected systems handling finance, production, and field service independently. Microsoft Dynamics 365 provides an integrated platform that unifies these critical functions — transforming lift manufacturers and service providers into agile, data-driven businesses.
We explore the key challenges facing lift companies today, the evolving needs of modern operations, and how Microsoft Dynamics 365 for lift companies — particularly Business Central and Field Service — provides the foundation for improved performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Business Challenges Facing Lift Companies
The lift industry faces unique operational and logistical challenges that strain traditional business systems:
1. Complex project management
Every lift installation is a bespoke project involving design, engineering, parts procurement, and multi-stage assembly. Managing project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation across multiple departments can quickly become chaotic when relying on spreadsheets or isolated systems.
2. Supply chain and parts management
From steel components to electronic control systems, lifts rely on an extensive range of specialised parts. Stock shortages, delays in procurement, and lack of visibility into supplier performance can lead to costly project overruns or service delays.
3. Compliance and documentation
Lift manufacturing and maintenance are tightly regulated for safety and environmental compliance. Without digital tools to track documentation, certifications, and maintenance records, companies risk falling short of regulatory standards or losing traceability across product lifecycles.
4. Service delivery inefficiencies
Field engineers often lack real-time access to customer data, asset histories, or spare parts information. This results in multiple call-outs, slower response times, and dissatisfied clients — especially in an age where uptime expectations are high.
5. Legacy systems and data silos
Many lift companies still rely on a mix of accounting software, paper-based logs, and standalone maintenance systems. These legacy setups prevent data sharing across departments, limiting visibility and hindering long-term planning.
What Are The Requirements Of Modern Lift Businesses?
To stay competitive, lift companies must evolve from reactive management to proactive, data-driven operations. The key lies in unifying processes and data through integrated business systems:
End-to-end visibility
Modern lift companies need a single source of truth — a central platform that connects finance, manufacturing, and field operations. This visibility allows decision-makers to forecast accurately, allocate resources efficiently, and manage projects profitably.
Predictive maintenance capabilities
IoT-enabled lifts can now transmit live performance data. Companies equipped with connected business systems can analyse this data to anticipate failures, schedule preventive maintenance, and reduce costly downtime.
Customer-centric service models
Today’s clients expect transparency, rapid response times, and proactive communication. Integrated service management enables customer portals, automated updates, and enhanced service agreements that improve satisfaction and retention.
Scalable digital infrastructure
As lift businesses grow or diversify, they need platforms that can expand seamlessly — supporting additional locations, service teams, and product lines without costly system overhauls.
How Business Central For Lift Manufacturing Drives Better Operations
For lift manufacturers, Dynamics 365 Business Central serves as a comprehensive ERP system that unites financial management, production, supply chain, and project operations under one roof.
Unified financial and operational control
Business Central consolidates all core processes — from quoting and purchasing to production and invoicing — ensuring complete traceability across projects. Managers gain real-time visibility into costs, work-in-progress, and profit margins at both project and product levels.
Bill of Materials (BOM) and production management
Lift systems often involve complex assemblies with multiple subcomponents. Business Central’s manufacturing functionality supports multi-level BOMs, capacity planning, and work order tracking, ensuring every part of the lift — from frame fabrication to control panel assembly — is accounted for.
Supply chain and inventory optimisation
The platform integrates supplier management, demand forecasting, and inventory control. Automated reordering prevents stockouts, while detailed tracking ensures the right components are available at the right time.
Project-based accounting
For companies delivering bespoke lift installations, Business Central’s project management tools link budgets directly to resources, materials, and labour. This enables accurate cost tracking and margin analysis for every project.
Quality assurance and compliance
Every lift must meet stringent safety and performance standards. Business Central allows businesses to embed quality checkpoints, maintain digital records of inspections, and ensure that each product meets compliance requirements before delivery.
How Dynamics 365 Field Service Optimises Maintenance and Support
Once lifts are installed, ongoing service and maintenance become the cornerstone of long-term profitability. Dynamics 365 Field Service transforms maintenance management from reactive to proactive.
Comprehensive asset tracking
The platform maintains a full service history for every lift, including installation details, component replacements, and technician notes. This ensures that field engineers have complete visibility before arriving on-site, improving first-time fix rates.
Automated scheduling and dispatch
Using AI-driven scheduling, Field Service matches engineers with jobs based on location, availability, and skill set. This minimises travel time, increases service efficiency, and ensures customers receive prompt support.
Mobile access for engineers
Technicians can use mobile devices to receive assignments, view customer and asset data, log repairs, and capture digital signatures. This eliminates paperwork and enables real-time updates to service records.
Preventive and predictive maintenance
Integration with IoT sensors enables real-time monitoring of lift performance. Field Service can automatically generate work orders when anomalies or wear patterns are detected, allowing companies to address issues before they result in breakdowns.
Customer engagement and reporting
Clients can access transparent maintenance schedules, progress updates, and compliance certificates through self-service portals. This fosters trust and demonstrates accountability — essential in service-based industries.
Integration with Business Central
Because Dynamics 365 Field Service integrates seamlessly with Business Central, service data flows back into financial and operational systems. Businesses gain a complete view of profitability per asset, contract, or customer, enabling smarter commercial decisions.
Uniting Manufacturing and Maintenance With Dynamics 365 For Lift Companies
Lift companies that embrace Dynamics 365 unlock a new level of operational intelligence. From initial design through to lifetime maintenance, all activities are connected through a single ecosystem. Data from manufacturing informs service teams, while service performance feedback drives product improvements.
This connected approach enables businesses to shift from fragmented management to continuous optimisation — reducing waste, improving customer experiences, and enhancing profitability.
Whether manufacturing bespoke lifts for high-rise developments or maintaining large portfolios of installed assets, Dynamics 365 provides the digital foundation needed to thrive in a competitive market.
Looking to adopt a joined-up solution for lift manufacturing and maintenance? Get in touch to discuss with our experts:
