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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
When Z&R talks to Frits van Veelen, director of Driekleur Besturingen, the Netherlands is covered in a heavy layer of snow. Under these challenging weather conditions, shading systems obviously need to continue to function properly. That makes this a distinct time to reflect on the importance of remote service and maintenance, as support for installers, without replacing on-site craftsmanship.
Remote access to shading systems is becoming increasingly important, according to Van Veelen. “Installations have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, while service organizations are under pressure. Then you have to manage your time and people differently.” For installers, remote service mainly means that they can plan smarter and work in a more focused way. By analyzing reports and questions remotely in advance, technicians can be deployed in a more targeted way and be better prepared to get to work.
Remote monitoring makes it possible to spot failures early. “We can see if sensors are reacting abnormally and if a component needs replacement. On-site maintenance, however, remains essential. Physical checks, such as cleaning sensors and assessing the condition of components, can only take place on site and are an indispensable complement to remote monitoring.”
An important part of remote service is seasonal optimization of set values. “In winter, it may be desirable for blinds to stay up to let heat in,” Van Veelen explains. “In summer, it is precisely about the optimal timing and responsiveness of the solar function.” Via remote service, these adjustments are made remotely at an early stage.
Remote service also provides practical maintenance support, for example, when weather conditions interfere with operations. “If it's raining or windy, sometimes you can't work safely. With remote service, we can temporarily adjust settings so technicians can do their work, and then put them back.” That gives installers more flexibility in their schedules.
By taking a proactive role, installers strengthen their relationship with the property. “Remote service is also primarily customer loyalty,” says Van Veelen. “Facility managers look for partners who offer solutions. If you do that well, you don't lose contact easily, even if a property goes to another manager. So that is also primarily pledge bonding.”
Tricolor supports installers with both 4G solutions and systems on the local network. “Security is well organized via VPN and an in-house secure server environment, the installer and the location keep control. We only access the blinds, not other systems and vice versa.”
Remote service and maintenance are thus a practical extension of installation work. “It gives installers more control over service, maintenance and customer expectations,” says Van Veelen. Even when there is no remote access, support remains important. “We've been telling installers for years: call us. Then we can determine together what is going on and the problem can be addressed immediately in the right way. That saves time on site and prevents having to come back again later.”
