The connection of an elevator control system to external software platforms via application programming interfaces, enabling destination dispatch, access control, IoT monitoring, and building management interoperability.
Full Definition
Elevator API integration allows third-party systems — such as building management systems (BMS), visitor management platforms, smart-lock controllers, and remote monitoring dashboards — to send car-call commands, retrieve real-time status data, and configure operational parameters through standardised interfaces. Common protocols include RESTful HTTP APIs, MQTT for IoT telemetry, and BACnet/IP for BMS connectivity. Manufacturers such as KONE (KONE API), Schindler (PORT), and Otis (eCall) offer documented API ecosystems. Security requirements mandate TLS encryption, OAuth 2.0 authentication, and role-based access control. Integration testing must verify fail-safe behaviour: if the API connection drops, the elevator must revert to standalone operation without service interruption. The Open Building Information Xchange (oBIX) and FIWARE standards are emerging frameworks for elevator data normalisation.
