Overview
ISO/TS 8102-21:2026 establishes the electrical requirements for software updates in lifts, escalators, and moving walks-collectively referred to as equipment under control (EUC). This technical specification provides comprehensive guidance for performing both on-site and off-site (remote) software code and configuration updates to ensure functional, safety, and cybersecurity standards are maintained throughout the EUC installation’s life cycle. The document is applicable to all newly installed EUC from the date of publication and addresses process management, safety, system compatibility, validation, and audit logging of software updates.
Key Topics
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Types of Software Updates
- Covers both on-site software updates (with physical access to the EUC) and off-site or remote updates (over network connections).
- Addresses updates to both executable code and configuration parameters.
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Software Update Management
- Process requirements for both software development and deployment stages.
- Mandates secure software development in line with lifecycle practices as outlined in cybersecurity standards.
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Safety and Cybersecurity
- Emphasizes compliance with ISO 8102-20 for cybersecurity and technical steps to ensure occupant safety during the update process.
- Defines distinct domains for EUC functions: safety, essential, and alarm, each requiring dedicated update and validation oversight.
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Update Process Workflow
- Steps include initiation, delivery, protection measures, compatibility checks, activation, validation, completion, and recovery from failures.
- Differentiates between manual and automatic procedures at each step, emphasizing roles, competencies, and required protective actions.
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Auditing and Documentation
- Requires maintaining an event/audit log documenting update-related activities, accessible locally and remotely, where applicable.
- Lists necessary information for use, including instructions for validation, recovery, and competency requirements for personnel.
Applications
ISO/TS 8102-21:2026 is crucial for manufacturers, integrators, maintenance providers, and building owners to ensure secure, reliable, and compliant software management in lifts, escalators, and moving walks. Practical applications include:
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Remote Maintenance and Feature Enhancement
- Allows safe delivery and installation of software improvements, patches, and security updates without requiring on-site visits, reducing operational costs and downtime.
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Operational Continuity and Safety
- Provides structured processes for validating updates to prevent hazardous situations, such as entrapment in lifts or unsafe conditions on escalators and moving walks.
- Enables planned update rollouts in environments where continuous operation is critical (e.g., hospitals or high-traffic commercial buildings).
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Cybersecurity and Traceability
- Incorporates best practices for managing cybersecurity risks associated with remote connectivity and networked EUC.
- Maintains traceable audit logs to underpin incident response, regulatory compliance, and quality management.
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Lifecycle Management
- Supports EUC throughout their operational lifecycle, enabling software updates to extend service life, maintain compliance, and adapt to new safety or functionality requirements.
Related Standards
When implementing software update processes for EUC as per ISO/TS 8102-21:2026, the following standards should be consulted for comprehensive compliance and integration:
- ISO 8102-20:2022 – Electrical requirements for cybersecurity in lifts, escalators, and moving walks: foundation for secure software update lifecycle.
- IEC 62443-3-2:2020 – Security risk assessment for system design in industrial automation and control systems.
- IEC/TS 62443-1-1:2009 – Terminology, concepts, and models for network and system security in industrial communication networks.
By aligning with ISO/TS 8102-21:2026, organizations ensure that software updates on lifts, escalators, and moving walks are carried out securely, efficiently, and in accordance with recognized international best practices for safety and electrical reliability.