Commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, and mixed-use spaces face the challenge of moving thousands of people quickly and safely every day. Lifts have become a key factor in business productivity, user experience, and even the competitiveness of the buildings themselves. 

This is where lift destination management comes in, a technology that is transforming how people flow within buildings. At OTIS, we call it Compass^® 360, the third generation of a system designed to make every lift ride smarter and smoother.

Growth in occupancy in corporate spaces and the need for efficient mobility

The growing demand for corporate space throughout the UK underscores the need to optimize vertical mobility in high-traffic buildings. According to a report by the consulting firm CBRE UK office take up hit 20.3 million square feet in 2025, which is the highest level in three years and 3% higher than 2023.

Knight Frank analysts report that London alone saw 3.5 million square feet of take up in Q2 2025 which is 38.5% higher than Q1 and 26% above the long-term average.

This data indicates a growing flow of people in these buildings, making efficient destination management systems imperative. Technologies like OTIS Compass^® 360 enable faster transit and reduced waiting times to improve the user experience. These aspects are essential in high-demand environments.

The challenge of mobility in large buildings

Thousands of people pass through the large buildings of cities like London or Manchester every day. Individuals such as:

• Employees who come to their offices.
• Visitors at work meetings.
• Hotel guests.
• Doctors.
• Patients.
• Suppliers.

They are all part of a dynamic that demands reaching their destinations quickly. The goal is to avoid long lines and extended waiting times that can impact productivity or, in some cases, the safety of those within the building.

Traditional lift systems operate on a simple principle. Each person who wants to use it presses a button, and the first available lift takes them to their floor. However, this model generates:

• Many stops.
• Inefficient routes.
• Delays that, during peak hours, can be a real headache.

What is a destination management system?

A destination management system changes the operating logic. Instead of simply selecting to go up or down, passengers indicate their destination floor from the lobby. The system, using advanced algorithms, groups them with other passengers going to nearby destinations and assigns them a specific lift.

This translates to:

• Fewer intermediate stops.
• Faster journeys.
• Shorter waiting times.
• Greater capacity to move people in less time.

In short, a much more organised flow.

Compass^® 360: the new generation of OTIS

At OTIS we have been innovating in vertical mobility for decades, and with Compass^® 360 we are taking destination management to a new level.

This system integrates:

• SmartGrouping™ algorithm: groups passengers by zones and destinations, making journeys up to 50% faster compared to traditional schemes.
• Intuitive touchscreens: guide each user to their assigned lift, with clear and customizable interfaces that integrate seamlessly into the building's design.
• Full connectivity: It links with security and access management systems. This allows you to restrict or enable access to specific floors or activate VIP modes.
• Accessibility: designed for everyone, with high-contrast screens, audio instructions, and more boarding time for those who need it.
• Flexible design: available in different sizes, colours and interface styles, adaptable to the identity of each project.

Compass^® 360 also has the ability to become a feature within the building and an experience that you want to offer to each visitor.

Direct tours in high-rise buildings thanks to SuperGroup

OTIS developed SuperGroup™, a technology that allows direct routes between floors without the need to make changes at intermediate levels.

This system acts as a bridge between different lift groups. Thanks to the intelligence of Compass^® 360, the system dynamically adapts, using lifts from banks with lower demand to reinforce those with higher traffic during peak hours. The result is a more balanced service.

It offers a smoother experience for users and optimises the use of space within buildings. This innovation allows passengers to access any floor from any other.

Benefits of adopting a destination management system

Adopting a destination management system like Compass^® 360 has direct impacts on the operation of a property:

1.  Productivity: employees and visitors reach their destination faster.
2. Energy savings: fewer unnecessary stops mean less electricity consumption and greater operational efficiency.
3. Asset value: a building with fluid mobility is perceived as more modern, attractive and competitive in the real estate market.
4. Security and control: integration with electronic access to limit who enters certain floors.
5. Premium experience: users feel that the building is thinking for them, offering them a comfortable service.

Examples in the UK

The United Kingdom is already experiencing this revolution. In London, Birmingham and Manchester, where the construction of commercial buildings like 60 London Wall and 22 Bishopsgate concentrates thousands of people during peak hours, destination management systems are becoming increasingly common to avoid overcrowding.

An accessible step through modernisation

It's not necessary to build a tower from scratch to adopt this technology. One of the key advantages of Compass^® 360 is that it can be installed in modernisation projects , gradually and with minimal disruption. This means that an existing building can upgrade its operations without halting daily activity, immediately increasing user satisfaction.

Want to learn how Compass^® 360 can optimize flow in your building? At OTIS, we're taking vertical mobility to the next level. Contact us at 0800 181 363 or visit our website to discover how we can help with your project.