We received an enormous quote for the software update on our 4 year old elevators.
Is Tac50 a software that only our service contractor can update (proprietary) or can we shop around for a better price?

Here is the scope of work.

Scope of Work
Door Lock Monitoring - Tac 50 Software Upgrade: 4-Elevators 1P48026-9
NYC Building Code 3.10.12 (Appendix K3) requires that buildings install a system to monitor location of doors to ensure passenger safety. The system will prevent the elevator from operating if the sequence of car door locks and gate contacts are not made up in the appropriate order. All NYC buildings must be code compliant by 1/1/2020.
In order to accommodate the new code, we propose to furnish the necessary labor and materials to install door lock monitoring software on the Tac 50 Controller (32Bit).

BOMA should have kept closer watch on what the code officials there are doing. Pretty sure the code requires special software or a PLC addition. The PLC addition would have to be done by qualified Elevator Personnel offering the service.

4 year old tac50's?

Yes, 4-5 year old, that’s when the building was completed.

The only way you can get a software upgrade is through the OEM. You are not going to be able to shop around.

Ok, I appreciate the explanation

They’re TAC50-04s

When you install proprietary equipment you pay the price later, when you are forced to get your software upgrades and boards from the manufacturer.

Get prices from 3rd parties, they have bolt-on door lock monitoring that can be installed on any controller that pass all ASME and DOB requirements. You don’t have to pay TKE if you don’t want to.