The Challenge
Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), the largest public education provider in Iowa serving over 32,000 students and 5,000 staff across 65 schools, identified improving safety and security as a top priority. The district faced challenges with fragmented communication systems, particularly with older analog radios that had limited range and were affected by building materials. Reliance on cell phones for security personnel was also problematic due to recurring costs and the need for instant, group communication during emergencies.
Furthermore, DMPS sought an efficient way to track its fleet of 120 buses, which transport over 10,400 students daily. Existing solutions were either cell-based with recurring costs or lacked real-time tracking capabilities.
The Solution: MOTOTRBO™ Digital Radios
To address these needs, DMPS partnered with Motorola Solutions and its channel partner, Electronic Engineering, to implement MOTOTRBO™ digital radio systems. This upgrade provided a unified, district-wide communication network.
Key components of the solution included:
- MOTOTRBO™ XPR™ 6550 and XPR 3300 Portable Radios
- MOTOTRBO™ XPR 8400 and MTR 3000 Repeaters
- MOTOTRBO™ IP Site Connect for extended coverage
- Integration with EDULOG EduTracker software and Tallysman GPS modules for bus fleet management
- CTI TurboVUi™ Dispatch Console for enhanced control and communication
Key Benefits Realized
The implementation of MOTOTRBO™ delivered significant improvements:
- Enhanced Security and Emergency Response: Instant, clear, and private communication across all schools, security personnel, and buses. The ability to broadcast emergency lockdown messages to all radios simultaneously proved far more effective than traditional methods.
- Real-Time Bus Tracking: The integrated system allows DMPS to monitor the entire bus fleet, track student boarding, manage routes efficiently, and provide accurate arrival times, even during adverse weather conditions.
- Cost Efficiency: The digital radio system offers a lower total cost of ownership compared to cell phones, eliminating recurring monthly fees and providing a one-time investment for district-wide coverage.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Real-time data from the bus tracking system helps optimize fleet management, potentially reducing the number of buses needed and saving operational costs.
Conclusion
By adopting Motorola Solutions' MOTOTRBO™ digital radio system, Des Moines Public Schools successfully modernized its communication infrastructure, significantly enhancing safety, security, and operational efficiency across the district. This solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and scalable platform for current and future communication needs.
For more information on securing instant communications, visit www.motorolasolutions.com/MOTOTRBO or contact a local Motorola representative.
