Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) entered the summer of 2025 facing a high stakes problem: across six school campuses, aging camera infrastructure and outdated equipment were impacting reliability. The equipment was no longer consistently capturing and storing video, potentially creating gaps in visibility.
Case Study: Pittsburgh Public Schools
MODERNIZING SECURITY WITHOUT MISSING A MOMENT
To address this issue, PPS turned to Intertech Ci, their trusted technology partner of more than 25 years. Over the years, Intertech Ci has become the District’s go-to provider, known for fast response times, operational efficiency, and reliability.
Much needed upgrades were required, but the timeline made the project complex – all work needed to be completed during summer break, starting in mid-June and wrapping up before the third week of August.
Additionally, while managing the complex camera system project across six schools, Intertech Ci concurrently performed upgrades to the District’s other critical systems, including visitor intercoms, PA systems, fire alarm integration, and access control.
The Solution
A CAREFULLY ORCHESTRATED UPGRADE
To modernize the system within the tight summer timeline, the upgrade included:
- Removing and replacing legacy recording servers with new servers
- Ensuring existing cameras worked seamlessly with the upgraded recording platform • Replacing and adding new cameras across multiple schools
- Enabling analytics capabilities where possible to extend system value
- Installing monitors in administrative offices and key locations
- Supporting access for administrators using both fixed monitors and laptops
Rather than taking a “rip and replace everything” approach, the team focused on maximizing existing investments. Analog cameras were integrated using encoders, allowing PPS to avoid unnecessary replacement costs while still benefiting from modern recording and analytics capabilities.
EXECUTION: COMMUNICATION WAS KEY
With six school sites, tight deadlines, and overlapping work crews, success depended on good communication. Weekly project meetings brought together School District leadership and the Intertech Ci team, including engineers, project managers, and field technicians. Each meeting covered:
- Schedule coordination across all sites
- Obstacles that may have emerged
- Progress and percentage complete at each site
- Start date of the next school upgrade
LEADERSHIP IN THE FIELD
The success of the project was driven not just by planning, but by people. Intertech Ci’s technicians provided consistent field leadership throughout the summer, ensuring continuity across sites and maintaining system integrity during live transitions. This approach helped keep existing recordings and camera views accessible throughout the server migration.NAVIGATING CONSTRAINTS, BUT STILL DELIVERING
Like many large public sector projects, the summer’s work came with multiple challenges. Vendor supply delays and equipment availability added pressure to an already compressed timeline. On additional projects for the District, Intertech Ci worked as a subcontractor, limiting direct communication and introducing additional coordination hurdles. Despite these constraints, the team adapted, sequencing work carefully, reallocating resources when needed, and maintaining steady communication across all stakeholders.The Results
TRUST EARNED, SYSTEMS FUTURE-READY
By mid-August, all six schools were upgraded and ready for the academic year. PPS gained:
- A modern, scalable new recording platform
- Improved storage reliability and system performance
- Expanded analytics capabilities without unnecessary camera replacement
- Enhanced visibility for administrators through monitors and laptop access
- A unified system that preserved legacy investments while enabling future upgrades
Furthermore, executing and coordinating additional upgrades at more than half a dozen other schools simultaneously showcased the team’s ability to multitask and maintain consistent quality across all projects.
This summer’s upgrades strengthened the District’s security infrastructure and reinforced a trusted partnership. With modernized systems and a scalable foundation in place, the School District is well positioned to continue advancing its security capabilities and confident that complex projects can be executed efficiently and reliably.
Expertise You Can Count On
Why Leading Organizations Choose Intertech Ci
Monitoring Support
We have three hot-redundant, fully interconnected central stations each UL Certified and staffed with TMA 5-Diamond certified dispatchers.
Customized Solutions
Intertech Ci offers customized solutions for each project designed to meet your builder’s risk requirements.
Trusted Partners
Backed by decades of experience, our team works with trusted vendors and technology providers to bring you best-in-class solutions and installations.
Our Solutions
Reliable, Comprehensive Integrations by Our Experts
Intertech Ci is a leading provider of customized security and systems integration solutions, leveraging extensive expertise and cutting-edge technology.
