Challenge
A major U.S. city’s airport department needed to replace an outdated Public Address (PA) System at a large international airport. The existing system, spread across multiple terminals and supporting facilities, relied on aging analog technologies and lacked integration, reliability, and scalability.
The department required a modern, fully integrated PA system capable of supporting general and emergency announcements, text-to-audio paging, video displays, and automated dispatch. The system also needed to accommodate future expansion, ensure campus-wide connectivity, and provide comprehensive end-user training and documentation.
Solution
SDI executed a phased approach to evaluate, design, and implement the new PA system. Phase 1 involved a detailed evaluation and inventory of the existing system, documenting equipment, conditions, and connectivity. A networked digital PA system was designed, including a fiber-optic global network, digital paging stations, dispatch terminals with automated software, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and emergency notification capabilities.
Phase 2 focused on system installation and rollout. This included development and deployment of the fiber-optic network, installation of digital PA infrastructure across multiple terminals, procurement and configuration of head-end components, and full system testing. The implementation also included end-user training and ongoing support to ensure operational readiness.
Services Delivered
- Detailed evaluation and documentation of existing PA system
- Design of a fully networked digital PA system, including fiber-optic global network
- Replacement of analog paging stations with digital units
- Dispatch terminals with automated dispatch software
- UPS and emergency all-call capabilities
- Procurement, configuration, and testing of new PA system components
- End-user training and documentation
- Full system rollout and phased implementation schedule management
- Inventory and testing of 15,000 devices, including speakers, amplifiers, noise sensors, and control systems
Benefit
The new PA system provided a modern, fully integrated solution across all airport terminals, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. The fiber-optic global network ensured campus-wide connectivity, and digital paging and automated dispatch improved communication reliability for both general and emergency announcements.
The phased approach minimized disruption to airport operations, and the comprehensive inventory and testing ensured all replaced and upgraded equipment met system requirements. End-user training and documentation enabled airport staff to operate and maintain the system effectively, supporting long-term reliability and scalability.
