Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is conducting a full upgrade to the current Video Management System (VMS) and its associated network infrastructure. The project will enhance and replace closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras across the airport.

The objectives of this project include:

• Upgrade the existing system to 100% digital while significantly increasing CCTV viewing coverage.
• Upgrade the VMS to allow for more efficient management and resource allocation.
• Upgrade control rooms and main distribution frames (MDFs) to support the new system.
• Replace network infrastructure, new fiber, equipment, storage, and switches necessary to support the new VMS/IP CCTV configuration.

The expansive nature of the VMS upgrade and its impacts are significant, and the project team is implementing the new system on a per building/location.   

Impacts of this project affect stakeholders across the airport including Security, IT, OPS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), and the airlines. The project team established proactive communication with stakeholders from the beginning and continuously works with partners to deliver the project successfully.

Project manager Kalpesh Trivedi has been leading the multi-million-dollar program. “Upgrading CCTV Systems and supporting infrastructure to an IP Architecture will provide a better reflection of today’s modern transportation facility footprint at PHL,” Kalpesh shares as he speaks to the impact of this work, “This will enhance the PHL security and operations. The new VMS system, cameras and associated equipment also consume less energy, supporting PHL sustainability goals.”