Case Study: X-Ray Machines for Proviso Township High School District 209

Customer Background

Proviso Township High School District 209 oversees three high schools in Cook County, Illinois, near Chicago. With a mission of “Pursuit of Nothing But The Best,” the district is dedicated to helping students achieve academic excellence by providing the necessary resources and support for both students and staff. As part of its strategic plan, the district outlines five key goals. Notably, Goal #5 centers on “Financial Health and Strategic Resource Allocation,” with the objective “To develop and maintain fiscal equity, responsibility, and efficient operations that support the instructional core across the entire district.”

To accomplish this goal, the district is focused on minimizing financial waste and maximizing the effectiveness of every dollar spent. By improving operational efficiencies, the district seeks to reduce costs while ensuring that resources are equitably distributed among all schools and strategically invested in student success. This emphasis on efficiency applies to all aspects of their operations, including their security measures.

Challenges

Proviso Township High School District 209 needed five x-ray scanners to inspect student book bags and backpacks at entry points across all three of their schools. This initiative was intended to prevent prohibited items from being brought into the buildings through a fast and non-intrusive screening process.

Choosing the Right X-Ray Machines

However, given their limited budget and resources, the district recognized the importance of investing in the right x-ray machines. Selecting the wrong models could result in higher costs down the line. For instance, if they purchased x-ray machines that lacked durability, they might find themselves needing to replace the machines sooner than anticipated. Moreover, if the scanners were too complex to operate, the district might have to hire additional security personnel to manage them, further straining their budget. On top of that, x-rays with slow scanning speeds or excessive false alarms could cause delays during student entry, ultimately detracting from valuable learning time.

Implementing the Solution

Besides choosing the right x-ray machines, the success of the security system also relied heavily on the proper implementation of these machines. The x-ray scanners needed to be installed correctly to avoid potential radiation exposure risks, and they had to be configured to accurately detect threats with minimal false alarms. Additionally, the district’s security staff required thorough training to ensure they could operate the machines properly, preventing any inaccuracies, malfunctions, or unnecessary delays.

To align with their Goal #5 of Financial Health and Strategic Resource Allocation, the school district needed a security solution that was both efficient and cost-effective. This meant that the x-ray scanners had to meet their technical specifications and stay within the district’s financial constraints, all while maximizing overall safety and operational efficiency. By investing in the appropriate x-ray machines and a solid implementation plan, the district could uphold security measures without compromising on fiscal responsibility or the educational experience of its students.

Why 2M Technology

2M Technology had both the product variety and security expertise necessary to recommend the best solution for the district’s needs. We offer a broad range of x-ray machines designed to address various security demands at different price points, all of which boast high-quality imaging and user-friendly interfaces. Not only that, our ability to provide on-site setup and comprehensive training made us the perfect candidate for carrying out this project successfully. By selecting the right x-ray scanners for their needs and executing the implementation effectively, 2M Technology ensured that Proviso Township High School District 209 could secure their schools against dangerous items while maximizing the long-term value of their financial investment.

Solutions

Initially, Proviso expressed interest in our 2MX-10080H model, which is primarily designed for luggage and pallets due to its larger tunnel size. However, the 2M Technology sales team recommended the 2MX-6550 x-ray machine instead, as it offered all the necessary features but in a more compact form.

2M Technology 2MX-6550 x-ray machine installed at Proviso West High School
2MX-6550 x-ray machine installed at Proviso West High School
Students from Proviso West High School posing in front of 2M Technology 2MX-6550 x-ray machines
Proviso West High School students posing in front of 2MX-6550 x-ray machines
2MX-6550 x-ray scanner installed at Proviso East High School
2MX-6550 x-ray scanner installed at Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy

Big Features in a Smaller Package

With the 2MX-6550 taking up less space, students can navigate around it more easily, which decreases congestion and bottlenecks at security checkpoints. In turn, this creates a smoother entry flow that lowers wait times, making the model well-suited for high-traffic school environments where space is often limited. Furthermore, the reduced size offers more flexibility for placement and future adjustments. Larger machines may struggle to fit through certain entrances or be stationed in tight areas, making it difficult to relocate the x-ray in the future. By using a smaller scanner, the district can make the most out of their available space while ensuring they can modify their security setup as needed, without being restricted by space limitations.

Efficient Security Screening

The 2MX-6550 x-ray scanner features a tunnel size of 25.9″ x 19.3″, which fits the average dimensions of student backpacks. This model is equipped with high-imaging capabilities that deliver clear and detailed views of bag contents, making it easier and more accurate to identify prohibited items. Additionally, the 2MX-6550 includes live viewing functionality, allowing security personnel to monitor scans in real-time and respond to threats as they are detected. These features not only help students reach their classrooms more quickly but also ensure that dangerous items are kept out.

On-Site Setup and Training

In addition to supplying the five x-ray machines, 2M Technology handled the on-site setup, installing the scanners in the designated locations and configuring the settings for immediate use. Once the machines were up and running, our technical support team conducted hands-on training sessions to ensure that the security personnel were proficient in the scanner’s operation.

Results

2M Technology successfully implemented five 2MX-6550 x-ray machines across Proviso Township High School District 209’s three campuses. The compact machines fit seamlessly into the schools’ entry points, providing efficient x-ray inspection of students’ bags without disrupting daily operations. Additionally, the monitoring features and on-site training ensured that security personnel were well-equipped to perform their duties with confidence. Overall, the district achieved its goal of improving school security while smoothly transitioning to a solution that was both efficient and cost-effective.

Ready to start on your security solution? Contact 2M Technology today for a free project estimate or consultation at sales@2mtechnology.net or at +1 (214) 988-4302!