The Challenge
The Challenges of Traditional AC-Adapter Carts Creating Ongoing Work
With 106 schools, about 50,000 students, and a growing one-to-one device program, Detroit Public Schools needed a charging solution that could support thousands of iPads and laptops without adding to the already stretched IT team's workload. Their previous charging carts required extensive wiring, constant maintenance, and created a heavy support burden across the district.
Current device environment (district-reported):
- Students Grades K–2: iPads
- Students Grades 3–12: HP ProBook laptops
- Staff: Dell laptops (various models by department needs)
Bobby Brown (Program Supervisor / IT Manager) supports district operations by managing a team of six field service specialists who respond to technology tickets across high schools. Before the switch, DPSCD used traditional charging carts that required extensive wiring and ongoing cable management. Key pain points included:
- Time-consuming wiring and rewiring of AC adapters and cords
- Recurring cart support tickets, pulling IT time away from higher-priority work
- Charging uncertainty —devices appearing docked/charging when the connectors were misaligned or loosened
- Bulky carts that were difficult to move, especially in older buildings without elevators
- Students entering class with uncharged devices, disrupting lessons
The district needed a modern charging solution that would reduce workload, improve reliability, and scale across all campuses.
The Solution
Eliminating AC Adapters, IT Frustration, and Complex Deployments
DPSCD implemented JAR Systems’ Elevate MAX USB-C Charging Carts to eliminate AC adapter wiring and reduce maintenance burden.
Why the district team valued the carts:
- Smaller footprint with full 36 device capacity
- AC adapter-free USB-C charging technology — eliminated wiring carts
- Simple cable swaps for Lightning and USB-C iPads — allowing for universal compatibility
- Faster deployment — ready right out of the box
- Improved durability and smoother mobility
Because the carts arrived fully assembled and ready to deploy, the district's rollout was faster and more efficient. The improved durability and smoother mobility further supported daily use across schools.
“Once we unboxed the carts, they were ready to go. We didn’t have to do anything.”
Bobby Brown
Program Supervisor / IT Manager
Detroit Public Schools
Deployment Experience: Ready in Minutes — Not Hours
The IT team reported that implementation of the JAR Systems' Elevate MAX USB-C Charging Carts was nearly effortless:
- Unbox
- Plug in
- Roll into place
- Load devices
No wiring, no adapters, and no more summers spent manually configuring charging carts. This alone freed up dozens of labor hours for the district during deployment season.
Struggling to Integrate Your School's Devices?
If you already have devices, but you are finding it hard to integrate them into the classroom, JAR Systems can help by providing affordable solutions that will efficiently charge and manage your devices. Click below to learn more about how JAR Systems can help you achieve successful integration and utilization of your devices.
The Impact
Lower Support Tickets, Higher Efficiency, and Increased IT Time
Through the partnership with JAR Systems, the district achieved:
Cart-related ticket reduction
Bobby reported that he has not seen any ongoing cart issue tickets since deployment.
Lower overall support volume
The district saw ticket numbers drop significantly at the high schools this year, attributing the improvement to the combination of new devices and new carts.
Less time spent on low-value maintenance
With fewer cart troubleshooting tasks, field specialists have more capacity for larger school projects, rather than recurring cart rewiring and slot diagnostics.
Improved at-a-glance readiness
LED indicators help staff quickly see which devices are ready, reducing classroom uncertainty
“I haven’t seen a single cart ticket this year. It’s night and day from where we were before JAR Systems.”
Bobby Brown
Program Supervisor / IT Manager
Detroit Public Schools
The JAR Systems Difference
Detroit Public Schools recommends JAR Systems' solutions for its ease of use, modern USB‑C charging technology, and design that supports both IT teams and educators. The carts offer a smaller, more efficient footprint while delivering high‑quality construction—from durable wheels to well‑designed USB-C cables. Combined with exceptional customer communication and support, the solution has removed one of the district’s most persistent maintenance challenges.
“Nobody enjoys wiring carts. Now we don’t have to — and everyone’s happy about it."
Bobby Brown
Program Supervisor / IT Manager
Detroit Public Schools
