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An eye on the money

With the large amounts of money they handle on a daily basis, banks require some of the strictest and most efficient surveillance solutions in the world.

So well guarded are some of the leading banks that they are often nicknamed Fort Knox because of their security detail.

Even with such a reputation, many banks still do not get what they need from their surveillance systems, and that is:

* To monitor activities at any number of branch offices from a central location.

* To visually verify alarms to security staff.

* To enable bank staff to install and maintain without receiving special training.

This is because some banking institutions still have not adopted network or IP video surveillance solutions which meet the above stated needs and offer even greater benefits to the banking sector.

Convenient integration

Network video solutions are cost effective, easy to use and offer all the functionality and reliability needed to protect staff and assets, verify the bank’s transactions and prevent time being wasted on attending to false alarms.

Network video surveillance solutions allow for the use of a bank’s existing network infrastructure to deploy cameras, making for short implementation time and low start up costs. Once up and running, the administration of a network video system is both simpler and less labour intensive than traditional CCTV since images are stored on computer hard disks, and employees do not have to worry about changing or storing videotapes.

Network cameras installed in local bank branches can transmit images to a central location for remote viewing using the LAN or Internet, which is extremely convenient for any organisation with geographically dispersed local branches as is typically the case with banks. Furthermore, because network surveillance solutions are so easily scalable, adding extra cameras to the network as new branches are opened can be done with little fuss.

Due to the prevailing economic conditions, getting the best out of existing investments is on everyone’s agenda, including bank managers. In light of this, it is important to note that even in instances where traditional analog solutions are already in place, these can easily be upgraded with the addition of network cameras and a video encoder to the system. This will aid users to reap some of the benefits inherent in completely network based systems such as better image quality, more efficient storage and quicker search capability.

Maximum reliability

The reliability of network video reduces the risk that thieves will get away with their crimes, and this includes internal crimes such as employee fraud. High image quality from megapixel and HD network cameras leads to easy identification of people and a clear view of transactions at ATM machines, deposit boxes and at the cashier in the branch office.

Knowing that all incidents will be observed is both a deterrent to would-be criminals and gives bank personnel peace of mind so they can get on with their jobs, while also leaving customers free to go about their business.

Network cameras with motion detection can be used to send images by e-mail or MMS to security personnel should a break-in occur. This eliminates the time and effort wasted in responding to false alarms and enables decisions to be based on accurate, up-to-the minute information. In addition to improving safety, network video images can be used to evaluate peak hours of activity at each bank branch leading to better use of tellers through optimum scheduling.

Roy Alves, country manager, Axis Communications

For more information contact Roy Alves, country manager, Axis Communications, +27 (0)11 548 6780, roy.alves@axis.com

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