Banking

IDIS video integrates with access for remote security upgrade at one of UK’s longest-established building societies

  • IndustryBanking
  • CustomerUK Building Society
  • RegionUK
  • IDIS PartnersLantec Security

Background

Financial institution trusted for generations looks to modernise branch security 

The customer is a well-established, mutual building society providing mortgages and savings products to members across the UK. The organisation has been serving customers for over 150 years, yet despite this long tradition it was determined to adopt the latest security and remote branch management tools. At a time when many banks are closing outlets, the customer maintains a network of local branches, valued by its customers, which needed a modernised video and access control solution.

Challenges

IDIS video chosen for 24/7 remote management

Maintaining 24/7 security and management oversight across the society’s branch network is a priority, and the customer also wanted to make efficiency gains using today’s generation of more affordable remote access control and video surveillance. For example, they wanted to be able to grant remote access to cleaners and service teams out-of-hours, and to use video to confirm that staff were not entering under duress. Therefore, they wanted to upgrade both access and video to create a solution that could be managed from a single desktop monitor.

Lantec Security was asked to upgrade the pre-existing analogue camera infrastructure with a network, NDAA-compliant and cybersecure solution that could be operated and managed centrally from a control room at the society’s headquarters, while giving staff the tools needed to manage security operations at a branch-level. Image capture had to be outstanding, for example to allow bank notes to be clearly distinguished, and provide coverage of customer parking areas.

An end-to-end IDIS video solution was chosen alongside an access control software, which together offered robust and reliable performance with outstanding long-term OPEX value.

Solution

Video and access solution with comprehensive coverage of all areas 

Lantec designed and implemented a combined video and access solution, with IDIS video used alongside access control software providing users with a single interface using a web browser. The system operates on a dedicated and secure network accessed via broadband connection and separate from the society’s business-critical corporate network and systems.

The license-free IDIS Center VMS gives the security team easy control tools for efficient system administration, live viewing, and retrieval with specific user permissions providing appropriate access to local branch managers.

Lantec replaced the aging analogue cameras at each of the branches with IDIS’s 12MP Super Fisheyes providing a complete overview of the interior spaces, both front- and back-of-counter. The 360-degree cameras guarantee full area coverage without blind-spots and ensure that a full audit trail of activity is captured. Footage from these and externally positioned IDIS dome cameras, is recorded on 8 and 16-channel IDIS NVRs, which offer up to six terabytes of storage, comfortably meeting the society’s 30-day retention requirements at each branch. IDIS’s Smart Failover onboard camera technology also provides full protection against video data loss ensuring no gaps in evidential footage.

Results and Benefits

Integrated solution enables efficient remote management with improved security 

The integrated IDIS solution has given the customer an affordable route to remote branch management using video alongside access control alerts and is providing efficiency gains as well as improved security. For example, now, if cleaners accidentally lock themselves out, there is no need for a member of the facilities team to attend because re-entry can be granted and verified remotely; and discrepancies in cash handling, or disputed interactions with customers at service counters can be rapidly and fairly investigated; and customer parking is now protected.

The IDIS plug-and-play solution offers easy maintenance, no on-going license fees, and backward and forward compatibility, providing a sustainable and futureproof video solution. IDIS eliminates wasteful ripping and replacing of cameras, and provides a lower cost of ownership than alternative vendors. High-definition surveillance now provides staff with the reassurance of enhanced safety, and with video working in harmony with access control the solution has improved contractor engagement with frictionless and convenient access to branches 24/7. The IDIS solution also meets the society’s commitment to excellent customer service, protecting customer vehicles, and giving branch managers and security teams the ability to investigate customer concerns and disputes quickly and easily.

"The client is delighted with the enhanced remote management capability that IDIS technology has enabled – and all with a robust infrastructure and fair and transparent pricing."

Steve Lane

Director, Lantec Security