Banks and credit unions are always looking for new ways to improve security and operational efficiency. In a perfect world, these improvements would either improve the in-branch experiences or be completely out of the way for guests.

Banks and credit unions are replacing cash drawers with money recyclers in order to minimize issues with cash handling and robbery incentives. Technology is also helping banks offer more self-serve capabilities. Many banks are deploying Intelligent/Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), which offer many of the same services as ATMs, but also include video conferencing with a remote teller.

Those of us in the security industry have to think beyond today’s security needs to include what banks require for every aspect of their business. From a technology perspective, I believe the bank of the future will want the following:

  • A friendly, secure environment where customers have self-serve options for basic transactions and a sense of security for financial consulting.
  • More IP video surveillance in meeting rooms, along with stronger access controls and even biometrics.
  • More IP cameras and IoT devices.
  • IP cameras offer not just better image quality, but also functionality that enables future technologies like AI-based analytics, analysis and other applications in the cloud. Security integrators will need to be much more strategic in the placement of IP cameras, because banks are demanding a lot from these devices.

Financial institutions are using IP cameras for remote auditing purposes, as well as for gathering data on queue lengths, dwell times and customer traffic patterns and interests. Proper camera placement and configuration is key to the success of these applications. Many banks are also very interested in the future possibilities of face recognition, so I expect that face-level cameras will also become more popular, especially as AI technology evolves and accuracy improves.

Video-Enabled Insights and Transaction Data

Truly integrated technology solutions that deliver business intelligence. Bank branch technology needs to be connected in such a way that meaningful data can be extracted. Right now, many banks integrate surveillance video with teller and ATM transaction data, but integrating other technologies opens the door to new applications. Just think about a day when banks use video not only to measure queue lengths, but to provide live data to an app so customers can see how long the lineup is for the teller before driving to their branch.

The possibilities of video and data integrations are almost endless, and can help banks better understand and grow their business.

Active Monitoring for Cameras, NVRs, Encoders, and Hard Drives

Bank branch security monitoring need to be proactive and keep at least 90 days of video recordings at all times. It’s the reason active monitoring becomes so valuable for your cameras, NVRs, encoders, hard drives, fans, battery backups and overall network connectivity.

Recent improvements to monitoring services include:

  • Remote troubleshooting and issue resolution
  • API for seamless integration with your integrator’s system
  • Remote software maintenance and updates, scheduled during off-peak hours
  • Online self-serve access to your video installation information, including maps, support tickets and ticket status, and device warranty and location information for complete closed-loop service workflows
  • Service level agreement (SLA) reporting, including time to resolution
  • Optional camera field of view (FOV) reports enabling rapid correction of camera obstructions

Today, many different departments within a bank can use video-enabled, data-driven insights to solve problems related to security and fraud, but also compliance, operational efficiency and even marketing. This is already happening with some March Networks banking customers and I expect we’ll see even more financial institutions taking advantage of these solutions.

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