VMS platforms provide a strong and flexible solution to enhance banking security, says Chris Meiter, CSO, Salient Systems
Today’s banking customers range from older, traditional clients to tech-savvy GenZers, each with unique expectations for their banking experience. While it may seem unrelated, physical security, cybersecurity and exceptional customer service are closely linked. Given the diversity of their customer base and their status as high-risk targets for criminal activities, regulatory compliance is not just necessary – it is essential for safeguarding both banking clients and the institutions themselves.
By integrating seamlessly with existing banking security systems, video management system (VMS) solutions are available that can offer comprehensive suites of features that improve security, ensure compliance and boost operational efficiency – all while customizing to meet evolving customer needs.
Seamless integration for enhanced security
Open architecture VMS solutions allow for seamless integration with various access control platforms. This capability enables banks to enforce strict access policies, crucial for compliance with regulations regarding restricted access to sensitive information and areas. For instance, if a suspicious individual attempts to access a highly secure area, the system can immediately alert security personnel. These alerts can be customized based on the level of threat or the specific area being monitored, with notifications sent via email, SMS or a dedicated alarm monitoring client.
A cloud-based VMS also allows authorized personnel to access live video feeds and recorded footage from anywhere with an internet connection.
Intrusion detection and verification
By integrating with existing intrusion detection systems, these VMS solutions can add an extra layer of security. When an intrusion alarm is triggered, they can provide video verification, enabling security teams to confirm whether the alarm is genuine or false. This process significantly reduces false alarms, ensuring that law enforcement and security teams respond only to verified incidents – a crucial capability, especially as many municipalities face budget constraints and staffing challenges.
Secure and compliant cloud storage
Cloud-based VMS solutions ensure secure and reliable storage for video footage, essential for regulatory compliance, as banks often need to retain surveillance footage for specified periods. Cloud storage also offers redundancy, safeguarding video data against on-premises equipment failures like hard drive malfunctions or physical damage to servers, thus ensuring the continuity and integrity of security records.
Enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
Banks can leverage a VMS solution’s intelligence to optimize staffing during peak times. By analyzing video data, managers can adjust schedules according to heavy traffic periods. Understanding customer queuing behavior and wait times provides insights that can enhance the competitive edge in the banking sector.
Advanced analytics and AI integration
Some VMS platforms can support the integration of advanced analytics and AI technologies. AI-powered analytics can identify unusual behavior, such as loitering near ATMs or other sensitive areas, and trigger alarms. Facial recognition technology can identify known individuals, such as previously flagged fraudsters or individuals on watch lists, preventing crimes like identity theft, check fraud or unauthorized access.
Monitoring drive-up facilities and after-hour depositories
Drive-up facilities benefit from high-quality video systems that capture detailed information like license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, providing valuable evidence in case of disputes or criminal activity. Similarly, after-hour depositories, often targeted by criminals, can be comprehensively monitored, ensuring prompt detection and response to suspicious activity.
Two-way audio and third-party integrations
The integration of two-way audio capabilities enables security personnel to communicate directly with individuals on the premises, addressing potential security issues in real-time or providing assistance during emergencies. This feature also enhances customer service by allowing staff to remotely interact with customers, such as guiding them through the process of using an after-hour depository.
The ability to integrate with third-party technologies like AI and advanced analytics offers significant benefits. AI algorithms can track suspects based on specific attributes, analyze behavior patterns to detect potential threats, and enhance overall security measures.
Enhanced customer trust and loyalty
In an era where trust is paramount and the competitive edge in the banking sector has elevated, banks that prioritize security can significantly enhance customer loyalty. A VMS with all of these attributes can play a pivotal role in building this trust by ensuring that customers’ personal and financial information is secure. For instance, real-time monitoring capabilities enable rapid detection and resolution of security incidents, minimizing potential disruptions to customer service.
The ability to integrate with third-party technologies like AI and advanced analytics offers significant benefits.
Additionally, advanced analytics can provide insights into customer behavior and preferences, allowing banks to tailor their services more effectively. For example, by analyzing foot traffic patterns and transaction data, banks can optimize branch layouts, reduce wait times and offer personalized services, all of which contribute to a more satisfying customer experience.
Scalability for growing needs
As banks expand their operations, whether through mergers, acquisitions or the opening of new branches, their security needs evolve. A VMS with scalable architecture ensures that it can grow alongside the institution, accommodating increased surveillance coverage, additional users and more complex integration requirements. This scalability is particularly valuable in today’s dynamic banking environment, where institutions must be agile in responding to market changes and technological advancements.
A comprehensive solution for modern banking
A comprehensive VMS platform offers a robust and versatile solution for banking security. Open architecture and integration capabilities make these a powerful tool for enhancing security measures, ensuring compliance and improving operational efficiency. Whether through real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, secure cloud storage or efficient bandwidth management, VMS solutions can provide banks with the tools they need to protect their assets, comply with regulations and ensure the safety and security of their customers and employees. Flexibility and scalability also make these kinds of solutions suitable for banks of all sizes, offering customized solutions that can evolve with changing security needs and technological advancements.
By investing in a robust and versatile security solution, banks can navigate the challenges of modern banking with confidence, knowing that they are equipped to meet the demands of today while preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow.
