The cameras selected for the project were PTZ and fixed network cameras. Depending on the size and layout of rooms, 3–4 network cameras (on average) were installed in each branch. Today, the project uses a total of 1,012 Axis cameras.
The bank developed its own software for the project. A network resource was developed for monitoring in order to display information transmitted from cameras in online mode.
The resource includes a multi-user interface with online transmission, integration with the Active Directory and systematization of video streams by region.
Mission
The objective of this project was to remotely monitor bank branches; it currently also includes two subordinate objectives: to detect employee violations of internal regulations and to identify the busiest offices in real time.
Solution
The cameras selected for the project were PTZ and fixed network cameras. Depending on the size and layout of rooms, 3–4 network cameras (on average) were installed in each branch. Today, the project uses a total of 1,012 Axis cameras.
The bank developed its own software for the project. A network resource was developed for monitoring in order to display information transmitted from cameras in online mode.
The resource includes a multi-user interface with online transmission, integration with the Active Directory and systematization of video streams by region.
In order to reduce the load on communication channels images are refreshed several times per minute and then archived in data storage.
Result
As a result, the bank’s management gained a tool that allows them to monitor bank branch employee activity, to get an up-to-the-minute picture of how busy branches are and to detect violations of internal regulations and fraudulent activity. Information from cameras can be used to investigate complaints. In addition, many bank divisions use the video system for their own purposes (such as verifying correct placement of advertisements or IT equipment status).
Russian Standard Bank
Russian Standard Bank was founded in 1999. Russian Standard holding company is the main shareholder in the bank. Today, the bank is one of the largest national financial institutions in the country. It has over 320 branches and 5,000 ATMs and terminals in Russia. Russian Standard Bank maintains high standards of corporate management and corporate ethics. The bank management adheres to international principles of management and business transparency. Bank employees are instructed to provide as much access as possible to financial services and the best level of service.
Project parameters
Different branches are rarely equally busy. Long lines harm the bank’s reputation in the eyes of customers; at the same time, low customer traffic per employee is not economically sustainable. Therefore, in order to achieve the greatest efficiency, the bank needs to optimize branch operations depending on the time of day, day of the week or date.
Due to its individual characteristics, the financial sphere attracts various kinds of white-collar criminals. And many banks literally have to pay the price to find out who the criminals are among their staff. Discovering a potential fraudster or disloyal employee sooner will lessen the consequences of his or her tenure at the bank.
High standards of customer service require continuous real-time monitoring of the bank’s branch operations. The management must have the ability to monitor branch loads, observe improper employee behaviour or appearance in real time and stop unusual or illegal activity in its offices.
The geographic distribution of branches throughout Russia makes this monitoring impossible without an efficient video surveillance system. The primary requirements for such a system must be high image quality, equipment reliability and the ability to work with an extensive network of video cameras.
Camera selection
The bank held a call for tenders, taking into account its functional requirements and desires, in order to select a supplier. The bank branches have various layouts, so the project required both fixed and pan/tilt/zoom cameras with various properties. As a result, a shortlist of potential winners was drawn up, from which Axis was selected based on its technical and financial parameters.
Why Axis cameras?
The company’s product line has a wide range of camera models, including fixed, pan/tilt/zoom, thermal and panoramic cameras. Axis cameras can transmit high-quality images, and the video codec used minimizes the load on communication channels. The equipment’s operational stability reduces time and money lost during maintenance.