While researching their options, AUB management saw a demonstration of Gallagher's Mobile Connect technology and were immediately convinced that this was the ideal product for the bank's upgrade.
Ahli United Bank is a financial institution providing banking, investment, and wealth management services from 147 branches in 8 countries. Utilizing Gallagher's business and security solutions in Bahrain since 2008, Ahli United Bank (AUB) decided in 2017 to undertake a full upgrade of the systems at its headquarters.
As part of upgrading the full product suite at its Bahrain Headquarters – which included all controlled doors and software – AUB also took the opportunity for a complete re-design of the set-up and locations of its security system. While researching their options, AUB management saw a demonstration of
Gallagher's Mobile Connect technology and were immediately convinced that this was the ideal product for the bank's upgrade. "AUB is committed to being cost-effective while investing in products that have a long life-expectancy. That's one of the key reasons we chose to reinvest in Gallagher products," said a representative from Ahli United Bank.
In late 2018, AUB began testing the new mobile solution on site then to be rolled out to most of its staff at headquarters. Gallagher Mobile Connect uses Bluetooth wireless technology to enable users to badge at a reader using a smartphone instead of an access card. A huge benefit for AUB is the solution’s capability to add additional layers of security where needed. Gallagher's Mobile Connect solution provides the option to apply two-factor authentication via the smartphone – either fingerprint, PIN, or facial recognition – delivering heightened security over access to restricted areas.
According to AUB's management, the two-factor capability was very appealing to them. "Using mobile with facial recognition is far more secure than card and PIN, and it's immensely more cost-effective than buying biometric readers," they said.
From an administrative and site management perspective, Gallagher Mobile Connect provides AUB with significant flexibility. Easy provisioning means that authorized staff can remotely allocate temporary access in advance and can also schedule when a user's access can begin and end – ideal for visitors and contractors who come to the bank's headquarters.
Beyond Mobile Connect, readers and controllers, AUB uses Gallagher's security software platform, Command Centre, to manage alarms and access for its headquarters and all branches, all from a centralized location. "The power of Command Centre is enormous," said AUB's Management. "It integrates with our CCTV equipment and gives excellent oversight of our operations."
"AUB is committed to using the very best technology in order to operate smarter, faster, and more securely then ever before. Gallagher's solutions help to achieve that," commented Ahli United Bank.