March Networks Video Servers (IP Transmission) / Video Encoders

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (CCTV at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labour to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open architecture platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple licensing processes and pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing and matching camera license types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto camera detection and configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart camera driver technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance of network security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomised video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

It amazes me how in a few short years security systems have gone from simple, dumb cameras witnessing events to intelligent eyes, ears, speech and touch solutions that boost situational awareness far beyond human capabilities. It seems the only senses missing from the equation now are smell and taste. And who knows, someone might be working on those in a lab somewhere right now. But what’s really fascinating to me is how the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened a world of possibilities for transforming security technology into something new yet again. With IoT we’re able to push and pull nuggets of intelligence from sources we never considered before: environmental sensors, pressure plates, door lock timers and much more. It’s helped us break through the constraining mindset that security systems are strictly single-purpose. With interconnectivity at the core, we’re starting to imagine myriad ways to apply these tools to challenges outside the realm of security. Here are just a few examples. Flood management assistance Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate remotely As recent hurricanes and floods have shown, water damage can be devastating to a community. That’s why some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem. Water sensors collect data from multiple sources such as rain gutters, sewer systems and pump stations, in order to monitor fluctuations in water levels and water quality. If an alert triggers, having a network camera in proximity to visually verify the situation helps responders determine the best course of action. For instance, if multiple water detection sensors trigger alerts simultaneously or sequentially over a large area it’s probably due to natural runoff from recent rainfall. But without eyes on the scene, how can you be sure? Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely. It might be a fire hydrant spewing water, a water main break or even a chemical spill. With video streaming live to the command center, staff can remotely inspect the area, determine the cause of the trigger and decide whether remediation is required, thus avoiding the expense of dispatching an investigative crew to a non-event. Some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem Environmental control assistance Data centers house the lifeblood of a business so it’s no wonder why companies work hard to protect them. We’re all familiar with the integration of network cameras with access control systems to visually verify who is actually using the credentials. Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely But there’s another aspect to protecting data centers and that’s environment control. Data centers need to maintain optimum humidity and temperature for the racks of electronics. When environmental sensors in the facility detect out-of-norm ranges technicians can remotely command a network camera to zoom in on the gauges and help them determine whether remediation might be necessary.  Coupling network cameras with other sensors in the data center can provide visual confirmation of other conditions as well. For instance, every time a data rack door-open-close sensor detects an event it can trigger the camera to pan to the location and stream video to security. Some data centers employ weight sensors at the doorway to weigh personnel and equipment as they enter the room and when they exit to ensure no additional hardware is being taken out of the facility or left inside without permission. Any discrepancy would trigger the camera to zoom in for a close-up of the individual’s face and send a visual alert and ID information to security. Roadway management and parking assistance Network cameras have long played a part in city-wide traffic management. Adding video analytics and integration with network sensors, makes those cameras that much smarter and versatile. They can detect cars driving in bike lanes or driving in the wrong direction and capture license plates of offenders. Their ability to detect anomalous traffic flow patterns can be integrated with car counting sensors, networked electronic road signs and traffic light systems to automatically redirect vehicles to alternate routes. They make great, intelligent parking lot attendants, too. Working in conjunction with weight sensors network cameras can count vehicles coming into and leaving a lot or garage and verify when the facility has reached capacity. License plate recognition and video analytics can be used to ascertain that a vehicle entering a reserved parking space doesn’t match the credentials and vehicle attributes in the database. With the addition of noise sensors and audio analytics, network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds – breaking glass, car alarms, gun shots, and aggressive speech – and triggering a visual alert to first responders. Network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds and triggering a visual alert to first responders Shopper experience assistance In the early days of online shopping, e-tailers designed their sites to replicate the in-store customer experience. In an ironic turn of events, today brick-and-mortar stores are trying to mirror the online shopping experience. To do so, they’re turning their security systems into adjunct sales assistance. With network video and audio system automation they can recognise and acknowledge loyal customers with personal greetings. Retailers are applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service With heatmapping analytics they can measure how much time a customer spends in a specific department or observe how they walk through the aisles of the store. They can track shopping behaviors such as items looked at that made it into the cart or didn’t, or whether a customer actually checked out or left the merchandise behind. By capturing these shopping patterns and trends retailers can shape a more positive, more profitable customer shopping experience. For instance, integrating video analytics with point of sale systems and RFID sensors on merchandise tags can result in timely alerts to sales associates to recommend additional merchandise. This is a case of emulating how e-tailers let the customer know that other customers who bought X often also purchased items Y and Z. Or to avoid disappointing customers due to stock outages, retailers are linking weight sensors and video analytics to make sure their shelves are well-stocked and if not, quickly alert associates to what items need to be restocked. Capturing business intelligence Retailers are also using video cameras to monitor checkout queues and trigger automated announcements over the public-address system, closed system such as smartphones or other wireless communications devices that checkers are needed rather wait for a person to call for backup. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs They’re applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service. While retailers will always use their surveillance camera for loss prevention, they’re finding that integrating traditional technology in new ways can yield even bigger returns. Linking network video surveillance, video analytics, network communications system and sensors with point-of-sale systems and customer loyalty databases, retailers are capturing the business intelligence they need to get back in the game and make brick-and-mortar a greater overall experience than online shopping. A natural cross-over technology This trend towards integration has forever changed how organisations view their investment in security technology. The intelligence and versatility of a tool that can see, verify and analyse what’s happening in real-time is spurring users to tap its cross-over potential for a host of other tasks that could benefit from more astute situational awareness – everything from manufacturing and equipment maintenance to logistics, inventory control and beyond. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs. How we capitalise on that connection is only limited by our imagination.

Consolidation persisted in the physical security industry in 2018, and big companies such as Motorola, Canon and UTC continued to make moves. Also among the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) news in 2018 was a high-profile bankruptcy (that ended well), continuing consolidation in the integrator market, and the creation of a new entity called “LenelS2.” Here’s a look at the Top 10 M&A stories in 2018: 1. Motorola acquires Avigilon Motorola Solutions announced in February that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire video surveillance provider Avigilon in an all-cash transaction that enhances Motorola Solutions’ portfolio of mission-critical communications technologies. Avigilon products are used by a range of commercial and government customers including critical infrastructure, airports, government facilities, public venues, healthcare centers and retail. The company holds more than 750 U.S. and international patents. 2. UTC Climate, Control & Security buys S2 Security UTC Climate, Controls & Security agreed in September to acquire S2 Security, a developer of unified security and video management solutions. UTC subsequently combined S2 with its Lenel brand to create LenelS2, “a global leader in advanced access control systems and services” with “complementary strengths.” 3. Costar Technologies acquires Arecont Vision after bankruptcy Arecont Vision, the provider of IP-based megapixel camera and video surveillance solutions, announced in July that the acquisition by Costar Technologies, Inc. of its assets had been approved by the bankruptcy court. After the closing of the sale, the company began operating as Arecont Vision Costar, LLC and is part of Costar, a U.S. corporation that designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a range of products for the video surveillance and machine vision markets. 4. Allegion acquires access control company ISONAS Allegion plc, a security products and solutions provider, agreed in June to acquire ISONAS through one of its subsidiaries. ISONAS’ edge-computing technology provides access control solutions for non-residential markets. ISONAS' devices – like its integrated reader-controllers – utilise power over ethernet, making them easy to install and cost effective as they utilise existing customer infrastructures. The company is based in Boulder, Colo. 5. HID buys Crossmatch for Biometrics HID Global announced that it had acquired Crossmatch, a provider of biometric identity management and secure authentication solutions, from Francisco Partners. Crossmatch’s portfolio of products includes biometric identity management hardware and software that complement HID’s broad portfolio of trusted identity products and services. 6. BriefCam announces acquisition by Canon BriefCam, a global provider of video synopsis and deep learning solutions, announced its acquisition in May by Canon Inc., a global digital imaging solutions company. The addition of BriefCam to Canon’s network video solutions products portfolio complements the Canon Group’s previous acquisitions of Axis Communications and Milestone Systems. 7. Allied Universal acquires U.S. Security Associates Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, finalised its acquisition of U.S. Security Associates (USSA) in October, further building on its position in the security services industry. This acquisition includes Andrews International (including its Government Services Division and Consulting and Investigations and International Division) and Staff Pro. 8. Johnson Controls acquires Smartvue Corp. Johnson Controls announced in April that it had acquired Smartvue, a global IoT and video provider that empowers cloud video surveillance and IoT video services. The addition of the Smartvue cloud-based video platform will enhance Johnson Controls’ offering of an end-to-end, smart cloud-based solution that can provide superior business data and intelligence to customers and added value to partners. 9. ADT acquires Red Hawk Fire & Security (and others) ADT Inc.’s acquisition of Red Hawk Fire & Security, Boca Raton, Fla., was the latest move in ADT Commercial’s strategy to buy up security integrator firms around the country and grow their footprint. In addition to the Red Hawk acquisition, announced in mid-October, ADT has acquired more than a half-dozen security system integration firms in the last year or so. 10. Convergint Technologies continues to acquire Convergint Technologies announced in August the acquisition of New Jersey-based Access Control Technologies (ACT), bringing further electronic security systems experience to Convergint's service capabilities. Convergint has strategically grown its service footprint across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific through strong organic growth and the completion of 18 acquisitions since early 2016. And it continues: Convergint announced acquisition of SI Technologies, Albany, N.Y., in November and Firstline Security Integration (FSI), Anaheim, Calif., in December. (And Convergint itself was acquired in February by private equity group Ares Management.)

Two of the most important priorities in a manufacturing environment are safety and productivity. Failure to follow safe work practices around machinery on a factory floor can result in serious injury, while poor productivity can erode profits and ultimately threaten the viability of the business. At WCCO Belting, a Wahpeton, North Dakota-based manufacturer of custom rubber products for agriculture and light-industrial conveyor equipment, a March Networks® video surveillance solution plays a key role in enhancing both safety and productivity. Monitor work processes “Recently, for example, we had a minor safety incident on one of our machines that was captured by the system,” said Michael Marsh, Senior Technology Administrator. “The video not only allowed us to determine the cause of the incident, it also helped us create a proprietary piece of equipment to ensure that the accident would never happen again.” Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015 Safety was the main reason WCCO Belting acquired a March Networks system in 2015, but the company soon discovered it could use the technology for other equally important priorities. “We found that we could use the video solution for time studies, to be more effective and efficient,” said Marsh. WCCO engineers use the video to monitor work processes and then tweak them to speed production, while ensuring optimum quality. Security system integrator The company selected Marco Technologies as its security system integrator in 2015, and acquired March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs shortly thereafter. Two years later, when WCCO Belting decided to also equip a second production facility in Arlington, Texas, it upgraded to a March Networks Command™ Recording Software (CRS) solution in North Dakota and moved the 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs to its Texas facility. At the same time, the company deployed March Networks Command Enterprise Software to tie all the video from its geographically-dispersed facilities together, said Marsh. The software enables WCCO Belting “to oversee everything and manage the entire system from a single point of entry.” In addition, approximately 50 March Networks IP cameras — including indoor domes with wide dynamic range and outdoor IR bullet cameras — provide crystal-clear video of activity on the company’s factory floors, loading docks and parking lots. Remote configuration Marsh cites ease of use and outstanding support as the main reasons for selecting the video solution. “The technology is easy to implement, easy to use and easy to navigate. Support has also been great. When we ran into some early issues, they responded quickly to help resolve the problem.” We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place" “More recently, when we decided to expand the system to include our second location, it was Marco that recommended the CRS solution and the redeployment of our NVRs to Texas. It was really plug and play. That was the winning piece for us. We didn’t have to uproot a lot of the architecture already in place.” A system that was easy to rollout was important because WCCO Belting’s IT department does the physical camera install themselves, while partnering with Marco Technologies for remote configuration. Command mobile app “It’s one of the reasons we like March Networks, because we’re a hands-on IT department,” explained Marsh. “We like to make sure we’re always on top of things and that we understand the equipment we’re working with. If we can’t install it ourselves and need someone to come in and do it for us, it just creates future costs.” Aside from the IT department, which has administrative access to the system, authorised supervisors and managers at WCCO Belting are able to audit video for safety and security purposes. Temporary access is also provided to engineering staff for time studies. Marsh and several supervisors also have access to video through the Command Mobile app on their smartphones. Available as a free download from the Apple Store and Google Play, Command Mobile runs on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Track offending vehicle Remote, after-hours access to video proved valuable during the previously mentioned safety incident, for example, “by allowing managers to pull up video from home and use it to make decisions quickly,” said Marsh. The video solution has also proven useful to local law enforcement, as some of the bullet cameras covering the employee parking lot at the North Dakota facility also have a clear view of North 9th St., a busy artery in the town of 8,000. The video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle" “One day, I was called to the front desk and met by two police officers and three sheriffs,” recalled Marsh. “They wanted to come to my office but didn’t say why. I was never so nervous in my life. Once in my office, they explained that they wanted to see if we had any recorded video to help them solve a hit and run a block and a half down the road. We did, and the video resolution was so good that we were able to quickly track the offending vehicle.” Rubber belting solutions “We’ve had two law enforcement visits since then, so now when they show up, I know I’m not in trouble,” joked Marsh. A family-owned business, WCCO Belting was founded in 1954 by Ed Shorma, a Korean War veteran who mortgaged the family car and borrowed $1,500 to buy a shoe repair shop. Propelled by Shorma’s strong work ethic and talent for ingenuity, the business grew and evolved as a manufacturer of rubber belting solutions, leading to Shorma’s recognition as Small Business Person of the Year by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1982. WCCO Belting is currently led by president and CEO, Tom Shorma, Ed’s son, and has 270 employees — 200 in North Dakota and 70 in Texas. The company’s rubber product solutions are sought after worldwide, and exported to customers in more than 20 countries. The company won North Dakota’s Exporter of the Year award in 2003, and in 2010 and 2016 it was the recipient of the Presidential ‘E’ Award and ‘E-Star’ award for its export promotion efforts.

March Networks, a global video security and video-based business intelligence pioneer, is proud to announce that it has been designated as a cybersecure business by Cyber Essentials Canada for a second consecutive year. March Networks was the first company in the country to achieve the certification in 2018, and is the first to re-certify through the program this year. Developed as part of the United Kingdom’s (U.K.’s) National Cyber Security Programme, Cyber Essentials certification is awarded to organisations able to demonstrate good cybersecurity practices and an ability to mitigate risks from Internet-based threats in areas including: boundary firewalls and Internet gateways; network configuration; software management; access control; and malware protection. The toolset is also a valuable asset for end user organisations seeking to verify the security of their supply chain. Adhering to best security practices Our participation in the Cyber Essentials program enables us to confirm that we are adhering to the current security practices"“March Networks works with many Fortune 500 customers, including some of the world’s largest banks, so strong corporate security practices have always been a priority,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. “Our participation in the Cyber Essentials program enables us to confirm that we are adhering to the most current security best practices. It also provides our customers with yet another assurance of our high cybersecurity standards.” March Networks’ holistic approach to security involves a 360° view of all areas of its business – from product development and source code management, to operational processes and customer data privacy. The company’s Network Operations Center, for example, operates with extensive physical access and networking controls and restrictions to ensure the security of customer data. The company also participates in comprehensive security audits initiated by large enterprise customers seeking to confirm the security of their video solution provider. Identifying potential vulnerabilities Proactive resilience strategies help strengthen organisations’ ability to avoid disruption"In addition, March Networks takes a proactive approach to identifying potential vulnerabilities in its products. The company’s Security Updates and Advisories program involves regularly tracking US-CERT reports on identified vulnerabilities, conducting in-depth investigations when required, and alerting customers and partners to any necessary software updates via email alerts and information posted directly on the March Networks website. Endorsed by the U.K. government, Cyber Essentials was originally created in collaboration with industry partners such as the Information Security Forum (ISF) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). CyberNB, a special operating agency of Opportunities New Brunswick, administers the program in Canada, where it is gaining momentum as a requirement to win business in both public and private sectors. “The team at CyberNB is proud of the commitment to security and continuous improvement that we’ve seen from March Networks,” said Josh Waite, Head of Cyber Essentials Canada. “Proactive resilience strategies help strengthen organisations’ ability to avoid disruption and demonstrate responsible practice. We congratulate March Networks for having made Cyber Essentials Canada certification part of their strategy.”

Brian Ishikawa has always kept tight control over his video surveillance system, allowing only authorised personnel within his corporate security division to access video footage. So it was a change for Ishikawa, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Security for the Bank of Hawaii, to get used to the idea of authorised staff from the bank’s branch division being able to review video for operational, compliance and marketing-related purposes. The insights collected from the video are helping the bank make more strategic decisions about staffing, customer service and even future branch design. Business intelligence Our March Networks surveillance platform is providing us with some significant business and non-security-related uses" “Our March Networks surveillance platform is providing us with some significant business and non-security-related uses,” Ishikawa explained. Bank of Hawaii, which operates 69 branches and 373 ATMs across Hawaii, American Samoa and the West Pacific, is currently using March Networks Searchlight for Banking software to gather business intelligence at its branches. Searchlight’s mix of surveillance video, teller/ATM transaction data and analytics delivers valuable insights into the bank’s operations, as well as helping to enhance security and uncover fraud. “Our branch division folks look at the data to get ideas on how we should do our branch operations or staffing differently,” he said. People counting data — collected by FLIR Brickstream3D sensors integrated with the Searchlight software — tells them which entrances and exits are most used so they can place marketing materials in high-traffic areas. Video surveillance products The information is also being used to help determine future branch layouts. Queue length and dwell time data, meanwhile, help them understand their busiest time of day, and day of the week, so they can staff branches appropriately. “It’s a huge plus for us,” said Ishikawa. “Our executive management team can see the benefits of the video solution, and the future possibilities for this data.” A forward-thinking bank that’s keen to try new technology, Bank of Hawaii began exploring Searchlight after its success with March Networks’ other video surveillance products. The bank first started using March Networks systems in 2015, when it was time to upgrade its legacy DVRs. At the time, Bank of Hawaii was relying on two different video platforms, and it wasn’t happy with their performance. After enlisting the help of a consultant, and doing his own research at security tradeshows, Ishikawa says the decision to go with March Networks was clear. Network video recorders 'March Networks’ products are really engineered for the banking environment" “I remember asking some of my banking counterparts, ‘Hey what are you guys using?’ And they strongly recommended March Networks,” he recalled. The consultant came to a similar conclusion. He said, "March Networks’ products are really engineered for the banking environment,’ so that helped us make the decision.” Bank of Hawaii is currently using March Networks 8000 Series Hybrid Network Video Recorders (NVRs) in about half of its banking branches. The Linux-based devices provide reliable video surveillance recording and management, and are also easy to service, which is a huge bonus for Ishikawa and his team. In addition, the 8000 Series rack mount units feature an innovative ‘dock and lock’ station that allows technicians to easily remove and service the recorder while leaving all rear connections clean and organised in place. Existing analogue cameras “With other companies, you have to power down the recorder for several minutes to service it, and that means unplugging and re-plugging all the inputs. You miss a number of minutes of recording during that time. With March Networks, we’re able to just pull out the hard drive and pop in another one without taking the NVR offline,” he said. “That’s huge for us.” According to Ishikawa, Bank of Hawaii also appreciates the 8000 Series’ hybrid support, which allowed the bank to continue using its existing analogue cameras, and the motion histograms in March Networks Command video management software, which show Ishikawa and his team where motion occurred and helps them rapidly locate video evidence. “Command’s modern interface is really user-friendly, and it’s very easy to find video,” said Ishikawa. Dynamic range technology Bank of Hawaii has installed MegaPX ATM Cameras, which are purpose-built for ATMs “When someone is telling you, ‘Hey we had a problem at this branch this morning, I don’t know what happened, but it must have been around this time’, we’re able to find that video much more quickly on a March Networks platform.” The bank’s high resolution cameras also make it easy to discern important details. In its newer branches, Bank of Hawaii is using March Networks ME4 Series IP cameras, which capture 4MP images and feature high dynamic range technology to optimise image quality in both low and bright light. The bank is also using Oncam 360° cameras for high-resolution panoramic views. For security at its bank machines, Bank of Hawaii has installed MegaPX ATM Cameras, which are purpose-built for ATMs. Video is integrated with the bank’s ATM transaction data in the Searchlight software for rapid investigations into customer complaints and potential fraud. More comprehensive oversight “It’s so easy to search,” said Ishikawa. “It takes us exactly to that transaction and the associated video so we can figure out what transpired.” The bank is also integrating its teller transaction data with video in Searchlight for more comprehensive oversight of its branches. The combination of video, transactions and analytics helps it get a more holistic view of its services. “Transaction data is not always indicative of how busy a branch is,” Ishikawa said, noting that lengthier conversations at the teller counter often create value because the customer returns later to access another bank product or service. Having video and analytics is an added layer of information. Being able to remotely access video also helps Ishikawa’s security team conduct virtual patrols. This saves them both time and money. Uniformed security member Capturing video of the incident helped underscore the serious nature of the situation “In the past, whenever there was an issue, we had a uniformed security member head out and physically check the branch. But with virtual patrols, we can do fewer physical visits and, when we do visit, it’s a more meaningful visit.” The security team, for example, can keep an eye on issues with vagrancy and loitering by simply logging into the Command software. March Networks video has helped the bank successfully address some of these issues. In one case, a person was routinely visiting a branch and causing disruptions by yelling and throwing deposit slips on the floor. “We don’t always know the situation, but if a person is yelling or displaying erratic behaviour, they pose a risk,” said Ishikawa. Capturing video of the incident helped underscore the serious nature of the situation. Investigating a fraud “We were able to show police that this was not a minor disruptive party. It was a very concerning issue for us. And it wasn’t just our bank, it was occurring in other banks, too.” Going forward, Bank of Hawaii is planning to migrate its remaining retail branches to March Networks. Given the widespread benefits of intelligent video, Ishikawa predicts that, like him, more bank security managers will receive requests to share their video surveillance securely with other departments. “In the future, it won’t just be security that’s asking for a video upgrade,” he said. “It’s going to be other parts of the business saying, ‘We want a piece of the pie too.’ Because surveillance is more than just investigating a fraud or robbery incident. Now, video surveillance is a lot more than that.”