The world of financial service providers was undergoing an extensive structural and organizational change long before the international financial crisis. As a result, innovative and comprehensive security concepts that take account of changes within the branches are in high demand.
Previously, traditional branches with a few consultation seats, cashiers‘ desks secured behind bulletproof glass, and an ATM on the outside wall could be secured by standardized solutions. However, today's heterogeneity of branch landscapes requires individual security measures, which have to be integrated in a company-wide security concept.

In larger branches where cash is handled by bank personnel, the focus is on personal security with hold-up alarm systems, optical area monitoring and intrusion monitoring for vaults. In contrast, at smaller, self-service branches, the focus is on monitoring the ATMs and preventing vandalism.

In the back office areas of the branches trap surveillance against burglars is very important - in addition of course to CCTV and access control systems. At self-service counters, all components of the security system have to be adjusted to the different usage times of the foyer. Particularly in order to safeguard background objects and monitor self-service branches, intelligent CCTV systems and access control systems are becoming more important.

An optimal use of internal security systems as well as the integration of the respective assistance providers is achieved through an interconnection of the devices. For example, a live transmission of video images to the police alarm control center or to an emergency service monitoring center enables a much faster and more accurate assessment of the situation. Thus targeted measures can be initiated immediately.

Robbery and Assault or Atypical Hold-ups
Most new, integrated security concepts for banks are also designed to minimize the risk through bank robbers, who may use physical violence to achieve their targets. Controlled access, time delay for entering sensitive areas optimized processes for triggering discrete alarms are some of the possible solutions.

Furthermore, biometric procedures can be used. It's at the core of this concept to protect associates against atypical hold-ups where offenders ambush associates when they enter or leave the credit institute.

In addition, these measures also protect associates and assets effectively against typical hold-ups during opening hours by regulating access to the background objects with a time lock. Similar to the personnel entrance, a combination of access control, time delay, and silent alarm triggering is used. In addition, the concept includes a remote locking option for the customer entrance that is specially designed for small and single person branches. Using a button at his desk, the associate can open the customer entrance permanently or in a controlled manner to allow access to individuals. Additional features include an interlock function, for example, for deliveries of money, time monitoring for open doors, as well as access authorizations on doors to security areas.

Intrusion Detectors and Access Control
However, not all offenders are active during opening hours. Thus the classical intrusion alarm system is still of great value. Banks that prefer a standard technology across the company but at the same time need individual security concepts within specific branches can use modular systems such as the Modular Alarm Platform 5000 (MAP 5000) from Bosch. Systems of this kind can also easily be adapted to specific environmental conditions. The new main branch of the district savings bank in Ahrweiler is a special challenge for those planning the security technology. Within the branch, a MAP 5000 with seismic detectors protects the assets during the day. At night, the high security zones, including the closed passageway, is monitored by infrared motion detectors. Furthermore, it was possible to integrate an access control system, which is also controlled and managed via the touch panel of the intrusion detector system.

Banco del Baijío, Mexico
The Banco del Bajío in Mexico installed a new security solution which enables integrated ­operation of diverse security systems and communication between all subsidiaries, business offices and company buildings. The "G Series Panel D9412GV2" integrates already existing security systems regardless of their manufacturer, too. Indoor and outdoor video surveillance, fire detection, access control and intrusion detection systems provide a maximum of safety and security for both coworkers and clients. This integrated solution is managed centralized by the security department and thus helps to avoid unpleasant false alarms.