With solutions operated in multiple data centres and in a shared multi-bank environment, Iceland’s Reiknistofa bankanna (RB) opted for Genetec’s Security Center solution to bring video and access control into one unified platform. Find out how this has helped RB, here.
RB is a provider of mission critical IT systems for Icelandic financial institutions, responsible for the country’s central clearance and settlement system and several multi-tenant core banking solutions. It also operates an e-invoicing and e-payment system for corporates and consumers. RB’s clients include high profile banks, the Central Bank of Iceland and other financial institutions as well as the government and public entities.
RB had traditionally protected its datacentres and offices via disparate video and access control systems which were operated and maintained separately, creating a convoluted and inefficient user experience. They were also very old, and maintenance was becoming both a financial and an operational issue. Sourcing reliable technical support and compatible hardware when something went wrong was becoming increasingly difficult.
Upon inheriting responsibility for the security infrastructure, Geir Sæmundsson, Datacentre Manager at RB set out a clear vision for the requirements across all of RB’s facilities: “I wanted a unified all-in-one system that wouldn’t restrict my hardware choices going forward. The system needed to deliver long-term value so I wasn’t prepared to limit RB’s options to just one manufacturer of security cameras or door readers.”
RB required a modern, reliable system which brought video and access control into a single solution – all displayed easily for operators to understand what was happening, when; to provide business-wide value. Upon consultation with Hafliði Jónsson, a Security Consultant, Genetec’s Security Center 5.9 was specified as the optimal choice.
As an open platform, with native video and access control capabilities, it could simplify daily security operations and allowed for further integration with other tools, such as RB’s heating and cooling systems. Furthermore, it would enable RB to undertake a phased evolution of its infrastructure, relieving budget pressures without delaying implementation timelines. For example, RB initially retained all of its existing security cameras and is upgrading to newer Mobotix devices over a period of three years.
Geir said: “From day one we wanted a unified system which could help our teams understand the situation, quickly; alerting them if anything required their attention. The Genetec solution does just this, and is allowing us to build in customised alerts so we gain business intelligence – providing us with better ROI.”
Since bringing its security solutions under one system, RB has been able to provide operators with customised dashboards that quickly alert them to matters requiring their attention. For example, an unauthorised access attempt or sudden rise in temperature inside the data centre generates a notification within Security Center for an employee in the monitoring room to respond to and investigate.
RB is planning to install the Genetec solution into its offices soon also, as the business is keen to have one solution across all of its buildings – yet is compatible with a range of integrated technologies.
The process of implementation and configuration was shorter than anticipated and as a fully cloud-based system the process of adding new devices or facilities to the network has proved very straightforward, according to RB.
The business and its system integrator is also able to communicate directly with Genetec rather than having to go through a third party. Hafliði Jónsson commented on this benefit: “Given the high security requirements of RB’s data centres I was keen to cut out any middlemen to ensure any integration issues could be more quickly and esily resolved. RB has saved a lot of time and money as this direct relationship gives RB much more control.”
Geir added: “The time savings delivered by Genetec has been immense. The fact it’s plug and play, and therefore up and running in a matter of hours is fantastic. Added to the fact it’s easy to install and we get lots back from the system, it’s been a worthwhile investment, especially as it can evolve with us, and allows us to move at our chosen speed.”
With the initial requirements met, RB is now exploring ways to extract further value from its unified platform. Next on the roadmap is the introduction of Genetec ClearID, that is said to streamline the process of managing facility access requests and automate the creation of monthly client access reports.
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