A leading player in global financial services, BNP Paribas is a European-centred banking group with over 190,000 employees in 74 countries.  Like other banks, BNP Paribas Fortis is facing a range of threat vectors like robbery, vandalism and card fraud. Similarly, bank staff members require safeguarding from potential aggressors.

Previously, the bank relied for video security on a fleet of analogue CCTV cameras. However, low image quality frequently made it difficult to identify suspects, especially in dimly-lit and harsh backlight conditions, such as direct sunlight through a window or reflected by wet ground.

To upgrade its current CCTV system, BNP Paribas Fortis opted to move to the benefits of an IP-based network video security solution to be able to directly integrate cameras into existing network infrastructure, as well as enable remote video monitoring.  The reliable, high-performance cameras have been installed at the bank’s Belgian headquarters and commercial buildings all over the country.

A blend of discreet minidome cameras (SNC-EM630, SNC-EM631, SNC-EM600, SNC-EM601 and SNC-EM641) protects BNP Paribas Fortis premises. The cameras’ sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor ensures crisp images with HD or Full HD resolution, while selected models offer IK10 resistance standards against unwanted tampering and vandalism.

Hemispheric SNC-HM662 cameras offer a 360-degree all-round view in self-banking zones and bank lobbies. As well as deterring unauthorized loitering, it provides uninterrupted situational awareness, helping to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Protected against harsh weather and vandalism, ruggedised SNC-WR602 and SNC-WR632C rapid dome cameras provide round-the-clock surveillance of outdoor areas. The cameras’ high dynamic range ensures clear images in a wide range of lighting conditions, accommodating extremes of bright light and shade in the same scene.

The cameras are integrated using the Xprotect Corporate IP Video Management Software (VMS) platform from Milestone Systems. Designed for large-scale mission critical security applications, this manages convenient recording and sharing of video from multiple sites.

BNP Paribas Fortis also values the Sony IP cameras’ excellent network security provision, with the risk of attacks from hackers minimised by regular firmware updates.

“Sony cameras were the obvious choice to improve our video security capabilities”, confirms Michael Thys, Expert Security Equipments at BNP Paribas Fortis. “As well as offering excellent image quality, their efficiency and reliable operation make a real contribution to lowering long-term ownership costs.”

“The retail banking industry presents several challenges for any security solution,” adds Petra Swinnen, regional account manager for Sony Video Security Solutions. “This large-scale migration to Sony IP cameras has allowed BNP Paribas Fortis to protect its front-line operations, while giving valuable extra peace of mind to employees and customers alike.”