Securing Assets to Safer Operations
How Latino Community Credit Union Upgraded to the Future with March Networks Surveillance Solutions
Standing at a security crossroads is always challenging when searching for the best solution for your business. Not only when looking for an affordable option, but one that will help you to invest in your business’s future in the long term.
With 15 branches in North Carolina, Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU) plays an important role serving unbanked individuals and immigrant communities. LCCU faced a significant transition when the institution became independent from the State Employees Credit Union network. They knew security needed to remain a top priority.
While navigating this transition, the company’s biggest challenge was upgrading their security infrastructure cost-effectively, while preserving existing investments. With 8000 Series NVRs already in place, the goal was to integrate more advanced and AI-enabled technology, like IP cameras, remote access, video analytics and real-time alerts to ensure secure, user-friendly security management for branch managers and security staff. The “rip-and-replace” method of upgrading their video surveillance network was not an option, so they needed a solution that was flexible, smart and cost-effective.
Finding a Smart Security Portfolio
LCCU’s Facilities and Physical Security Advisor, Melodie Lewis, researched extensively to find a cost-effective solution that could integrate with the company’s current systems. Although she had experience with March Networks offerings in past roles, she wanted to make sure she found the best fit for the Credit Union.
“I thought, I’m going to do my research and see what else is out there. I don’t want to make decisions based on what I’ve known all this time,” said Melodie. “I did a lot of research and looked into other providers. I concluded that March Networks is truly the best out there.”
LCCU appreciates that March Networks’ solutions make integrating new technology with legacy systems easy, helping to simplify the process and positioning the business for future growth and success.
High-Yield Security: Streamlining Operations with Mobile and Web Solutions
High-Yield Security: Streamlining Operations with Mobile and Web Solutions
The credit union implemented March Networks centralized Video Management System (VMS), Command Client, which provides streamlined access to all camera feeds across all branches through desktop, web, and the Command Mobile Plus (CMP) mobile app. LCCU leveraged their existing hybrid NVRs and began integrating new X-Series NVRs.
As March Networks is an open platform provider, LCCU was able to maintain their mix of IP cameras, including non-March Networks cameras, making their solution a perfect blend of cost-effectiveness and advanced surveillance technology.
Adding custom integrations enhanced the power of LCCU’s security network. For example, integrating their surveillance with their alarm system provides instant video snapshots when an alarm is triggered. This not only strengthens security but improves operational oversight, maximizing the value of every dollar spent on security.
“I get notified on my phone on my drive into work when somebody sets off the alarm when entering the branch. The mobile app is a game changer. Now, I can easily pull the video up and see yep, that’s our employees/vendors in the branch—and it doesn’t cost LCCU to have someone go and check it out; we don’t need to dispatch police. That is huge!”
Cash Flow Control: 360-Degree Cameras Prevent Teller Discrepancies
The use of 360-degree cameras over teller lines has also proven to be invaluable for LCCU. The cameras capture everything, including incidents involving cash disputes, verifying teller transactions, and protecting their employees’ integrity. With accurate, indisputable evidence, the credit union safeguards their staff and members and keeps operations running smoothly.
Beyond protecting employees, the system also plays a critical role in fraud prevention. By linking video to teller transactions, the credit union can immediately investigate suspicious activity, reducing the risk of internal and external theft. Fraud investigations are so fast now that one suspect was apprehended within minutes of the incident occurring—something that law enforcement really appreciates too.
Smart Security, Smart Returns with Easy Evidence Sharing
LCCU’s ability to solve security and fraud issues in a timely manner significantly improved with March Networks Evidence Vault. This cloud-based evidence-sharing tool allows security staff to quickly clip and share video evidence with law enforcement through a secure and simple email link, streamlining investigations and allowing for swift action.
“We had a case where we were able to get video to a detective within minutes, easily. The days of saving video on CDs or USB drives are over! Sending video via cloud sharing ensures video doesn’t take up bandwidth and get rejected by email servers. Evidence Vault is a quick and easy solution for both parties, and we saw the results via an arrest within the same day.”
Maximizing Return on Investment with Future-Proof Solutions
Looking ahead, the credit union eventually plans to upgrade to the X-Series hybrid recorders and additional 360-degree cameras over the next few years. With the risk management team already benefiting from the intelligent surveillance system, LCCU is planning to expand access to their growing fraud prevention group, ensuring the entire organization can benefit from the efficiencies and cost-savings that the advanced and integrated video surveillance system provides.
She adds that the success of this transition wouldn’t have been possible without security integrator Ellsworth Systems, whose expertise ensured a smooth implementation. Their strong relationship with March Networks provided ongoing support, positioning the credit union for continued success.
March Networks’ scalable, efficient, and secure solutions not only meet LCCU’s current needs but also position them for future growth. By integrating legacy and new technologies with advanced software and mobile solutions, March Networks has fortified the credit union’s path to success—delivering both security and operational excellence.
The Challenge:
Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU), serving a predominantly Latino community across 15 branches in North Carolina, USA, needed to upgrade their security infrastructure, preserving their existing investments while integrating modern technologies like IP cameras, AI-enabled recorders and mobile solutions without a complete system overhaul.
The Solution:
LCCU chose March Networks as a solution, adding X-Series Hybrid Recorders, IP cameras, cloud-based evidence sharing, and the Command Mobile Plus app into their existing security mix. This approach allowed the credit union to modernize their security while leveraging their legacy infrastructure, resulting in a cost-effective, efficient, and powerful security system that benefits the entire business.
The Result:
The system has improved security management, reduced investigation times, and enhanced fraud prevention. The integration of March Networks Evidence Vault enables quick video sharing with law enforcement, resulting in swift action during incidents, while protecting employees and profits. LCCU plans to leverage the system’s scalability to expand across additional branches in the future.
Technology Suite:
- Command Enterprise Software (CES)
- Command Mobile Plus app
- X-Series Hybrid Recorders
- 8000 Series Hybrid Recorders
- Evidence Vault
Ellsworth Systems
Ellsworth Systems specializes in providing physical and electronic security systems for financial institutions and commercial businesses, helping them become more efficient, profitable, and secure.