1. ATM Security Guard Monitoring
Solution using Magnasoft NorthStar
AUTHOR: K UNAL ASHAR
D ATE: 15-J ANUARY-2012
Table of Contents
Business Problem ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Solutions ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Solution Options ...................................................................................................................................... 2
1. GPS............................................................................................................................................. 2
2. RFID ............................................................................................................................................ 2
3. Bluetooth ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Solution Components .............................................................................................................................. 2
Problems in the solutions ............................................................................................................................ 3
Comparison of Solutions ............................................................................................................................. 3
Proposed Solution....................................................................................................................................... 4
Solution Diagram ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Installation............................................................................................................................................ 4
Usage .................................................................................................................................................. 5
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2. Business Problem
Security guards hired by 3rd party security firms are placed inside or next to ATM rooms belonging to
banks. These security guards need to be in close proximity of the room/ATM machine during their entire
shift, so as to prevent any theft or tampering.
The security firm managing the guards needs a way to ensure that the guards are always at their post,
and be alerted if the guards leave their posts.
Solutions
Solution Options
1. GPS
The guard carries a small, battery powered GPS device that tracks his location 24x7. The location of
the guard and any movement away from his post are remotely monitored by the security agency over
the web, and are also sent as instant alerts over SMS to the security firm.
2. RFID
The ATM machine is fitted with a long range RFID (smartcard) reader that is powered by the ATM
machine’s power source. The security guard carries a RFID (smartcard) badge or tag that can be
read over long distances. When the security guard comes in close proximity of the ATM room, the
RFID reader detects the presence of the guard’s tag, and an SMS alert is sent to the security firm. If
the security guard leaves the proximity of the ATM room, the RFID reader detects the absence of the
guard’s tag, and an SMS alert is sent to the security firm.
3. Bluetooth
The ATM machine is fitted with a long range Bluetooth transmitter that is powered by the ATM
machine’s power source. The security guard carries a Bluetooth reader or tag that can be read over
long distances. When the security guard comes in close proximity of the ATM room, the Bluetooth
transmitter detects the presence of the guard’s tag, and an SMS alert is sent to the security firm. If the
security guard leaves the proximity of the ATM room, the Bluetooth transmitter detects the absence of
the guard’s tag, and an SMS alert is sent to the security firm.
Solution Components
1. ATM machines
2. ATM room or building (brick and/or glass)
3. Security guard
4. Security guard’s optional weapon
5. Plastic or metal chair placed in or near the ATM machine or room
6. On-ATM monitoring device
7. On-guard monitoring device
8. 24x7 power to ATM
9. Location of the ATM (in remote areas without cellular coverage)
10. ATM machine communication infrastructure
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3. Problems in the solutions
1. On-guard device theft
2. On-ATM transmitter/reader theft
3. On-guard device tampering or power discharge
4. On-ATM transmitter/reader tampering or power discharge
5. Guard’s device misplaced, lost or left at home
6. Guard leaves device in the ATM room and leaves ATM room without the device
7. Communications network outage
8. Device transmission interference
9. ATM power outage
10. ATM communications infrastructure outage
Comparison of Solutions
GPS RFID Bluetooth
Cost of On-ATM device None Medium Medium
Cost of On-guard device High Low Low
Reliability of communication in ATM Low High Medium
Reliability of communication outside ATM High Low Medium
On-guard device theft High Low Low
On-ATM transmitter/reader theft None High High
On-guard device tampering High None Medium
On-ATM transmitter/reader tampering None High High
Guard’s device misplaced High Medium Medium
Effect of guard leaving device in the ATM Low High High
Communications network outage High Medium Medium
Device transmission interference None High Low
Effect of ATM power outage None High High
Effect of ATM communications infrastructure outage None Medium Medium
Effect of ATM power infrastructure outage None High High
Range of communication High Low Medium
* If the solution uses ATM communications infrastructure
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4. Proposed Solution
Bluetooth.
Solution Diagram
Installation
Parameter Value
Maximum dimensions of ATM room 15 meters x 15 meters (2500 square feet)
Location of Bluetooth reader Mounted on top of an ATM machine
Programmable range of Bluetooth Reader 2 meters – 30 meters
Signal interference, if any Brick walls of the ATM reduce range to 15 meters
Power to the Bluetooth Reader From the ATM machine’s power
Locations of seating or guard’s presence Anywhere within the programmable range (15 m)
Installation and maintenance Included as part of the NorthStar package
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5. Usage
 When the security guard carrying the Bluetooth tag enters the invisible area covered by the
Bluetooth reader in the ATM, the Bluetooth reader detects the tag, its owner and entry time, and
sends that information, instantly, to NorthStar’s servers
 Alternatively, when the security guard carrying the Bluetooth tag leaves the invisible area covered
by the Bluetooth reader in the ATM, the Bluetooth reader detects the tag, its owner and entry
time, and sends that information, instantly, to NorthStar’s servers
 Information is sent over GPRS to NorthStar’s servers, which in turn instantly figures out whether
the entry/exit is authorized or unauthorized, based on the guard’s shift timing, number of entries
and exits, etc.
 If any anomalous conditions are detected, such as multiple contiguous entries or exits, or
unauthorized exits during shift hours or unauthorized entries after shift hours, NorthStar instantly
sends SMS alerts to 1 or more pre-configured mobile numbers
 If the communication network is temporarily unavailable, the Bluetooth reader caches data in its
internal flash memory until the network becomes available once again
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6. About Magnasoft and NorthStar
About NorthStar
NorthStar is an integrated, wed-based tracking & monitoring solution that ensures the safety & security of
vehicles, people & assets while they travel. It is backed by SOA-based technologies & powerful tools that
include the powerful PostgreSQL & PostGIS servers, Apache Tomcat, Spring & Java from Sun.
With dozens of enterprise customers & thousands of users across the country, NorthStar is India’s most
mature, time-tested, robust & reliable safety, well-being, identification & tracking system. It has been used
in well-known enterprises & schools all over India.
This is a "peace-of-mind solution" that takes into account concerns of users, a
NorthStar is created by Magnasoft Consulting India Pvt. Ltd. Incorporated in year 2000, Magnasoft
combines the power of GIS technology with extensive subject matter expertise to implement powerful
spatial technology solutions that integrate seamlessly with the IT framework of organizations. From data
capture & conversion to application development, from enterprise integration to Photogrammetry,
Magnasoft covers the complete gamut of spatial systems.
Magnasoft is mentored and supported by Global Technology Ventures, a premier venture capital company.
Contact
W: http://northstar.ws
E: northstar@magnasoft.com
P: 1-800-1-200-COP (1-800-1-200-267)
M: 0-99-80-200-885
Office: +91 (80) 6547-4847
Address: 33/1 Lalbagh Road, Bangalore 560027, India
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