Windhoek banking institution steps into the digital age with Samsung

SAW Namibia deploys visual solution across three branches in the Namibian capital

Windhoek, Namibia, June 2023 – One of the largest banking groups in Namibia recently opened a new state-of-the-art branch in Maerua Mall. On a mission to innovate the banking sector in Namibia, this banking institution designed its latest branch with the digital age in mind and rolled out the upgraded format to two further branches at Rehoboth and Windhoek Lifestyle Centre. The integration of all three sites was led by Stage Audio Works (SAW) Namibia, in close cooperation with the client and suppliers.

Customer-facing banking is an industry that is enthusiastic to implement technology in order to streamline traditionally manual processes. The brief for the latest branch at Maerua Mall, and the rollout of upgrades to further branches, called for the installation of multiple digital screens, intended for the purpose of displaying information and showcasing branded content. SAW Namibia specified and installed a full Samsung visual system in each of the branches.

“The client was clear that the content on the digital screens needed to be managed remotely through a centralised system,” recalls Joppie Maritz, Managing Director at SAW Namibia. “We worked with the client to understand each branch’s specific requirements and use cases in order to specify three unique systems appropriate for each of the premises.”

Maerua Mall stands out as the largest of the three installations. It includes 85-inch HDR 4K UHD Commercial wall displays and a striking 55-inch video display wall that commands attention due to its placement in the branch window. Device and content management is provided through MagicINFO, whilst playback to the video wall is controlled via a single Samsung Signage Player Box.

The Rehoboth and Windhoek Lifestyle Centre each received one 75-inch HDR 4K UHD Commercial Smart LED Display, also with MagicINFO support, allowing for content to be managed remotely. “MagicINFO allows the client to manage content and devices within a single solution,” explains Maritz. “This offers unity across the bank’s visual merchandising.”

“This Samsung solution has answered the brief perfectly, allowing for centralised content management and hardware monitoring, alongside remote access capabilities,” confirms Maritz. “This technology is easy to deploy and easy to maintain, owing to the built-in players within the screens. Furthermore, the automated on-and-off switching keeps day-to-day system maintenance to a minimum.”

Although the technology proved easy to deploy, there were some challenges. “Of course, when you are working within a sensitive space such as a bank, security protocols are important and posed some challenges to the installation and integration processes,” explains Maritz. “This was mostly related to server integration and ensuring our processes adhered to banking security protocols. By working closely with the in-house IT Service Delivery team, we successfully overcame these challenges.”

“It was exciting to be part of this installation and work alongside the client on its transition into the new digital era of banking,” confirms Maritz. “Thanks to this upgrade, they are now able to offer their clients state-of-the-art banking services throughout the Namibian capital.”