SD-WAN Powers ATM Expansion with 260K AED Annual Savings and Enhanced Security

A leading bank in the UAE was relying on GPRS connectivity from an ISP to link offsite ATMs to its network. This approach brought high operational costs, significant delays in deployment, and limited control over network security. Intertec’s network team proposed and implemented a cost-effective and secure SD-WAN solution using Forti-Extender and 5G connectivity. The result: a dramatic 99% reduction in OPEX, faster ATM rollouts, and enhanced security control.

Business Problem

The client’s legacy approach to connecting offsite ATMs introduced several limitations that impacted operations, finances, and security:

ISP Dependency: New ATM deployments relied on ISP provisioning, often taking up to 20 days after order placement.
High CAPEX: GPRS technology required significant upfront investment in proprietary ISP hardware.
Excessive OPEX: Locked-in contracts with recurring charges across multiple channels resulted in over AED 294K annually in operating expenses.
Security Risks: ISP-managed devices limited the client’s ability to enforce patching, hardening, and security controls.

How Intertec Helped

Intertec deployed a modern, self-managed SD-WAN solution for the client’s offsite ATMs, eliminating the need for ISP-controlled infrastructure and enabling rapid, secure deployments. Key actions included:

Deployment of Forti-Extender with 5G at remote ATM locations for agile, high-speed connectivity.
Site-to-Site VPN Tunnel created between each ATM location and the data center’s perimeter firewall, ensuring secure and controlled communication.
Traffic Restriction Policies were enforced to allow only ATM-specific data transfer, enhancing performance and compliance.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) features were activated at the perimeter to detect and prevent malicious activities.
Security Ownership Shifted to the client’s MSP, enabling full control over patching, hardening, and vulnerability management.

Streamlining Work Management:

Automated corrective, preventive, and condition-based maintenance workflows.
Introduced graphical work order scheduling, optimizing labor and resources.
Deployed process automation for planned shutdowns, reducing downtime and enhancing resource efficiency.

Boosting Efficiency with Mobility:

Enabled mobile inspections with checklists for condition-based monitoring.
Delivered online and offline work execution capabilities, promoting paperless operations.
Empowered O&M teams with barcode-enabled asset identification and task execution.

Seamless Integration:

Unified EAM with Permit to Work (PTW) systems for streamlined task approvals.
Enabled collaboration between finance, HSE, and operational teams through a centralized platform.

Optimizing Inventory Management:

Automated procurement and inventory lifecycle processes, reducing errors and manual work.
Implemented blanket orders for efficient long-term purchasing.

Improving Cost Management:

Integrated cost tracking with financial systems for real-time expense allocation.
Automated cost code assignment based on transaction entities, ensuring flexibility and accuracy.

Business Outcomes Delivered

The implementation of SD-WAN delivered significant operational, financial, and security benefits:

Rapid ATM Deployment: Reduced setup time from 20 days to 2 days by removing ISP dependency.
Enhanced Security Posture: Full device control enabled regular patching, hardening, and VAPT under the client’s MSP.
Faster Connectivity: 5G links provided 15 Mbps bandwidth, accelerating maintenance activities and patch rollouts.
Massive Cost Reduction:
- OPEX slashed by 99%, from AED 294K to AED 2.5K per year.
- CAPEX cut by 33%, eliminating proprietary ISP hardware.
Annual Savings: Enabled the client to save approximately AED 260K per year.

Industry

Financial Services

Company Size

2500+ employees

Related Offerings

Integrated IT Managed Services

Infrastructure Managed Services

SD-WAN Powers ATM Expansion with 260K AED Annual Savings and Enhanced Security

Business Problem

How Intertec Helped

Business Outcomes Delivered

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