The Challenge: PPL GOLD is a credit union dedicated to the best interests of its nearly 7,700 members. Their success lead to the need for an expansion to a larger facility.  Their new facility required a complete security, communications and collaboration network. It was the first time that PPL GOLD ever had to consider owning these types of systems.  They needed these to maintain their high standards for member services and provide a secure environment for employees and members; all with a low total cost of ownership. In addition to the new facility, the systems had to integrate the existing branch location at the PPL Plaza. Project Management was crucial; the opening of the new office could not interrupt PPL GOLD's member services at either location.

The CSI Solution: By leveraging our deep knowledge of disparate applications and our ability to integrate them into a unified solution, CSI would reduce the risk of compatibility issues caused by working with multiple system providers. This would also result in a single point of accountability for all issues, faster response times to service requirements and a very cohesive, reliable and scalable system that connects PPL GOLD with its members. Our partnership would continue beyond the installation of hardware. 

The Project: CSI moved all workstations as well as their servers, switches and routers from PPL GOLD’s administrative location to the new headquarters over the course of one weekend. Due to the nature of their services, PPL GOLD required extraordinary measures regarding data security. CSI coordinated the protection of the membership's personal and financial data with their firewall provider to ensure the continual safety and integrity of this vital data. PPL GOLD planned to offer full service financial services at the new facility, necessitating the placement of life safety and security equipment such as fire and intrusion detection, surveillance cameras and access control systems on the premises. CSI installed a Honeywell Vista combined fire and security panel which provided the ability to control the offices and member services areas independently, each functioning as if it had its own separate control. This simplified end user management and allowed selected zones to be guarded, while others remained open. Access to the building and in between zones was provided with IP door controllers managed with Genetec Synergys which integrates seamlessly with the IP video surveillance managed by Genetec's Omnicast video management.  

In support of PPL GOLD’s “Live Answer” telephone service to their members, we installed a ShoreTel IP Unified Communications System and configured it to transfer incoming calls to series of workgroups, ensuring that each member’s call is answered by a PPL GOLD employee and does not land in a voice mailbox. Networked Digital Signage was installed, allowing the credit union to dynamically update rate information and promote special offers to members on 46” Samsung High Definition displays at both their headquarters and Plaza locations. The new location included a conference room for board meetings and educational seminars. A Hitachi Starboard was installed, providing an interactive white board to enhance each meeting experience. We also installed a projector and screen in the conference room.

The Result: The move occurred over one weekend in April of 2010. There was no interruption of service to their members. As a result of the enhancements, PPL GOLD is positioned to grow their financial relationships with their current and future membership.

Site Contact: Pam England, Vice President of Operations (484) 223-4202