How Jobsite Cameras Help Fifth Third Bank Improve Oversight and Efficiency

Building a Growing Footprint

With more than 1,300 properties across its portfolio, Fifth Third Bank oversees a construction program that spans multiple states. Each year, the organization manages between 80 and 100 projects, with much of the activity concentrated in its Southeast expansion markets. These include Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and select other regions.

At the center of this effort is Gloria Samuel, Director of Program and Project Management. Her team is responsible for delivering construction projects that align with Fifth Third’s business objectives. The scope is wide, covering everything from new facilities to upgrades at existing properties, and requires coordination with contractors, stakeholders, and leadership across the company. For a program of this scale, reliable visibility into what is happening at each site is not simply helpful — it is essential.

The Challenge of Maintaining Oversight

Managing dozens of concurrent projects across multiple states introduces challenges that extend beyond scheduling and logistics. Samuel explains that relying solely on conversations to understand what was happening on each site was not enough. “It is very difficult to sometimes understand through conversation all of the challenges that the team may be facing,” she said. Without a reliable visual record, managers were left piecing together updates, which could create delays in decision-making or uncertainty about next steps.

Stakeholders across the organization also wanted consistent updates. As with many large institutions, the progress of construction projects directly affects planning for operations, staffing, and client services. Requests for progress reports were frequent, and Samuel’s team needed a way to deliver information that was both accurate and easy to share.

Partnering with EarthCam

In 2020, Fifth Third Bank partnered with EarthCam to address these challenges. Cameras were installed on jobsites where exterior work was taking place, giving Samuel and her team direct visibility into progress. The ability to monitor sites remotely provided a new level of confidence. “The partnership with EarthCam has definitely been one that's been extremely beneficial to the work that my team does,” Samuel said.

The decision followed an evaluation of competitors, and Samuel noted that EarthCam stood out for its service and effectiveness in exterior placement. Having a trusted partner was particularly important given the scale of projects underway at any given time.

Bridging the Gap with Visual Data

For Samuel, the cameras filled a gap between verbal updates and physical presence. She described them as a “stopgap” that provided clarity where conversations sometimes left questions. This meant her team could confirm progress, better understand issues on site, and respond more effectively when challenges arose.

The cameras also created a reliable record. Unlike walkthroughs or anecdotal reports, video provided an objective view of what was happening. This visual documentation was valuable not only for project management but also for building trust with stakeholders across the organization.

Engaging Stakeholders Through Shared Views

Fifth Third did more than use the cameras internally. The bank chose to share live views with partners across the organization. This created a new level of transparency and, in Samuel’s words, “excitement about what’s to come along the way.” By seeing projects unfold in real time, stakeholders could follow progress without needing to visit sites in person.

These shared views also enhanced the impact of the final time-lapse reels. Instead of only seeing a polished end product, stakeholders could connect the finished video with their own experience of watching progress unfold. This not only built enthusiasm but also strengthened understanding of the construction process.

Finding Efficiencies and Cost Savings

The partnership also generated cost savings. At the start, contractors were asked to install the poles needed for cameras. While workable, this approach did not deliver the best results. After discussing the process with EarthCam, the installation shifted to EarthCam’s team. Poles could also be reused across projects, reducing expenses. “That has been a cost save for us,” Samuel explained.

This improvement highlighted another benefit of working with a partner that understood the demands of large-scale construction programs. Beyond providing technology, EarthCam delivered services that made implementation more efficient and cost-effective.

A Game-Changer for Project Oversight

Over time, the cameras have become a vital part of Fifth Third’s construction program. “The cameras have been a significant help to be able to see properties really evolve as the project is happening,” Samuel said. She emphasized that having visibility into sites has been “game-changing” for her team.

Instead of waiting for reports or scheduling additional site visits, managers now have direct access to live visuals. This has allowed them to make faster, more informed decisions and to maintain oversight across a wide footprint. For an organization managing up to 100 projects in a year, that efficiency is critical.

Building Confidence Across the Organization

The impact of the partnership extends beyond project management. For owners, executives, and other stakeholders, the ability to view live progress builds confidence. Projects can be monitored without relying solely on secondhand updates, and questions can be answered with clear visual evidence.

The integration of time-lapse videos further strengthens this value. These reels provide not only a record of what happened but also a narrative of progress that can be shared internally. They serve as both documentation and communication tools, helping different groups within the organization align on project milestones.

Lessons for the Industry

Fifth Third Bank’s experience reflects a broader trend in construction: the move toward visual intelligence as a standard part of project oversight. Cameras are no longer viewed only as tools for documentation or security. They are becoming central to how teams monitor progress, engage stakeholders, and control costs.

Samuel’s description of the cameras as a “stopgap” illustrates this role. By filling the space between verbal reports and on-site inspections, they provide clarity and reduce uncertainty. For organizations managing large portfolios, this clarity translates into better communication, more effective decision-making, and stronger outcomes.

Looking Ahead

As Fifth Third Bank continues its expansion, the need for efficient and transparent project oversight will remain high. The partnership with EarthCam provides a foundation for meeting that need. With cameras in place at sites across the Southeast and beyond, Samuel’s team is equipped to maintain visibility, reduce blind spots, and deliver the level of accountability that stakeholders expect.

The story of Fifth Third’s experience demonstrates how technology can support not only contractors and project managers but also the larger organizations they serve. By improving visibility, enhancing communication, and delivering cost savings, jobsite cameras have become a vital resource in the bank’s construction program.