Convert to wireless as part of ADA compliance strategy

Convert to wireless as part of ADA compliance strategy
Tags: Components, Networking / Connectivity, Retail / Off-Premises, Wireless
August 10, 2011

Recently, I discussed how converting an entire ATM portfolio to wireless is easier and more cost effective than you may think. As you put your ADA compliance strategy in place, may I suggest you consider using this opportunity to transition your entire ATM portfolio to wireless.

In order to assess whether your ATMs are in full compliance with new ADA requirements, in most circumstances, site surveys will be required. Once the assessments are complete, other site visits will be required to upgrade ATMs as needed. I recommend that ATM operators “kill two birds with one stone.”

No doubt, ADA will be a costly exercise. Additionally, leaving your ATMs on traditional landlines is a costly decision. Switching to wireless will help offset some of the additional costs that will be incurred while upgrading your ATMs to ADA standards.

Based on an average landline rate of about $40 per month per ATM, wireless can cut your costs in half. For 100 ATMs, this is a savings of about $20,000 per year or more.

The No.1 excuse I hear why ATM operators do not convert their entire portfolio to wireless is because they are too busy to go back to each of their locations and perform the conversions.

I understand how busy ATM operators are. However, the mandate placed upon ATM operators to ensure full ADA compliance by March 2012 is the perfect opportunity to start saving money each month on connectivity.

The steps to going wireless are simple – plug a wireless modem into a power source, attach the antenna and plug in the ATM’s phone line.

Another reason to convert to wireless is that we’ve seen over the years how compliance on ATMs is getting stricter and tighter. It’s important to keep your ATM locations as flexible as possible, and be able move ATMs around with little to no down time. Wireless allows for a flexible solution.

As you put together your strategic plan to bring your ATM portfolio into full ADA compliance, consider a wireless upgrade as part of the strategy. This, along with planning a solid budget, scheduling relocation of ATMs or construction you may need to perform or even to upgrade current machines that may not be in compliance, all contribute to a strong compliance plan of attack.

Upgrading to wireless will provide you with plug and play simplicity as part of your compliance strategy, as well as reduced communication costs.

Third-party experts, such as OptConnect or ATMequipment.com, can help you put together both an ADA compliance and wireless upgrade plan and schedule that will save you costs and increase revenues as well as help you meet the 2012 deadline.