Article
2013 ATM Comparison Guide: Where the buying decision begins
In a world of options, a concise guide to ATM features and attributes can help deployers make the right choice.
December 26, 2012 by Suzanne Cluckey — Owner, Suzanne Cluckey Communications
ATM Marketplace is pleased to announce publication of the ATM Comparison Guide 2013, a compendium of models and detailed specs from major ATM manufacturers Banqit, Diebold, GRGBanking, GenMega, Hantle, Itautec, Nautilus Hyosung, NCR, Triton and Wincor Nixdorf.
The following is an excerpt from the 2013 guide:
ATM fleet upgrades used to involve fairly simple decisions: Should the new machines be dispensing only, or would they need to take envelope deposits, too? Should they be through the wall or freestanding? Would they integrate seamlessly with current back office systems or should those be upgraded, as well?
Of course, there were other considerations, but they were all pretty clear cut by current standards. Today, a financial institution or independent ATM deployer in the process of upgrading a fleet must work out a host of quandaries and complications, starting with the one thing no business can do without:
Regulatory compliance
New regulations governing ATM compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect on March 15, 2012, but according to some industry watchers, tens of thousands of machines (particularly those in retail locations) have yet to be brought up to the current standards. And many of those machines are simply too outdated to make an upgrade feasible.
This leaves the operator the decision of whether to go with a newer used machine as a replacement or to purchase a new machine that will accommodate other pending changes. That choice brings up a major pending issue:
EMV
When MasterCard and Visa laid out their initial roadmaps for EMV migration in the U.S., the question of whether an ATM deployer should act now or let the issue ride seemed like a no-brainer. Only MasterCard even addressed the issue of EMV at the ATM, and this was only in respect to the association's overseas debit network, Maestro, for which liability would shift to the transaction processor in 2013.
For the vast majority of operators, Maestro represented such an infinitesimal percentage of transactions that they could simply choose to decline Maestro transactions with nary a blip in the bottom line.
But then, MasterCard changed the stakes, announcing an ATM-specific liability shift deadline for all transactions, effective in 2016. Just like that, the question of how and when to enable machines for EMV took on a whole new complexion. And it introduced another complicating factor:
Future-proofing
Putting aside for the moment the question?of whether any technology can be rendered immune to obsolescence, operators must determine (or perhaps the correct term would be "guess") whether contactless and mobile wallet transactions are fleeting diversions or emerging trends.
When upgrading to ADA-compliant, EMV-enabled terminals, should an operator select a new machine that will eventually accommodate contactless and mobile transactions? Will the necessity to swipe or dip an ATM card ever become such a burden to customers that they'll go elsewhere?
Or, viewed another way, will enabling a machine for contactless and mobile transactions be such a draw as to make it worth the investment? And here the operator enters especially tricky territory:
Consumer experience
The fundamental function of an ATM was, is, and mostly likely ever will be the delivery of that universal value transfer tool — cash. Everything else — envelope-free deposit, bill pay, money transfer, touchscreen operation, mobile prestaging, contactless, e-receipts, video teller, multi-denomination dispensing, currency exchange, mobile top-up, postage stamp sales, coupon delivery, whatever — is just icing on the cake.
Or is it? The function of an ATM may well be to deliver banknotes in the most commonly used denominations, but the purpose of the ATM is to deliver user convenience. This is what makes the bells and whistles matter. And it is what makes the careful evaluation and selection of ATM features and benefits so important.
The ATM Comparison Guide 2013 puts essential factors of machine choice at your fingertips. This information can help you build a valued brand that delivers the convenience, ease and security your customers expect — along with the efficiency, reliability and returns that your business requires.
The ATM Comparison Guide 2013 is now available for purchase and download.
About Suzanne Cluckey
Suzanne’s editorial career has spanned three decades and encompassed all B2B and B2C communications formats. Her award-winning work has appeared in trade and consumer media in the United States and internationally.
Included In This Story
Hyosung Americas
Hyosung Americas is a global human experience maker that bridges the physical and virtual worlds. We do this by harnessing our unique combination of a manufacturer’s soul with an innovator’s mindset to build a platform of integrated products, services, and ideas that improve life’s day-to-day interactions for everyone.
ATMmarketplace.com - Marketing Opportunities
ATMmarketplace.com is the #1 site for news and information about ATMs and financial self-service. Our audience includes financial institutions, ATM distributors, manufacturers and more.
Triton Systems
Triton FI based products • NO Windows 10™ Upgrade • Secured locked down system that is virus/malware resistant • Flexible configurations - Drive-up and Walk-up • Triton's high security standards • NFC, anti-skim card reader, IP camera and level 1 vaults are all options • Triton Connect monitoring • Lower cost
Diebold Nixdorf
As a global technology leader and innovative services provider, Diebold Nixdorf delivers the solutions that enable financial institutions to improve efficiencies, protect assets and better serve consumers.
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