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5 ways for ATM operators to maximize EMV site visits

Not only can these five tips help defray the cost of an ATM site visit, but they can also make the machine itself more profitable over the longer term, offsetting even more of the expense of EMV migration.

June 14, 2016

by Spencer Matthews, Executive Vice President, ATMequipment.com

With the MasterCard EMV liability shift deadline fast approaching, ATM owners and operators throughout the U.S. are making their plans for upgrades.

For most ATM deployers, this means scheduling site visits and figuring out how to handle the additional costs. Fortunately, there are several things deployers can do to take full advantage of EMV upgrade visits by planning to address other ATM upgrades and enhancements at the same time. Here are five ideas:

Update software

Many ATM deployers are behind on software upgrades and patches, which can leave their machines especially vulnerable to cyberattack. And the risk of a loss is becoming a growing concern as criminals increasingly target U.S. ATMs.

Using EMV site visits to update to the latest security for your ATMs can boost digital security against potential hackers while also ensuring greater protection against a physical attack via card skimming.

Check compliance

The industry has seen several mandated compliance updates over the last few years, including new requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, implementation of additional PCI data security standards and the migration to the Windows 7 operating system made necessary by the sunsetting of Windows XP support.

A site visit for EMV is the perfect time to make sure that your fleet is current with all compliance requirements and system updates.

Convert to wireless

Wireless internet access can increase both the speed and the security of transactions at your ATM. ATM owners and operators who upgrade to wireless connectivity while visiting sites to change out card readers can reap the benefits of increased customer satisfaction and greater cost savings by switching from landline to wireless communications.

Update records

An EMV upgrade site visit is the ideal time to perform a photo audit of your ATM fleet. Have your technicians give the ATM a quick cleaning before taking a few snapshots of the machine and site. You'll accomplish two tasks: an update of your records and the collection of visuals for future marketing initiatives.

Add functionality

ATM technology has advanced substantially in recent years, producing new capabilities and revenue opportunities through value-added services such as dynamic currency conversion, lottery ticket sales, acceptance of charitable donations and bill payments, and other kiosk-type functions.

An EMV site visit is a great time to push new software and transactional options to your ATMs, potentially increasing both foot traffic and revenue.

There is no arguing that EMV upgrades require a commitment of time and money. However, by using time spent on-site to complete multiple tasks and enhancements, you can generate cost savings and, potentially, new revenue streams with customer-focused functionalities.

For additional tips for maximizing EMV site visits, download the ATMequipment.com white paper, "Getting the Most Out of Your EMV Site Visit," from the ATM Marketplace website.

Spencer Matthews is executive vice president at ATMequipment.com, a North American wholesale supplier of retail ATM machines, parts, supplies and repair services. The company provides ATM operators with outstanding customer service and one-stop shopping for all ATM needs.

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