Article

A small operator's guide to basic ATM care

Basic machine care isn't all that complicated. Here are five steps you can take to help ensure that your machine is always available (and inviting) to customers.

October 7, 2014

by Joe Spencer, contributing writer

Whether you own convenience stores that have ATMs, oversee the ATM fleet for a community FI, or operate as a small or medium-size IAD, the care and maintenance of your machines most likely falls to you or your team members.

Of course, you could hire an outside service, but if you’re a small deployer looking to cut costs, it might be better to handle the task yourself. Basic maintenance of your ATMs isn't that difficult. Just keep these five things in mind:

1. Use basic cleaning supplies for standard ATM parts. You don't have to drop a load of cash to perform basic care and maintenance tasks. Often, either a clean, lint-free cloth (either dry or slightly dampened with water) does the trick. There's no need to go out and buy specially formulated solutions to care for your machine when the basics work just fine.
2. Blow out the cash dispenser. Dust and debris can build up inside the cash dispenser of an ATM that gets a lot of use. The simplest way to clear out crud is to blast it with a can of compressed air. Check the rollers as well, and lubricate as necessary, carefully checking your owner's manual for specific guidance.
3. Inspect the machine for tampering. There are all kinds of mechanisms for card skimming and other fraudulent behavior that can put your customers at risk. Thoroughly inspect your card reader for skimming devices, and check the ATM for unusual attachments, overlays or drilled holes. Be sure to examine the interior of the card reader, as some of the newer skimmers are installed internally. If you see anything suspicious, be sure to alert the police. If no evidence indicating  wipe down the card slot with a damp towel.
4. Check surveillance cameras. Make sure your cameras are functioning properly and are pointed in the right direction (a camera might have been either nudged accidentaly or moved on purpose if criminals have been afoot). Clean the lens with cleaning tissue made especially for that purpose (buy it on Amazon or eBay to save cash). You want clear video that the authorities can easily review in the event of any kind of illegal activity at the ATM.
5. Protect your ATM from the elements. In cold climates space heater can help maintain the optimal temperature in your ATM vestibule through the winter, and might reduce the chances of belt or motor issues. You might also want to change out the batteries before cold weather arrives. If a major storm is on the way, cover your ATMs with a tarp or sheet of heavy plastic (even if it means taking them out of service temporarily) in order to prevent costly damage. And be prepared for heavier-than-usual customer traffic in the aftermath of the storm.

Be sure to set up a firm written schedule for ATM maintenance — at least once per month for heavily used machines. This way, you'll know when your ATMs are due for routine maintenance, and if you’re not doing the cleaning yourself, you'll be able to better follow-up with your team.

Proper maintenance is not just a matter of fixing small issues and cleaning away dirt — it is also a means of ensuring that you won't incur costly and avoidable service calls in the future.

Joe Spencer writes about financial management, technology and small business.

cover photo courtesy alan cleaver | flickr