The ATM industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Below are seven practices ATM developers and operators are incorporating to benefit the environment:
1) Solar power — With continued technological strides reducing the cost of solar panels and upping the storage capacity of batteries, solar-powered ATMs are now a reality. In fact, a number of FIs have installed solar-powered ATMs in a number of areas across the globe.
2) Smartphone access — Different types of mobile cash withdrawal programs are now available at many ATMs. This allows consumers to set up a cash withdrawal via their mobile device and finish the transaction by scanning or entering a code at the ATM. This may allow for the eventual elimination of the plastic card.
3) Parts recycling — Recycled parts are generally less expensive than new parts, and as they come with a guarantee, they are almost always as reliable. There are two options to choose from for parts repair. Advance exchange allows ATM owners to have a repaired part shipped immediately to them. In return, they send in the defective part for assessment and credit. Depot repair is the more traditional method of sending a defective part to a repair service and waiting while they repair the part and ship it back.
4) Deposit automation — With significant advances in check imaging and verification technologies, envelope-free automatic deposits are more popular than ever.
5) E-receipts — The industry’s first printer-less ATM was unveiled at this year’s ATM Industry Association conference. Eliminating all paper receipts at ATMs would save 640,000 tons of receipt paper annually.
6) Machine refurbish — Refurbished ATMs may prove to be attractive as the industry deals with the costs associated with EMV, PCI, and Windows 7 compliance. Refurbished ATMs may also be useful in developing markets, as access to affordable hardware leads the way to faster, broader expansion in those markets.
7) Smaller branch footprint — Advanced self-service and teller assist ATMs are transforming entire financial institution branches. As these functions are capable of performing nearly all teller-based transactions, they are reducing the real estate required to facilitate a full brick-and-mortar branch.
