News

Swiss banks, payment service launch standardized software for nation's ATMs

May 24, 2017

The pilot phase of ATMfutura — centralized multivendor developed by SIX, Switzerland's payment service, for the Swiss banking system — was launched successfully this month, according to a press release.

The standardized software will provide the same user interface and user guidance on all ATMs in Switzerland, substantially simplifying their operation, according to SIX. In 2018, ATMfutura software will replace the 20 different solutions currently used by Swiss banks, the release said.

With ATMfutura operating systemwide, functions previously available only from some banks — for instance, mobile ATM access and multidenomination withdrawals — will become universally available, according to SIX.

"ATMfutura is a crucial step in the direction of offering new ATM services to bank customers throughout Switzerland," said Florence Schnydrig Moser, Credit Suisse head of products and investment services, in the release. "Thanks to the standard user interface, all customers will have a consistent and enjoyable user experience at every ATM, irrespective of which bank it is being operated by."

The first ATM equipped with the new software is now in pilot operation at a Credit Suisse branch. A second bank, UBS AG, will follow with its own pilot operation on a different timeline.

The partners expect that, in time, ATMfutura will also take over monitoring and management of Swiss ATMs, with the ultimate goal of consolidating the handling of tasks such as ATM siting, installation, maintenance, disposal and cash management.

Banks outsourcing the operation of their ATMs to SIX can expect significant cost savings, thanks to standardization, volume bundling and process optimization, the company said.

"ATMfutura will enable SIX to make a key contribution to enhancing efficiency in the banking services sector," said Jürg Weber, Division CEO for SIX Payment Services, in the release. "Standardizing ATMs will allow the banks to simplify numerous processes over the long term, and in this way benefit not only from cost advantages, but also from a stronger concentration on their key business. The customers benefit from the simplified services."