News

Swiss banks ready to roll out universal ATM software in pilot test

July 12, 2017

Switzerland's payment service, Six Group, and a collaborative of Swiss banks are preparing to pilot test universal software that the partners hope will revolutionize both ATM operations and the ATM user experience across the nation.

The software, developed by NCR Corp. as part of Switzerland's ATMfutura project, provides the same user interface and user guidance on all Swiss bank ATMs, for improved usability, reduced costs and faster updates, according to a press release.

Selected branches in Switzerland will begin to pilot the standardized software this summer. Beginning in 2018, the new platform, based on NCR APTRA Top Client Server, will be made available for all Swiss ATMs.

"The harmonization of the ATM software is only the first step in the ATMfutura project," Juerg Weber, division CEO for Six Payment Services, said in the release. "In the future we will be able to offer banks in Switzerland a comprehensive offering that enables them to reduce costs and increase usability for customers through standardization, volume purchasing options and optimized processes."

The ATMfutura project aims to replace 20-plus solutions from various vendors used in Swiss banks' ATM fleets, greatly simplifying ATM operations, the release said. ATM users will see improved usability and the introduction of new services such as mobile cash withdrawals, the choice of bank note denominations or a voice-guided experience for visually impaired customers. Currently these types of services are offered by only a handful of banks.

"We are proud of the trust that Six placed in us with this project," said Paul Thuer, country manager for NCR Switzerland. "The configuration and modernization of existing components for a new, standardized ATM software platform is a complex task that requires a trusting cooperation of both parties. We are confident that this project will have a lighthouse effect on other countries."