ATM Machines

ATM machines are a part of everyone's life. They ease the customer's day by being in a variety of places, especially the drive-up ATM's. There are two types of ATM's, the built-in and the freestanding machines. Each machine has its purpose whether it is for customers to drive up to or for easier deposits with a long teller line. Automated teller machines have a variety of options from the software, security for both the user and the bank, bank usage, cash dispensers, alternative uses beside cash dispensers and deposits, and fees. ATM machines need to be reliable for the customer to feel at ease with using them.

Built-In ATM Machines
Automatic teller machines come in two varieties. One of those varieties is the built-in ATM machine. This machine is generally found at the bank. They are built into the wall, so the banks will have access from the rear of the machine, and the customer is not privy to the security features. These built-in ATM machines appear as only a face to the customer with a place for a card, a printer for receipts, an area for deposits, a money dispenser, and a number pad. The built-in ATM machines often have a counter below or beside the machine for the customer to fill out the deposit envelope. These machines are for walk-up customers, and though they are not as handy as the drive-up versions of cash machines, they do have a purpose. Banks that are located in grocery stores often find these built-in machines easier than a freestanding machine somewhere else in the store. As mentioned earlier, the back of the machine is on the other side of the wall, so the teller does not have to leave the area to restock the cash machine. Security is better, if the teller does not have to bring the cash dispensers in front of customers to restock or to do the audits.

Free Standing ATM Machines
Freestanding ATM machines are made of two types. Type one is the drive-up cash machine located outside the bank. The second type is the machine placed in businesses for the customers. We see these machines in malls, movie theaters, or restaurants that only take cash. The drive-up ATM machine is definitely easy for customers. Customers will not have to get out of their cars to make deposits or withdraw cash. They can perform their transactions even when the bank is closed. The security on these machines is not as easy for the teller. When the teller needs to audit or restock the machine, they must enter codes to open the machine, use its internal computer to ascertain how much cash the machine should have, and then withdraw the cash dispensers while customers or others may be around. Most tellers will go out with a second teller to maintain security, taking two people from the teller line. The ATM representatives of the bank usually service the second type of machine. They will service the machines on their routes making sure to restock the machine frequently. These machines are in the public and security is again a very important feature. Freestanding ATM machines that are in malls and other businesses will not have the deposit feature. They are for cash dispensing only, and for the convenience of the public.

ATM Software
ATM’s have computers built in to tell the bank how much money has gone out or been deposited. These computers have software. Most machines used to come with the software. Today, when purchasing a new ATM machine, a choice of software is available. The bank can now have the best software for their needs. This software may work with the bank’s software already installed. This can help with the audits and monitoring of the ATM, because a teller can access it from their terminal. The software installed in an automated teller machine will allow the teller to gain information from the machine. It will tell the teller how much money should be in the machine, and allow the teller to change the amount once money has been restocked. When choosing software for an ATM, most banks will want ease of use. Software systems are designed for the banks and therefore the tellers. The tellers need a system that will be quick and easy so their time will be effective. This is why software is most important to the ATM. The software also needs to be compatible with the hardware. Most ATM software available is compatible with all hardware. Most ATM software is now compatible with other windows functions making it even more important to the working cash machine.

Security for User
ATM security is important for the customer. The customer wants to be secure when they use the machine. Features of security include a camera, pin number, and an ATM card. The camera allows the bank to take pictures of the customers, so if there is a problem with the transaction, they can view the images. The pin number is also important, since it identifies the user of the ATM card. This way a customer is assured that no one can access his or her account without the code. With the information available on automatic teller machines, it is important for the customer to know their funds will be safe. The ATM card or credit card is the means to withdraw funds. ATM cards also allow deposits on specific machines. It is the customer’s identifier. The account number is read from the magnetic strip and with the pin number will allow the customer to access the correct accounts. Security for the user will ensure the customer’s comfort level. The number pad on the machine is placed so waiting customers cannot see what the individual will type in. This is an added security benefit of automated teller machines for the customer.

Security for Bank
Bank security when dealing with ATM machines is perhaps the most important aspect. Whether the teller reaches the cash from the back of the machine or gains access through the front, the bank wants to be assured of the money’s security. Most machines require a key and a code before gaining access to the cash dispenser and deposits. These devices also keep out others who might try to vandalize the machine. Once the key opens the front of the cash machine, another area is accessible. This area is where a code is inputted and a magnetic key allows the knob to turn. Behind this “vault” are the cash dispensers and the deposit box. The computer is also housed behind the front or back of the machine. The teller can gain access to the computer keyboard to read the information they will need for the audit. While the teller is gaining access to the dispensers, the ATM machine is turned off. This means customers will have to wait for the teller before using it. Most machines will have a message displayed on the computer screen to alert the customer that the machine is temporarily out of service. Another reason for internal security, such as cameras, is to eliminate the need for security guards. The camera watches every transaction, which not only protects the customer, but also protects the bank. The bank can run the cameras if there is a question on a transaction. Security for the bank is important when an ATM machine has at least $20,000 inside it.

Cash Dispensers
Mentioned above, there are cash dispensers in the ATM machine. They feed the money through the counter when the automated teller machine is used. These dispensers are usually boxes with a spring-loaded mechanism to keep the money in order. The cash dispensers are made for all denominations, leaving it up to the bank to decide the denominations it would like to dispense. There are usually three dispensers, so a bank can choose up to three denominations or have two of the same. Usually, customers like to have twenties, so most banks will have at least two dispensers filled with the larger denomination. The cash dispensers are secured with a small latch for the ease of opening. Also mentioned earlier were the deposit bins. There is usually one bin to catch envelopes in an ATM. This bin is easily removed and sits next to the cash dispenser. The cash dispensers link to the counter on the ATM to give the correct amount to the customer. Occasionally, if the dispenser finds a troublesome bill, it will shoot this to another bin. The cash dispensers are easily removed with a handle for the teller. The design is not only to dispense the cash properly, but for easy removal for audits or restocking.

Alternative Uses
Automatic teller machines have other uses besides dispensing or depositing cash. Over the last few years, banks have wanted to add features such as balances, statements, and stamp purchases. Most individuals like to obtain the balance of their accounts before withdrawing money. The teller machines link to the bank so the customer can access their balance without the use of a teller. Occasionally, banks have added the option of obtaining an entire bank statement for the customer. It will print out the last set of transactions, up to a month of transactions if the customer desires. This can be helpful when the lines at the teller counter are busy, or the customer is not near a computer to access the Internet. Customers like the options available at ATM’s, because they can do most anything at one machine. The option of buying stamps is quite handy for most customers. Instead of stopping two or three places, the customer can complete other transactions at one machine. Some other options are calling cards, mall gift certificates, and ticket purchases.

Reliability
ATM reliability is very important not only to the bank, but to their customers. A customer wants to be able to withdraw money wherever they are. The customer wants to be assured that the ATM will always have money. Customers usually are running quickly through their errands and wish for the ATM to be just as quick or quicker than anything else. The reliability of automatic teller machines has been enhanced with further technologies. Now when a machine is down, it is usually due to auditing or restocking the cash, instead of software or hardware issues. Reliability allows the banks to have fewer tellers on their line. The fewer tellers on the line, the more money a bank will save on salaries. Reliability of a machine is also important when dealing with cash transactions. Any bank will want the machine to dispense the correct amount of money with the least amount of problems. While some bills will not dispense properly, the cash machine has a dispenser to catch these problems, rather than giving the customer too little or too much cash for their transaction.

ATM Fees
Fees for the usage of ATM’s is another important quality. Customers are not always close to their bank’s ATM. Having universal ATM’s that will accept any ATM card will help the customer obtain the cash they need. Most of these ATM’s will impose a fee on the customer. These fees are generally $1.50 to $2.00. The fees are low enough to keep the customer at the ATM, but important enough for the bank not to lose any money on the transactions. ATM fees are another way for the bank to recoup the expense of having the machine. ATM fees are generally imposed on the cash machines in movie theaters, malls, and other businesses. These machines are not always linked with a local bank. These banks often place ATM’s in cities where they don’t have a local bank to help their customers access their accounts while out of town. Since ATM’s are for the ease of customers, it is important to for banks to do everything they can for customer satisfaction.


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