ING Belgium has chosen the NCR SelfServ 34 automated teller machine (ATM) with cash-recycling module from NCR to equip its new-concept Proxi branches. Reportedly, the Proxi branch concept is part of ING Belgium’s retail bank strategy, and driven by changes in customer expectations and habits, particularly the trend towards electronic channels. Proxi branches facilitate interaction between customers and bank staff. The branch layout includes ‘self bank’ self-service and customer advice areas.
NCR has said that the bank staff no longer handles cash directly. Instead, cash will be dispensed through the NCR SelfServ 34 ATMs, with built-in recycling modules to reduce risk to staff and customers. Cash deposited through the units will be re-dispensed to subsequent customers making withdrawals. NCR has added that ING Belgium has requested for automatic cash-recycling modules on almost all the 1,200 ATMs for installation, 95% of which will be installed inside branches.
According to the NCR, the cash-recycling module provides sophisticated bill sort and validation functionality that allows banks to redistribute cash to customers. The NCR solution comprises two recycle/dispense modules for each ATM, with a capacity of approximately 16,000 notes. Currency deposited by customers is processed by a recognition module to determine their validity. Any notes thought to be counterfeit or defective are removed from circulation.
Quinten Fraai, general manager direct channels of ING Belgium, said: “Our partnership with NCR has enabled us to roll out our strategy to shift cash transactions within Proxi branches to self-service areas. With its unique dual cash-recycle/dispense functionality, the NCR SelfServ 34 ATM is a perfect match for our requirements and ensures a very high level of security for cash operations as well as the flexibility we need for future upgrades.”
Michael O’Laughlin, general manager, financial services at NCR, said: “By equipping ING Belgium with ATMs with built-in cash-recycle functionality, NCR has further proven its ability to deliver solutions in line with the bank’s commitment to raise customer service and improve security for employees, since cash operations will now be fully automated.”
