Planning Season & Your ATMs
By Joe Woods, SVP Marketing & Partnerships, Dolphin Debit Access
It’s estimated that there are roughly half a million ATMs throughout the United States. Nearly 75% of these ATMs are in need of the Windows 11 software upgrade. In addition, large manufacturers have specific ATM models that are due to sunset in the next 12-24 months, meaning they will no longer provide parts or software upgrades after the sunset date.
Budget and planning conversations are in process at many offices. This budget season is incredibly important for the success of your future ATM or ITM fleet. Whether you have two or 200 units the coming planning process will be important as your ATMs are an extension of your branch and a lifeline for members that need cash and make deposits after hours. ITMs have grown significantly in popularity. If you’re currently considering ITMs, now is the time to speak to the professionals and explore if an ITM solution is a viable option for your desired in-branch and/or drive-up experience.
There are several key points or concepts to consider as you begin planning. The first is the capability of your current fleet. What types of transactions do your ATMs perform today? What are members asking for or better yet, what transactions can be reduced at your teller line by adding them to the ATM. The average transaction cost at an ATM is $0.70. The average cost of a teller transaction is $4.50. You can save staff time and reduce your operational expenses by expanding the transactions available on your new units.
The second consideration is the make and model you choose to deploy. You should be working with a partner that is equipment neutral. By this I mean finding an ATM provider that can offer and operate any make and model of ATM for your program. Most providers across the country are only capable of offering ATMs from one manufacturer. This dramatically limits their capabilities and your potential for success. If you’re working on an acquisition of another FI, they may have a different brand of ATM, which can mean a completely different set of service providers and contracts.
The third and final point is financial. There are three major considerations that will affect your budget for your ATMs. The first is Windows 11. This is the easiest. You have ATMs. You need them to continue to operate in a secure environment for you and your members. The Windows upgrade can be a significant unanticipated cost. The second is ATM replacement. Do you keep the same manufacturer? Many major business moves have been made that can dramatically change cost, service & response from certain providers. The third is the move to ITM. Is now the time? If you are considering ITMs, also consider that choosing to embark on an ITM project will typically mean the need for ITM specific hardware. If you purchase ATMs today, are they ITM capable? Some models do not have ITM capability. Which can limit your abilities or increase your costs when you’re ready for the leap to ITM.
Our partner Dolphin can reduce your ATM expenses and vendor contracts. In addition, Dolphin can purchase new equipment and operate and potentially purchase your existing equipment. Saving you a large amount of capital that you can direct to new programs. Reach out to your association representative to set up a call.