Choosing ATM Equipment: Pros and Cons of an Outdoor ATM

by

Should you operate an indoor or outdoor ATM? If you’re thinking about purchasing an ATM machine, one of the first things you have to determine is where you’re going to put the machine. 

You’ve probably seen and even used an ATM both indoors and outdoors. But what are the major differences when it comes to owning an ATM? We’ve got your answers.

Here we’ve outlined the major pros and cons of operating an outdoor ATM, but it essentially comes down to availability. What spaces are even options for you? Let’s start there.

Choosing a Location

Choosing a location, or a place to put your machine, is one of the very first things you have to do before you even order your machine. Our article Choosing an ATM Location goes in-depth on where to look for locations, the best ATM locations, and how to negotiate with location owners to develop a partnership.

It’s a great place to start when it comes to scouting for locations. If you already have a location picked out and you have the option to place an ATM machine either indoors or outdoors at that location, then skip on down to the pros and cons of an outdoor ATM.

If you have not settled on a location yet, here are some things you need to consider:

First, do you already own a business where you plan to use the ATM? Do you think you might lease a plot or property where you’ll install the ATM? Or do you think you’ll approach local business owners to gauge their need for an ATM machine and potentially start a partnership?

Whatever your answer is (or ends up being) might determine for you whether you need an indoor or outdoor ATM. Once you settle on a location, you might find that there isn’t room indoors for the ATM. Or the opposite might be true. The location might not be able to facilitate an outdoor ATM machine. 

If you end up working with a site location owner, his or her preference might affect the decision as well. Maybe there’s room indoors for the ATM but the location owner doesn’t want to give up that space. Or alternatively, maybe the site location owner would rather the ATM be inside to get customers into the store.

Next are some pros and cons of outdoor ATM machines.

Pros of Choosing an Outdoor ATM

There are some clear benefits of operating an outdoor ATM. First, you have the potential to earn more revenue. Second, you potentially have more flexible access to your machine. And third, they can be space savers.

Save Space

If you own a retail store or business, or if you are partnering with a site location owner and you want to add an ATM to the business, there’s a chance the space isn’t available inside the store. 

Maybe there’s too much inventory and to get rid of something will just cause you to break even with ATM revenue. Or maybe the only space available isn’t visible enough or convenient for customers.

If this is the case, you might want to consider putting an ATM outside of the store. It can be close to the front door, in view of the register or desk so that it can still be monitored during business hours even though it’s not inside. 

That way you don’t have to get rid of anything else inside of the store to make room. And you don’t have to worry about owning a machine that no one sees or uses. The more visible and easier to access the machine, the more users and therefore more revenue for you.

Earn More Revenue

There’s a good chance an outdoor ATM could warrant more users than an indoor ATM. It depends on your specific location, of course, but an indoor ATM might be seen more by people who are already customers while an outdoor ATM is available to all passers by.

Additionally, and this is the biggest benefit, you have the ability to offer 24-hour access to an outdoor ATM. An indoor ATM is really only “in business” during the hours of operation of the store or business where it’s housed. So you increase the opportunities for transactions and therefore earn more revenue that way.

Not only do users have 24-hour access to an outdoor ATM, but you do too.

More Flexibility

Unless the site location owner gives you a key or access to the store after hours, you really only have access to your machine while the store is open. If you have to refill cash or receipt paper or conduct any maintenance or cleaning on the machine, you have a window in which to do so. 

This might not be so convenient for you if you have a day job or other obligations which overlap with the store hours. If the ATM is outdoors, though, you can access the machine when it’s most convenient for you regardless of whether or not the store is open for business.

You could of course coordinate with the site location owner to perform certain routine tasks or maintenance in your absence. But it might just be more convenient to house the ATM outside if you have the option. 

Plus, the more responsibilities you put on the site location owner, the more revenue you have to spit. You’ll have to make that deal in your site location agreement (SLA). So it might be more cost effective for you to handle those responsibilities on an outdoor ATM rather than leave yourself at the mercy of the site location owner.

Although there are plenty of great reasons to operate an outdoor ATM when you have the option, there are unfortunately some risks as well.

Cons of Choosing an Outdoor ATM

An outdoor ATM is not always the best option. It’s perfectly fine to operate an outdoor ATM if that is your only option. But if you are deciding between indoor and outdoor you might want to consider some of the downfalls associated with operating an outdoor ATM.

First, they can be more expensive to set up and maintain. Second, you could lose out on revenue depending on where you’re located. Last, you have to compete with the weather.

Weather Constraints

On particularly hot or cold days, or days when it’s raining, snowing, or particularly windy, users will probably prefer to use an indoor ATM rather than an outdoor ATM. However, if you are the only ATM for blocks, you might retain those users by default. But if your neighbor has an indoor ATM, you might lose business to him or her on days when the weather isn’t great.

Loss of Revenue

Besides losing customers due to weather, you could also lose customers who prefer to use indoor ATMs for safety reasons. Indoor ATMs are less accessible to vandals which makes it less likely that a user’s information will be compromised on an indoor ATM. 

Indoor ATMs are also under the watchful eye of the store or business owner as well as other patrons. So this could encourage users to use an indoor ATM as well. But again, if you’re in a location where ATMs are scarce, you might still get a lot of business on an outdoor ATM regardless of these safety concerns.

But you still have to make sure customers feel safe using your outdoor ATM.

Additional Expenses

An outdoor ATM is available to users 24 hours 7 days a week. But it’s also available then to vandals and thieves. To prevent damage and tampering on your outdoor ATM, you’ll want to invest in a quality security system. You might also need to provide your own lighting if your ATM is located in a dim area.

You might even be required to provide certain security measures based on the safety and security laws of your state and municipality. 

Outdoor ATMs are also vulnerable to the weather. Exposure to the elements could cause you to get less life out of your ATM if it’s outside rather than inside. To extend the life of your machine, you should invest in a cover or awning for your outdoor ATM.

Most ATMs are weather protected which can help prevent unnecessary damage, but exposure can still affect the lifespan of your ATM. Weatherproof and weatherized ATMs are both made to withstand harsh weather conditions. 

A weather resistant ATM, however, is not going to be as resilient as a weatherproof ATM. So you’ll definitely need some sort of cover for a weather resistant ATM. And all outdoor ATMs should be temperature protected for the best results.

Other Outdoor ATM Options

If you’re still unsure whether to go with an indoor or outdoor ATM, you could look into a through-the-wall (TTW) ATM. Or, if you are considering purchasing an ATM for outdoor events, a mobile ATM could be the way to go.

Through-the-Wall (TTW) ATM Machines

Through-the-wall (TTW) ATM machines can be set up to have the chassis (front) facing outside while the interface (back) remains inside the building. TTW ATMs are heavier and bulkier than other ATMs because the interface has to be inserted into the wall extending into another room. 

You might see a TTW ATM in an office building or lobby where the front or screen faces out toward the customers and the interface extends into the next room that is locked and only accessible to authorized personnel. But to facilitate this, you have to have the hole cut in the wall for installation.

So this might not be the best option if you are considering an outdoor ATM due to space concerns. However, if you have indoor space but want the 24-hour access of an outdoor machine, consider a TTW ATM where customers can use the ATM outside but you can safely load cash from inside the store either during business hours or behind locked doors.

If that’s the case, a TTW ATM is more accessible to users while also offering better security.

Mobile ATM Machines

Mobile ATM machines are pretty much intended for outdoor use. They are great options for fairs, farmers markets, concerts, etc. Any major event where attendees have the option to purchase merchandise or make donations is the perfect place for an ATM.

Rather than carry an excess amount of cash on them, patrons can withdraw the exact amount they need for their purchases when it’s necessary and minimize the risk of extra cash being lost or stolen.

Since mobile ATMs are intended for temporary, pop-up, outdoor events, they are often equipped with overhead lights and security cameras since the location will vary. But of course your placement should be secure as well. You want the ATM in an area with a lot of foot traffic, not isolated. This is better for increasing transactions but also for security.

Make sure the location is well-lit, under watchful eye, and protected by a tent in the case of inclement weather. However, mobile ATMs are built to withstand the worst weather conditions. They are typically water-resistant and include advanced temperature control systems to heat them up or cool them down depending on the season.

When to Choose an Outdoor ATM

There are just as many pros as cons to choosing an outdoor ATM machine. So there’s a chance you might still be on the fence. In summary, then, remember these main points:

  • The safety concerns associated with outdoor ATMs need to be offset by adequate lighting, lots of foot traffic, and a first-rate security system.
  • Although outdoor ATMs can be more expensive to maintain, they typically receive more transactions—enough to justify the expense. Just calculate your investment and set your surcharge accordingly to reach your ROI as soon as possible.

If you can meet these requirements with an outdoor location, you have the opportunity to make more of a profit than you would with an indoor ATM. Weigh your options carefully and contact us if you have any questions!

5 Reasons to Start Your ATM Business with a New ATM Machine vs. a Refurbished ATM Machine

by

The question of whether to purchase a new ATM machine or a refurbished ATM machine is an important one for any bank or business owner. But it might be even more important if you’re just getting started in the ATM business. Without experience, you really want to know what you can expect. And you want to do it right the first time.

In this article, we will compare new ATM machines to refurbished ones focusing on why it might be better to go new if you are new to the ATM business. You will want to consider lifespan, technology, ease of use, compliancy, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

1. Longer Lifespan

The lifespan of ATM equipment depends upon exposure to the elements and rapidity of new updates. However, you can expect a new ATM machine to last around 15 years.

A well-refurbished ATM machine can last around ten years, all things considered. But you obviously get more years out of a new ATM machine. Additionally, that lifespan can be extended  with routine maintenance, consistent repair and service, upgrades, and refurbishments on the machine you already own. 

2. Latest Technology

Second, a new ATM machine is going to come equipped with the latest technology. While a refurbished ATM machine will perform the same basic functions as a new one (deposits, withdrawals, balance checks, etc.), there is some new technology that you won’t find yet in refurbished machines.

Depending on the model, new technology could include Windows 10, cash recycling, and video terminals on Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs). These features could make or break your business when faced with competition.

If you’re new to the ATM business, you might want to enter the game with the latest hardware, software, features, and functions. Then, as you get more familiar with the machines, if you decide to purchase more or need to replace existing machines you can opt for a refurbished version based on your experience of what works well for you and what is maybe “nice to have” but not “need to have”.

3. Easier to Use

To piggyback on number 2, the newer technology typically makes the machines more user-friendly. That goes for both your ATM visitors and you as the operator. A video terminal, for example, might draw more attention to your machine and gain the trust of passers-by. But if you need to update graphics or input functionalities, typically the operator menu is going to be easier to use the newer it is. 

Older technology can be complicated. That’s one of the reasons new technology is developed: to improve usability. So if you are new to ATM machines, you might want to start out with a new one at least until you get more familiar with it. 

4. Automatic Compliancy

ATM technology improves to make utilization quicker and easier. And additional features are designed and added to address customer needs and feedback. This includes accessibility. As regulations change, so must ATM features, and you must remain compliant to continue to operate your machine. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for example, requires that ATM machines be accessible to people who are blind, deaf, and wheelchair bound. New ATM machines must be developed to meet these needs and associated regulations. So, when you purchase a new machine, you know you are already compliant.

Older machines might have been compliant at the time they were manufactured, but regulations change as customer needs change. Older, refurbished machines can be adapted to meet current regulations, but you don’t have to worry about it at all if you purchase your equipment brand new.

EMV compliancy is another concern. For increased security, more and more debit cards come equipped with a microchip. This microchip can be entered into an EMV card reader instead of swiping the card stripe on the back. To be compliant, your ATM machine must have an EMV card reader. These can be added to machines not already equipped, but again, new ATM machines will already have it.

5. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

This category is actually pretty even on the scales in most cases. All ATMs have intricate moving parts, electrical components, and software that needs to be regularly updated. Any of these areas could malfunction at any time. It’s rare, but it’s possible.

Buying an ATM outright, brand new is going to be more expensive than refurbished. But refurbished machines are older and may or may not come equipped with the latest software and compliancy features. This means you might end up having to purchase upgrade kits separately on top of any necessary maintenance down the road.

However, the quality of refurbished ATM machines is not the same across the board. You could get a refurbished ATM machine that has been completely rebuilt or one that has just been cleaned and polished. Therefore, new and refurbished ATM machines are similarly reliable; it just depends on the individual machine and its upkeep.

In the next section, we’ll tell you what to look for if you are still considering a refurbished ATM machine.

Risks Associated with Poorly Refurbished ATM Machines

You might find a really good deal on a refurbished ATM machine, but you will want to question the quality of the refurbishment. Worst case scenario, the job is a “blow and go,” meaning the job is done quickly in an effort to move on to the next job sooner. 

These refurbishments will include cleaning and probably new decals making the machine look nice but not really taking time on fixing any internal issues. Obviously you’ll want to avoid these. This is where purchasing a refurbished machine can actually end up costing you more than a new one. If the refurbishment is sub-par, the money you save on the purchase will just go into service, maintenance, and upgrades.

All of the refurbished ATM machines listed on ATMDepot.com, however, are certified refurbished. This means that they have undergone specific standards checks. They are cleaned, detailed, and updated. Decals are replaced, the newest software is installed, and security is updated. This is what you want to look for in a refurbished ATM machine.

The downfall here is that even though refurbished machines can in most cases be purchased good as new, your options are based on availability. So if you’ve been researching specific brands and models that you might be interested in, there’s no guarantee that a certified refurbished one of your preference will be available.

The last thing to look out for when shopping for refurbished machines is discontinued models. The Triton 9600, Triton 9700, WRG Apollo, and WRG Genesis for example can only be used for parts. If you see one of these advertised cheap, keep in mind that they are no longer able to process transactions on ATM networks due to new regulations including the EMV liability shift and ADA guidelines.

The Case for Purchasing a New ATM Machine

As you can see, there are pros and cons for purchasing a new or refurbished ATM machine. If you are just starting out in the ATM business, there are just a couple of extra factors you need to consider until you gain a little more experience.

It really comes down to price vs. risk. The cheapest machine might not be the most reliable or expertly refurbished. There is less risk associated with purchasing a new machine, which might be best for you if it’s your first time, but it’s going to come at a higher cost. 

We’ll leave you with this: most ATM equipment is durable, reliable, and long-lasting. All you have to do is find the best ATM for your needs within your budget. Check out our ATM Buyers Guide for more information on ATM types and manufacturers to help you make a decision today!

Hyosung ATM vs. Genmega ATM: What’s the Best ATM Equipment?

by

Hyosung ATM equipment and Genmega ATM equipment are two of the best options available. So it can be challenging to choose between the two when it comes to purchasing. 

To be quite honest, you really can’t go wrong with either. They made their way to the top by producing high-quality, reliable equipment. However, they aren’t identical brands, of course. So the decision really comes down to what you need and what you’re looking for in ATM equipment.

To help you distinguish these competitors, we’ll compare Hyosung ATM equipment and Genmega ATM equipment from company details to specific machine recommendations. By the end, you’ll know exactly which ATM machine is perfect for you. 

Hyosung ATM Equipment

Overview

South Korea’s Hyosung, Inc. prides themselves on their innovation, creativity, and technology in the production of next-generation ATMs. Their investment in research and development has made them the fastest growing manufacturer of ATMs in the world. 

Hyosung entered the US market in 1998 with the first small-footprint retail ATM. With US headquarters, distribution, and training centers located in Dallas, Texas, and research and development support teams at the Global Software Center in Dayton, Ohio, Hyosung is one of the United States’ highest valued organizations in the ATM industry.

Technology and Features

Hyosung stays ahead of its competitors by inventing and applying solutions. Hyosung owns all of its intellectual property which allows new technology to be brought to the market faster. For example, while its competitors are just piloting recycling ATMs, Hyosung has already deployed thousands of units.

Cash recycling ATMs allow bills that have been deposited to be withdrawn by future customers. This reduces the cost associated with cash replenishment in the ATM and improves efficiency and service availability. 

Hyosung is the leading ATM self-serving solutions marketplace for both financial services and retail industries. They are partners with 4 out of 5 of the top banks in the United States. With 10 key core banking applications certified, Hyosung is the leader in core integration.

Hyosung ATMs are able to offer an extended set of transactions, alternate authentication methods besides just card and PIN, customized bank rules, and no network fees. Bypassing the ATM network directly to the bank’s core banking application makes this possible.

And, of course, Hyosung’s complete line of recycling ATMs save banks money in cash replenishment and make them more efficient by increasing availability to customers. 

Hyosung technology makes them a leader in retail solutions as well. They produce small-footprint ATMs with applications that allow users to cash and deposit checks outside of a bank, add cash to Amazon Pay, and even buy or cash out cryptocurrency.

Although Hyosung ATM machine parts are more expensive than their competitors’ and not always readily available, their unique modular engineering design allows for quicker repair times and reduces the number of parts needed. Additionally, their parts are interchangeable among their machines which is a unique feature.

ATM Disinfection Enhancements

Sanitation and safety are growing concerns among consumers in light of COVID-19. Hyosung has met these concerns with their industry-leading disinfection protection for their ATMs. 

“[W]e began working as soon as the pandemic arrived to design a solution to maximize the safety of our ATMs,” says Hyosung America CEO Hee-Eun Ahn. 

As a result, as of Fall 2020, Hyosung made ATM disinfection kits available. These upgrade kits can be installed on any Hyosung ATMs and include a silver ion antimicrobial touchscreen, keypad, and function keys if applicable as well as violet blue LED sterilization lights. 

These parts are manufactured with antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Applying these kits to ATMs at primary customer interaction points can help stop the spread of sickness, COVID-19 or otherwise. 

Additionally, Hyosung offers an antimicrobial coating service. This involves the application of an antimicrobial coating by a certified technician that protects ATM surfaces.

Hyosung ATM Machine Recommendation

Hyosung Halo 2

The Hyosung Halo II has a ‘Halo’ around the keypad which is great for dimly lit locations

Now that you know a little bit more about Hyosung as a company, let’s take a look at one of their newest and most popular machines: Nautilus Hyosung Halo II. 

The Hyosung Halo II is a brand-new, free standing ATM. It has a “futuristic design” that makes it great for modern spaces, but it’s really a great fit for every space from convenience stores to high-end retail stores.

Its “halo” of LED lighting surrounding the keypad draws users in and the 10” color LCD customer display screen doesn’t hurt either. It’s a great machine for indoor locations and areas where space is limited. It also utilizes new technology which positions it among the best ATMs for the retail market.

For example, its enhanced retail application enables customers to earn additional revenue from transactions like Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), donations, lottery, and surcharge segmentation. Plus, it supports cardless cash withdrawals via optional Near Field Communications (NFC) feature.

One of the biggest advantages of the Halo II is that it’s easy to operate whether you’re new or experienced with ATM machines. It has a simple operator menu program that makes it relatively easy to run and service the machine. Integration of background graphics is seamless as well. 

Last, it’s eco-friendly. Its parts are long-lasting and are interchangeable among other machines which lessens the impact on the environment. It also offers a paper-saving advantage. There’s a no receipt option and a QR-encoded digital receipt option.

Genmega ATM Equipment

Overview

Based in Dallas, Texas, Genmega has been providing ATM solutions since 2006. Although not as old as Hyosung, with 150,000 ATMs deployed worldwide they’re not far behind their competitor. Their models are also attractively designed with cutting-edge engineering and integration.

Taking customer ideas and equipment needs from concept to market, Genmega prides themselves on their willingness to explore options. There’s no doubt that their machines are designed with the user in mind. They also have a staff of engineers, developers, and technicians with decades of ATM experience available to help. 

Technology and Features

Genmega offers a GenCam which is a camera that not only records activity but also allows the customers to see themselves—and whoever might be behind them—on screen during their transactions.

They also provide a 3” printer upgrade from the standard 2”. This allows the receipt printer to present 3” graphics-capable printouts which is great for producing customized coupons and branded receipts.

ATM Disinfection Enhancements

Like Hyosung, Genmega has also taken user safety into consideration when it comes to sanitation. Vscan is a device created by Genmega that uses an Ultraviolet-C light to clean keypads that might collect bacteria and viruses.

Genmega’s goal was “instilling customer confidence” by assuring users that machines touched by hundreds of different hands are being sanitized, says Wes Dunn, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Genmega.

Here’s how it works: 

Insert your card, enter your PIN, conduct your transaction, and retrieve your card when you’re done. Once you retrieve your card, the Vscan passes over the keypad, or scans the keypad, shining the UV-C light that can kill up to 99% of bacteria and viruses. 

Disrupting the fundamental RNA and DNA, the UV-C light prevents bacteria and viruses from replicating according to Andrea Armani, professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Southern California.

You can check out a video here as reported by ABC7 News in November of 2020.

The Vscan device is an available option for new ATM machines, and upgrade kits can be purchased for the G2500, Onyx, C6000, and Onyx W models.

Genmega ATM Machine Recommendation

Genmega G2500

The Genmega G2500 is a reliable free-standing ATM Machine with a sleek design.

Genmega’s latest and greatest ATM machine is the Genmega 2500. It is a high-quality, technically advanced merchant ATM. Its sleek design is optimal for both retail and off-premise locations. It’s a very popular model due to the many different options available.

Additional hardware configuration choices allow you to custom fit each machine to the needs of your customers or location. You’re also provided with flexibility due to the many upgrade options for machines you might already have. For example, the standard 8” screen can be upgraded to a 10.2” touchscreen!

The Genmega 2500 is another small footprint machine optimal for indoor and space-restricted locations. With all of the features expected of a late model, it’s a great replacement option for models like Triton 9600, Triton 9700, Triton 9100, or WRG Genesis.

If you’d like to add flexibility to your business, the Genmega 2500 is the way to go.

Choosing the ATM Equipment That’s Best for You

If you were hoping that we would tell you which manufacturer to choose every time, we’re sorry to disappoint. You really can’t go wrong with either a Hyosung ATM or Genmega ATM. They are two of the best, most popular manufacturers for a reason. Well, for a few reasons!

They both produce high-quality, attractive, technically advanced machines that are sure to exceed your expectations. When choosing between the two, it really comes down to which model best meets your needs and which upgrades you might be interested in.

Hyosung could cost more in repairs over time as their parts are more expensive and not always readily available, but their machines are durable and built to last. Hyosung is overall the more popular manufacturer, but that’s not because Genmega can’t compete. It’s simply because they have a larger model line and financial institution product lines. ATM Depot carries a full line of Hyosung ATM and Genmega ATM machines, so you can check out the details for other models not mentioned in this article as well as price comparisons. If you still need help making a decision or if you have questions contact us today!

ATM Business Basics Part I: How ATMs Work

by

Running an ATM business is a relatively simple endeavor. However, there’s some ground level knowledge that you need to be a successful ATM owner. A big part of that knowledge base is how ATMs work.
While you don’t need to be an ATM technician (you can always pay one to service your ATMs if you need), it’s important to have basic working knowledge of your ATMs. That way you can identify and solve minor problems, and quickly add cash or refill the receipt paper. This makes your ATM business more efficient in terms of both time and expenses.
So, welcome to our two-part guide that will give you a solid foundation of information on which to build your ATM business. We’ll start with the basics of how ATMs work.

How ATMs work

As the name suggests, an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) a banking terminal where users can perform a variety of banking activities, depending on the capabilities of the ATM machine itself.
Inserting a debit card or credit card that offers cash advances activates the ATM. The ATM authenticates the debit or credit card using a PIN number, electronically debits the cash amount from the user’s account, and dispenses that withdrawal as cash.
On the backend, the bank reimburses the ATM owner for the cash taken from the ATM, plus a transaction fee, which is paid by the ATM user. This is handled electronically by the ATM processor.
That’s the basic process. These are the parts involved in this process.

The parts of an ATM machineThe Parts of an ATM Infographic

We’ll cover these quickly in two groups: the parts that the user sees, and the parts that you, the ATM owner, need to know.

These are the user-facing parts involved in an ATM transaction:

Display (LCD or LED): The display is where the prompts and instructions are shown to the ATM user. ATM machines are equipped with braille and audio devices (speaker or headphone jack) for blind customers.
Keypad: The keypad is simply a grid of buttons that accepts input from the user. Many ATM machines also have buttons on the sides of the screen for making certain selections
Card reader: This accepts the user’s debit or credit card and reads the information on it.
Cash dispenser: This is where the magic happens. The cash dispenser gives customers their cash. The cash dispenser also checks notes for proper size and thickness and ensures that the correct number of bills are given.
Receipt printer: This part prints the receipt that verifies the transaction, and sometimes shows the user’s account balance.
These are the parts of an ATM that the customer interacts with. You as the ATM owner need to be familiar with these parts. However, the ATM owner also needs to know their way around the internals of an ATM machine, even if they’re not an expert in repairing or replacing those parts.

These are the internal parts of an ATM machine:

ATM mainboard: The mainboard is the central “computer” for the ATM. The CPU, RAM, and connection interfaces for the other components live here.
Power supply: Connects to an external power source and provides power for all the ATM machine components.
Modem: The modem performs all the internet communications required for transaction processing. This can be wired or wireless. It depends on how the ATM connects to the internet.
I/O board: The I/O board is in charge of communicating with the ATM processor, and ensuring that the correct information is sent to the correct parties.
Cassette: The cassette is an important part for the ATM owner. The cassette holds the cash. When you stock an ATM with money, this is where the bills go. The cassette can be fixed or removable. Each type of cassette has pros and cons. Which one you use depends on your business and the ATM location.

How Does an ATM Machine Work?With all the parts covered. Here’s a more detailed look at how an ATM works:

  1. The user activates the ATM by inserting their card.
  2. The customer enters their PIN and selects how much cash they want using the keypad and display.
  3. The mainboard collects the information and sends a unique EMV transaction code to the I/O board.
  4. The I/O board packages up the transaction information for the ATM processor and the modem transmits it to the appropriate ATM processing networks. Your card’s supported networks are printed on the back. Every card is required by law to have two accessible networks. The transaction is completed through the secondary network if the first network fails.
  5. The ATM processor sends the withdrawal request to the bank. The bank approves or denies the request. If the transaction is approved, the message is sent back through the ATM processor to the ATM. Then, the selected amount gets debited from the customer’s account. Associated transaction fees are usually paid from the customer’s account.
  6. The modem and I/O board receive the approval. And, the mainboard initiates the cash dispensing. The cash dispenser checks each bill to ensure that it’s the proper size and thickness and that the correct number of notes gets dispensed. Notes that are not the proper size or thickness get sent to the reject bin. This happens occasionally with old or torn bills. The cash dispenser automatically dispenses a different bill any time a note is sent to the reject bin.
  7. The customer takes their cash and has a great day!

Those are the nitty-gritty details of how ATMs work.
It’s helpful to know these fine details as an ATM owner. Being more familiar with the machine helps with basic troubleshooting, and makes life easier if you get technical support over the phone.
However, you should be very familiar with the cassette and user interface. Inspect these each time you restock your ATM. You need to fix your machine ASAP if the user interface is malfunctioning or cash is being dispensed incorrectly. You lose money whenever your ATM isn’t working.
Whenever you fill your ATM with cash, it’s best to perform a transaction to verify that your machine is working correctly.

Front to back

That’s the frontend of an ATM business. In the next part, we’ll talk about what happens on the backend and where all the transaction fees go. Stay tuned. Or learn more about building your own ATM business (and how you make money).
 

The Smart ATM Could Mean More Business for ATM Owners

by

Although ATM machines will be part of the financial industry for a long time, they can’t stay the same forever. ATMs need to evolve to meet the demands and expectations of the modern consumer.
Whether we like it or not, ATM machines are in the category of “technology.” And, people expect technological devices to do more than ever. Essentially, that means that people will continue to expect more services from ATMs.
And that’s the whole reason smart ATMs were created in the first place. So, what is a smart ATM? What does it do? And—most importantly—how will these new ATMs affect you, as an ATM machine owner (or future ATM owner)?

What is a Smart ATM?Happy Woman Using Smart ATM

Smart ATM machines aren’t new. They’ve been around for a while. But, they’ve been fairly uncommon for many years, because there hasn’t been a huge demand for them. And, they demand more capable banking and ATM processing networks.
As such, smart ATM machines have been slow to take off because the supporting infrastructure and consumer demand was a bit behind the smart ATM technology.
A smart ATM is just an ATM machine that’s capable of doing more than dispensing cash. Banking customers can use one to deposit funds, open accounts, transfer money, and other things that can usually only be done at a bank branch.
Smart ATM machines that offer all these services are called “microbranches” or “branch-in-a-box.”
Now, not all smart ATM machines offer complete branch-in-a-box functionality. Some only offer an additional service or two beyond dispensing cash. But, it’s possible for ATM machines to provide almost all the services that a physical bank branch offers.
More powerful ATMs bring us one step closer to true 24-hour, self-service banking.
If you own a smart ATM machine, offering additional services increases your opportunities for transactions, since people have more reasons to use your machine. And, that’s always a good thing.

Smart ATM Technology

An ATM needs slightly more advanced technology to achieve all the functionality that smart ATM machines require. The hardware and user interface on traditional keypad ATMs isn’t quite enough to perform more in depth financial transactions.
So, smart ATM machines must be equipped with a few key capabilities to deliver microbranch capabilities.

Touchscreens

Touchscreen ATMs can do a lot more than keypad ATM machines. And, the ubiquity of touchscreens on smartphones, tablets, and laptops means that customers are much more comfortable using a touchscreen ATM than in decades past.
A touchscreen also makes it possible to perform banking functions that require a signature, which is a requirement for true branch-in-a-box ATM service.

Cash Recycling

Cash recycling is a vital capability for smart ATM machines, since they enable users to make deposits.
In short, cash recycling is using deposited bills for dispensing cash for ATM withdrawals. It’s just common sense to do this if your ATM accepts deposits. However, there’s an additional benefit: the ATM owner doesn’t need to restock their ATM machine as often.

Intelligent Deposit

Intelligent deposit sounds fancy. However, intelligent deposit just means that customers can make cash or check deposits through an ATM.
ATMs that offer intelligent deposit usually make digital copies of checks. And, the ATM owner has no control over when the funds are available. That’s up to the bank.

Network Connectivity

All the additional services require that your ATM machines have solid connectivity with banks. If you run smart ATMs, that means that you need to choose your ATM processor carefully. There’s a lot more data transfer involved with bank-in-a-box functionality, and your ATM processor needs to support that connectivity.

Happy Older Couple Using ATMHow Smart ATMs Will Change the Banking Industry

Smart ATM machines aren’t going to cause some massive disruption. But, they’re creating a new channel for customers to access banking services.
A significant percentage of consumers already use ATM machines as their only method of interaction with their bank. And, better ATM machines will likely cause that number to increase, because there will be fewer and fewer services that are not offered through an ATM.
So, banks will want smart ATMs. These machines help them make more money (though, not necessarily through ATM fees). And, many banks will outsource their ATM services to avoid the upfront costs of purchasing new machines.
This presents new opportunities for third parties—ATM machine owners—to provide the software and infrastructure to support services through this expanding channel. At the end of the day, more capable ATM machines mean a larger, more profitable ATM industry, and more potential for ATM owners.

Do You Need a Smart ATM?

We’re all about owning ATM machines here. So, the important question to answer here is whether or not smart ATMs are a good idea for ATM business owners.
First, you don’t need to start transitioning to smart ATM machines or start with one as your first machine. Cash dispensing ATM machines will make plenty of money for ATM machine owners for decades to come.
However, smart ATM machines offer a lot of banking functionality that makes them attractive to banks. If you want to partner with banks to provide branded off-site ATM machines, being able to provide more banking services through your ATM makes your offer more attractive to the bank.
So, the viability of smart ATMs in your business depends on where you want to place your ATM machines. Most traditional locations don’t have a huge demand for branch-in-a-box services.
In the long-term, it may be wise to buy ATM machines with the core capabilities of a microbranch ATM, like touchscreens and cash recycling. But, there’s no hurry.
If you’re a new ATM business owner or looking to expand your fleet of ATMs, you can safely continue to use cash dispensing ATM machines.