NCR
Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today announced that it is extending its
relationship with leading Finnish ATM network operator, Automatia. The
engagement includes an innovative ATM solution to withstand the extreme
low-temperatures in Finland, as part of a deal to replace 400 older,
non-NCR ATMs and 200 NCR Personas series ATMs with 600 NCR
SelfServ 25 and 26 ATMs.
With temperatures as low as -30 degrees Centigrade in Finland, extreme
cold can be problematic to the electronic and electro-mechanical
components of any complex device, including ATMs. As part of the ATM
network deployment, the NCR professional services team for Automatia
developed an innovative custom pressurization kit. The kit combats the
effects on the ATM of extreme cold, as well as dust, and so increases
reliability and up-time. The result is greater availability of ATMs for
consumers, making their lives easier and allowing Automatia and retail
banks to grow their businesses more effectively.
“Finnish retail banks rely on Automatia to provide an up-to-date network
of ATMs across the country. Fundamental to this service is a high degree
of up-time for ATMs, providing a convenient service to consumers and
improving profitability for the banks,” said Esa Makkonen, CIO at
Automatia. “Our partnership with NCR and Fujitsu, and the combined
hardware and services approach they offer, has provided the ATM
innovation we require to deliver this level of service for consumers and
help grow the Automatia business.”
The aim of the Automatia ATM upgrade strategy, of which NCR and partner
Fujitsu are integral, was to provide a more engaging, valuable consumer
experience. This will help retail banks using the Automatia ATM network
to transform their branch infrastructure into an environment that suits
the demands of technology literate consumers when they bank.
“Branch network transformation and innovation is key for retail banks as
they seek to engage with consumers more effectively and increase the
profitability of their real-estate,” said Maarten Bais, Director
Northern Europe for financial services at NCR. “Automatia is enabling
this transformation by providing the latest ATM solutions from NCR to
their network across Finland. Of particular note, is the innovative
technology developed with the Automatia team to combat down-time issues
associated with extremely low temperatures that arise in Finland.”
Key to the deployment has been the relationship with long-time partner
in Finland, Fujitsu Finland Oy. As part of its country wide service
Fujitsu maintains almost all ATMs in Finland, as well as developing
applications for self service customers. This is an extension of an
Automatia upgrade that started in 2010 when 300 lobby ATMs in
Automatia’s network were replaced with NCR SelfServ 22 units.
“As business strategies and consumer trends change so quickly, retail
banks need to be more agile. Software is key to making this possible,”
said Hannu Mantymaki, Software Services Manager at Fujitsu. “Fujitsu has
been working closely with Automatia, NCR and retail banks to ensure that
flexible, innovative software solutions are integrated into the latest
hardware being deployed throughout Automatia’s ATM network.”
About Automatia
Under the brand OTTO, Automatia Pankkiautomaatit Oy is running,
maintaining and owning ATMs for all major banks in Finland. The ATM
network which, operates on 24/7 basis and is the most important cash
distribution channel in Finland. Otto ATM’s serve the customers of all
Finnish banks as well as users of the international Visa, Mastercard and
American Express cardholders. Automatia Pankkiautomaatit Oy started in
1994 and is owned by three major banks in Finland. www.otto.fi/in-english
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology
(ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions
and services. Approximately 170,000 Fujitsu people support customers in
more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to
shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:
6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.4 trillion yen (US$47 billion)
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. For more information, please
see www.fujitsu.com
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is the global leader in consumer transaction
technologies, turning everyday interactions with businesses into
exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of
services, NCR enables more than 300 million transactions daily across
the retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology
industries. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your
life easier.
NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with over 26,000 employees and
does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in
the United States and other countries.
Web site: www.ncr.com
Twitter: @NCRCorporation
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation
Copyright Business Wire 2013