ATM deployers around the world are changing their ATM procurement strategies as software solutions become more powerful and sophisticated

Banks move away from buying ATM software bundled with hardware

Banks around the world are increasingly looking to separate ATM hardware and software purchasing, according to RBR’s new study ATM Software 2016. For many years, ATM deployers tended to use the application software that was delivered with the hardware, but the increasing complexity of the self-service banking channel – and the opportunities that a more sophisticated software set-up can tap – are leading banks to treat ATM hardware and software as separate entities.

Ability to choose new hardware vendors is driving separate software purchasing

For banks, one of the leading drivers of separate hardware and software purchasing is the ability to choose from a broader range of hardware vendors. This means that they are better able to select models that fit their needs, and benefit from more competitive pricing. In the words of major Brazilian ATM deployer TecBan, a participant in the study, “[separate hardware and software purchasing] gives the deployer flexibility to compare vendors and select those which best fulfil its requirements at any given time.”

Drivers of the separation of ATM hardware and software purchasing

Source: ATM Software 2016 (RBR)

RBR’s research shows that banks increasingly look at the total cost of ownership (TCO) in the ATM software sphere, rather than breaking down cost-benefit analyses into testing, rollout, licensing and other elements. According to Daniel Dawson, Associate at RBR, who led the research, “while banks naturally continue to look carefully at the cost of ATM software solutions, the operational factors in favour of separate software purchasing are now far stronger than the factors against it.”

Assisted self-service drives independent software purchasing

Assisted self-service is set to be one of the major growth areas in retail banking technology in the years ahead. Banks wishing to integrate systems such as video conferencing into their self-service channel are increasingly aware that this requires a sophisticated – and unified – ATM software platform. Assisted self-service is bringing the teller and ATM channels together; and combining with mobile and internet banking to turn the “omnichannel” vision into a reality.

Banks benefit from customising their own software architecture

RBR’s study reveals that multiple factors are now driving banks to conclude that a new approach to ATM software is essential. Rather than relying on the software as provided with hardware, which tends to limit the range of facilities that ATMs can offer, and delay the implementation of a genuine omnichannel platform, they are judging software packages on their own merits. The new approach involves proactively building a software architecture that can meet their current needs and those of their customers – as well as laying the groundwork for the exciting technological innovations that will drive the development of self-service banking in the years ahead.