Automation Avenue Episode 12 - Universal Tellers: Pros, Cons and Best Practices for Your Team This podcast discusses the reasons why you should consider implementing Universal Tellers. We review both the pros and cons of the model, when universal staffing is not a good fit. We even offer some ideas to foster a positive transition.

Technology has revolutionized the banking industry, leaving financial institutions wondering which advancements make sense for their unique needs. And over our 32 years of being in business, we often get asked, “Which would you recommend?” when a financial institution is trying to choose between two products. Often, the answer isn’t clear-cut.

Recently some high level Financial Institution CEO’s were interviewed on one of the major financial network morning news programs. One of the leading questions was what did they envision the financial landscape to look like in 20 years, what would be the major influencers now and then? Their response covered (3) major themes: 1) Disruption, 2) Data Security, 3) Regulation.

In conversations with many of our existing as well as prospective customers, they indicate a common theme in the desire to continue to drive technology into their retail branch network and stay current on what is available to achieve efficiency and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The challenge for many is how to balance needs for technology investment at the branch level with the other areas required to grow the bank and vie for a finite amount of Capital budget dollars in a given year or fiscal period. In some ways, this can be perceived initially as a Catch 22. Consider your position as a retail branch EVP and COO, you are charged to drive out operational ‘waste’ and cost found with inefficient processes and excess and increase profitability through capturing more products and services purchased by and within your customer base.

You’ve just learned that one of your key competitors has been acquired and are bringing their ATMs near you. You have ‘Big Banks’ already in your region that have been offering deposit automation for the past year or more. And last Friday your newest and highly sought after retail and business customer tried to deposit their daughter’s birthday check from Grandma. She has also wanted to include some large notes from her wallet along with some larger business check deposits via the ATM at the downtown branch - all without an envelope. This caused havoc with other people in the drive through lane and sent the tellers scrambling. The staff is still reeling from that debacle almost a week later and your new key client is clamoring for you to ‘get with the times!’ What is the remedy to these issues? No envelope deposit services or a.k.a. deposit automation, Check 21, image deposit (all of the above!).

Have you ever noticed those pretty images on the screen of the ATM you are using? Whether you work for the bank or are a customer, I think we can all agree that is better than looking at those not so pretty yellow numbers with the blue screen. Many have questions about what graphics can do for their branch and what impact it can have on their customers. As a Graphic Designer for QDS, I can assure you we make them look incredible, relevant, and reflect the community feel of the client. Northside Bank's customers would also agree. We recently had the pleasure of partnering with Northside Bank located in Adairsville, GA. We worked closely with the branch and our technician to make sure we had all of the necessary requirements in order to install their graphics. In this article, we will talk about the experience Northside had with QDS and the creative process in creating their new ATM experience.