The Fifth Third Bank, a "super-regional" bank in Cincinnati, Ohio is cooperating with ATM machine manufacturer, NCR Corporation and technology company, Phoenix Interactive, to offer these "mixed-media" options for its customers.

Mixed-media deposits are a new development among the ATM industry. The process allows customers to deposit up to 50 combined checks and bills in one, envelope-free deposit. This also enables customers to make these transactions twice as fast as typical ATM machine deposits which may require them to separate cash and checks, or even insert checks one-at-a-time.

This process is made possible through NCR's Scalable Deposit Module (SDM) as well as Phoenix's VISTAatm Intelligent Deposit software. These two programs allow the machine to recognize different amounts across the medium and even display them on the screen. Customers then have the option to view the checks as thumbnails, zoom in or even pan over a check to ensure the most accurate deposit.

"Across the banking industry, consumers are embracing envelope-free deposit, with ATM deposits at many financial institutions up 100 percent," said Michael O'Laughlin, senior vice president at NCR. "That's why NCR made our SDM technology – to take a great customer experience and make it even faster and easier."

The technology is being pilot tested at Fifth Third's headquarters in downtown Cincinnati.

As consumers begin to demand more access to their accounts, retailers or merchants may want to purchase an ATM machine to not only create an independent revenue stream but also provide a convenience for customers. 

According to the white paper, switching an ATM machine's mode of operation from a dial-up or cable internet connection to a wireless router can help reduce costs for the owner or operator. In fact, landlines for these types of tasks may often cost up to $42 per month whereas a typical wireless connection comes to roughly $20 per month, more than half of the standard connections.

Furthermore, by switching to wireless, owners and operators are granted the freedom to place the machine anywhere within the store. This helps with ADA compliance as the ATM can be placed in a location where disabled persons can easily access it. It also alludes to  the third benefit of wireless, which is security.

By using a wireless router, an owner and operator can place the machine anywhere in the store, allowing for increased visibility against skimmers, as well as the security perks that come from the use of mobile to mobile (M2M) technologies that can isolate certain transactions and keep the information clear from public internet connections that may pick up this sensitive, consumer information.

On top of offering advice for ATM machine owners to become wireless, the white paper also gives guidance on how these owners or operators can prove they have made efforts to, or have obtained ADA compliance.

"Experts recommend that IADs [independent ATM deployers] take photos and measurements to prove they have made efforts to meet ADA requirements, such as accessible placement, voice guidance, Braille signage and input controls for visually-impaired individuals," said the report.

If retailers or merchants wish to purchase an ATM, they may want to seek the guidance of an experienced ATM reseller. 

The recently thwarted band thieves have been breaking into convenience stores where they would place a harness attached to a stolen truck around an ATM machine near the door and then drive away, pulling the machine out of the store. Currently, the gang has acquired roughly 10 machines. 

Authorities hired crime analysts to determine the type of vehicle the gang was most likely to steal next. They deduced that a 2000 Dodge Ram would be their next victim, prompting police to leave one parked at the Baptist Medical Center, according to the Florida Times Union. The police were tipped off that the vehicle had been stolen and driven across town to a small convenience store.

After the stolen Dodge Ram was stopped at an intersection with an ATM machine in tow, the occupants ran but two were caught, including one that the authorities found hiding in a river. Roughly two hours later, a woman in a black car connected to the burglaries was also arrested for drunk driving and other traffic violations. A fourth assailant is still on the loose, according to the local paper. The authorities have a lead but have not yet released a name.

Because these instances of ATM theft are rare, most retailers may find great benefit  from including an ATM machine in their stores as they provide a convenient way for customers to access cash, which, as recently reported by this blog, has risen in consumer demand. 

But, according to the Dow Jones Newswires, the American Express Company is forcing its attention in this sector away from rural or underdeveloped areas and toward those of thriving college campuses.

As prepaid cards offer a great way for those without access to a bank account to store and manage their funds, they also offer youths a low-risk chance to learn money management and budgeting, making them a popular commodity on university campuses.

"You can't get in trouble with a prepaid card," said Laura Kelly, the senior vice president and general manager of the Americas for global payment options at American Express, to Dow Jones. "Of all the cards out there, it's the one that's the friendliest to someone who's not used to managing their money."

The major credit card company often caters towards more affluent clientele than the typical college student, but it rolled out its first prepaid card program last summer. The company is also distributing the cards through major retailers such as Target, Office Depot, Walmart and Western Union with some banks along the way.

Although the prepaid card sector is still a burgeoning piece of the financial industry, its relevance to retailers and merchants is becoming increasingly important – especially those that may be located near or on a college campus. If these business owners wish to provide a convenience for their customers, while also adding an independent revenue stream, they may want to consider purchasing an ATM machine. 

The system is designed to connect a customer to a customer service representative for "real time, 'face-to-face'" video conferencing between the two speakers.

This will be done by dispatching customers to a credit union call center or Co-op Member Center where the customer, via a two-way video conference, can ask questions and receive real time help from representatives. Customers can ask and receive assistance with transferring funds or even opening an account.

Co-op Financial plans to provide the terminal driving capabilities and network access while Diebold will develop the hardware and ATM machine video services to facilitate this innovation in banking, according to ATM Marketplace. This development is planned to cut costs while also offering optimized levels of customer service.

"As ATMs continue to provide more capabilities to the user, two-way video support is the next step in ensuring the member can conduct their business quickly and easily," said Stan Hollen, the president and CEO of Co-op Financial Services. "This initiative is an extension of the partnership formed between Co-op Financial Services and Diebold to deliver enhanced self-service capabilities for the member and complete ATM management services for the chared branching and call center services."

This sign of progress toward consumer based convenience while still maintaining cost efficiency with new technologies is one of the many ways the ATM industry is evolving. Merchants and retailers may benefit from joining this industry by purchasing an ATM machine from an ATM reseller. 

A press release put together by American Express with Consumer Action, a consumer advocacy group, highlights a few tips for consumers on how to most effectively choose and use a prepaid card.

"Competition in the prepaid card industry has brought more 'fee lite' card options," said Ken McEldowney, the executive director of Consumer Action. "But finding the right card is still a challenge. Our new project aims to help consumers compare card offerings and make an intelligent choice about which prepaid card to use."

According to American Express, consumers should choose a prepaid card that fits how they plan to use it. For example, if a consumer is going to use the prepaid card to withdraw cash from an ATM machine, they may want to utilize a card that it is compliant with a certain ATM network, which also reduces fees and makes for more efficient transactions.

Also, many of these cards may have hidden fees instituted by processing companies. A popular one is known as an "inactivity fee," where the processor charges a fee for the consumer's lack of usage. One way to curtail the accruement of an inactivity fee is to make consistent withdrawals from ATMs or small purchases at convenience stores.

If retailers or merchants wish to enable this trend in the banking industry, they may want to consider purchasing an ATM machine to place in their store, adding a separate revenue stream as well as supplying an increasing consumer demand. 

"ATMs can be equipped to provide a wide range of transactions and functions to consumers, yet some consumers are still challenged to make deposits," said Ken Paterson, the VP of research operations at Mercator Advisory. "While technologically advanced consumers show interest in ATMs' extended capabilities, financial institutions will have to actively market these new capabilities and educate their customers before the full range of functionality can be appreciated."

This distrust can be traced back to the failed ATM deposit attempts from Wells Fargo back in 2002. Alicia Moore, the head of ATM banking at Wells Fargo, told ATM Marketplace that they "sort of spoofed it on the front end," alluding to the faulty check imaging technology that was used in the early prototypes.

Since then, the bank has made more than 150 changes to its original pilot ATM machine and provided a depositing service that has become a standard for the machines at many banks. In fact, according to ATM Marketplace, there is currently a 25 to 50 percent increase in deposits from the previous year. For consumers, ATMs with check or cash depositing capabilities provide the leisure of immediate access to funds as well as an all-hours banking service.

Although the report may have found that some consumers are still apprehensive about depositing funds at an ATM machine, Mercator also found that the ATM industry is experiencing some of its highest consumer usage. It may benefit many retailers and business owners to purchase an ATM as this resource will add an independent revenue stream as well as offer customers the convenience of using cash, an increasing consumer demand. 

Cardtronics – the Houston-based ATM machine manufacturer – announced its first quarter results for 2012 on April 30. The company experienced better-than-expected results and increased its full-year profits forecast.

According to Reuters, the company's shares went up 10 percent as they also experienced an 18 percent increase in organic growth. This jump in value may be due in part to expansions and new contracts in the Canadian division of the major convenience store chain, 7-11, as well as major expansions in the United Kingdom. Cardtronics has also installed over 350 ATMs in Valero, another popular convenience store and gas chain that has locations throughout the U.S.

"We had a very strong quarter on the top-line, with organic growth driven by record same-store transaction growth in our U.S. operations," said Cardtronics CEO Steve Rathgaber. "Additionally, we had a very productive quarter in the new relationships front, executing several new long-term contracts with premier retailers in multiple geographies."

If retailers or business owners wish to benefit from a similar 11 percent growth in same-store withdrawal transactions experienced by Cardtronics as well as join a dynamic and evolving industry, they may want to consider purchasing an ATM machine from an ATM reseller. 

In fact, prepaid cards are becoming so popular that the Mercator Advisory Group estimates that $552 billion will be loaded onto prepaid cards this year alone.

"It's a transactional product; you can get it instantly," said Arjan Schutte, the principal and general manager at Core Innovative Capital, an investment firm that specializes in unbanked technology. "You can pick up a card, go to the cashier, give them $20 plus a couple dollars to buy and load the card – and you're off to the races."

This may explain why many retailers are beginning to invest in ATM machines that can distribute these prepaid cards as well as allow customers to load more money onto them. By providing this service, merchants may be able to charge more in fees for an added service, increasing revenue from the ATM machine.

In fact, Nexxo, an ATM manufacturer, has gone so far as to produce an ATM machine prototype that will allow customers to cash checks, buy money orders, load prepaid cards, pay bills, send money, top phone minutes and also withdraw cash at one machine without the need of a bank account.

Providing these services for the unbanked and underbanked demographic is another example of how the dynamic ATM industry is evolving with technology and consumer banking demands. If retailers or merchants wish to join this innovative industry, they should consult a third-party ATM reseller.

In fact, according to the Huffington Post, only 15 percent of Walmart's transactions are done over a credit card.

"Many of our customers shop paycheck to paycheck and are looking for more ways to purchase items online but don't have the means to a credit, debit or prepaid card," said Joel anderson, president of CEO of Walmart.com. "Our new 'Pay with Cash' offering is designed just for them. It makes it easier for our customers stop the way they want, where they have access to a broader product selection at Walmart.com coupled with the convenience of payment and shipping as they want."

If shoppers wish to purchase an item online and then pay in cash, during the online checkout they should choose the "cash" payment option and their shipping preference. The customer will then have 48 hours to print the order confirmation and bring it to a cash register at a local Walmart store. Once paid, customers may have the item shipped to the store for free or another address, also free of charge.

Although Walmart may be targeting a certain demographic in their choice to offer more cash-friendly payment methods, this movement still follows the growing cash trend, especially as more Americans start to try to budget themselves against the ease of online payments.

If other merchants or retailers wish to offer customers the same convenience of Walmart, they may want to purchase an ATM machine to place in their store. By supplying an ATM machine to customers, business owners may experience increased foot traffic as well as an independent revenue stream.