NCR launches low-cost ATM

NCR Corporation India Pvt Ltd (NCR), the Indian division of US-based NCR Corporation, the world's leading provider of financial self-service solutions, on Wednesday launched ASAN, a India-specific automated teller machine (ATM) in Gujarat.

With a significant number of the 350-odd urban cooperative banks (UCBs) in the state trying to become techno-savvy, automation and technology service providers have increased their focus on this emerging market.

Even UCBs with territories restricted town one or two districts are spending money for ATMs, tele-banking, net-banking etc. SEWA Bank, a NGO working for poor women, is setting up its first ATM in Ellisbridge in the city.

"ATMs have an abysmally low penetration in India due to the high cost of the machine and unfavorable weather and power supply to run the ATM. There are only 13 ATMs per million people in India compared to over double the ratio in China," said Ashish Awasare, business development manager, NCR.

"ASAN is a cost effective solution specially developed keeping in mind the Indian weather and power availability," he added.

Awasare said ASAN is basically targeted at entry level banks. It will also be an ideal option for banks which want to expand their network in semi urban and rural areas where transactions through ATMs are estimated to be low.

NCR has an over 60 per cent share in the Indian market, with over 8,500 ATMs installed in India. NCR has installed 680 ATMs in Gujarat so far and is eyeing untouched urban cooperative banks in association with Kores (India) Ltd.

"Kores has a wide sales network in Gujarat. This will enable us to penetrate deep into the state market where co-operative banks have a large base," said Awasare.

Ahmedabad-based Kalupur Commercial Co-operative Bank has already ordered two ASAN ATMs to be installed in Ahmedabad.

"Our prime focus is on co-operative and private banks that are planning expansions. ASAN's ATMs costs Rs 5.5 lakh while other machines cost Rs 8 to 10 lakh. Moreover, ASAN machines do not require air conditioning and sophisticated cabins like foreign-made ATMs," said Bipin Tailor, area sales manager, Kores.

ASAN has a software backed power back up which allows customers to finish transactions even when the power goes off. ASAN is a compact version with a 7.5 inch screen which requires smaller cabins than usual ATMs.

ASAN is manufactured in Pondicherry in collaboration with Industrial Design Centre of Indian Institute of Technology - Mumbai. ASAN has won Banker Technology Award for 2004.

NCR was importing ATMs from its foreign plants in Canada, China and Scotland. ASAN will be delivered within two weeks from order unlike 4 weeks for foreign made ATMs. NCR is an exclusive supplier for State Bank of India at present.