Grintek Telecom and Cyberline International Limited, a supplier of Automated Services Machines (ASM), have signed a distribution agreement that will see Grintek Telecom distribute and potentially manufacture Cyberline's ASM's in sub-Saharan Africa and Mauritius. Cyberline International Limited has a proven record in the industry with applications deployed around the world with blue chip companies.
"Grintek Telecom was awarded the licence through its long established relationship with British Telecom, who was appointed our European distributor and who recommended Grintek for sub-Sahara," says Claudio Ingrosso, head of global development for Cyberline International Limited.
"Cyberline's ASM series - including ASM100, ASM200, ASM300, ASM500, ASM900 and ASM1000 - represents a sophisticated new breed of Public Access Machines. The ASM is designed to meet the needs of modern entities such as governments, banks, leisure and retail outlets whose placement strategies require only the best in technologies and practices."
According Roger Blain group executive for Grintek Telecom, the new series of self-service machines offer maximum flexibility and the highest customisation possible.
"The ASM is intended to comply with disability acts around the world, and integrates technologies proven to support 'access for all' policies. It thus reflects the spirit of 'social inclusion'," he says.
"Typical applications could be in the financial services sector, as these devices could offer that section of the public who do not have access to the Internet a means of interacting with bank services, such as loan finance applications and banking services. In the eGovernment / public transport space, ASM's will act as an enabler for government to improve service delivery to all South Africans. Future developments may well include paying taxes through the ASM's or printing forms that are available from offices such as Home Affairs or Inland Revenue."
According to Blain, in the retail space Grintek Telecom is looking at store within store concepts, as well as self-service.
"One of the more important facets of the ASM, is that it can operate in cash mode, as most South Africans do not have banking accounts today," he says.
"The ASM has a high level of upgrade ability and future proofing thanks to an imaginative approach to integration and design," he adds. "Starting with the case, a modular build allows several combinations, from 'through wall', 'wall mount; to 'stand alone', indoor and outdoor. The electronic components are modular, upgradeable and always up to date."
The flexibility of the ASM includes upgrades all the way to becoming a fully-fledged ATM, complete with proper cash dispensers. Some of the many options and variations to the ASM include video conferencing, credit card reader, printers (A4, receipt and journal), coin acceptors, notes acceptors, signature pad, EMV pin pad, keyboard and trackballs cash dispenser, barcode readers, document scanners and biometrics.
"The era of the information kiosk has ended. The ASM offers reduced costs, whilst maintaining services and geographical and content expansion," concludes Blain.
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Grintek Telecom, a division of JSE-listed Grintek Ltd, is one of South Africa's leading empowerment IT and telecommunications solutions and integration companies. Grintek Telecom provides tailored and innovative IT solutions from initial project and business requirement consulting, through to implementation, integration and ongoing support.
The company's telecommunications solutions have been implemented in more than 500 top South African companies and it provides solutions, services and maintenance in 23 African countries. Over 24 international vendors have selected Grintek Telecom as their local service provider and partner.