Recognised as a pioneer in the field of Internet banking, First National Bank (FNB) has introduced upgrades to its online banking solution for small businesses to mega-corporates that effectively make Internet banking a tool for improved business management.
Along with new features and functionality, FNB has also introduced a new name for the solution, previously known as BANKit. The new product will be launched on 11 April under the name of FNB Business Internet Solutions.
According to Chris Kotze, CEO of FNB`s eSolutions business unit, the name change has been introduced to more accurately reflect the product`s target market and the functionality offered through its services.
"Business Internet Solutions reflects ongoing development by the bank that takes into account our client-centric view and additional developments in terms of functionality that have been introduced in consultation with our clients. Business Internet Solutions therefore does not replace BANKit, but rather represents a significant upgrade to a service that has been well-accepted in the market," says Kotze.
Usability has been a key guiding principle for Business Internet Solutions - the new product, targeted at companies with a turnover in excess of R1 million per annum, is easier to navigate and significantly quicker to use since it is aligned with international Internet standards. The new look and feel has also been designed with the business user in mind, making navigation through the various functions easier and quicker.
Changes to the usability include improved and consistent form design, with only the functionality that can be accessed by any specific user shown to them. The service has also been tidied up, with icons introduced in place of a task bar, while a logical grouping of functions and buttons has been applied.
"The Internet is all about being quick, easy and available around the clock - this has been the mantra of the FNB eSolutions team, which has created the new solution with these principles in mind," Kotze continues.
Improved processes that are introduced with the service include Pay-Ezi to easily and quickly make once-off type payments, while role separation ensures fraud protection. Meanwhile, in terms of functionality that contributes to simplified and more effective business management, Business Internet Solutions offers full search capabilities including `From account`, `Branch code` and more. It allows users to apply for FNB accounts for staff online, as well as integrating with South African Revenue Services` online eFiling system for tax returns.
Stressing eSolutions` focus on the client, Kotze adds that training sessions are being provided for their clients across the country to ensure the benefits of the new solution are understood and leveraged by online banking users.
"Internet banking has taken a great deal of the hassle and time out of business banking, while also improving financial control and information management. With Business Internet Solutions, we are looking to continuously hone the functionality and usability of online banking, while increasingly contributing to improved financial management and accountability. In that vein, further enhancements are planned for upcoming releases of the Business Internet Solutions service in September and December this year," he concludes.
FNB is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited and an authorised financial services provider.
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