Standard Bank customers will now be able to locate their nearest branch or ATM via their cellphones.
The ATM locator service was developed by AfriGIS, which says it marks the move towards cross-network-based services in SA.
The service was developed by merging Standard Bank's ATM and branch location information with an AfriGIS map server, and making it available through a mobile Web site. The ATM locator service is currently available to Vodacom customers, while MTN is developing a similar technology.
“MTN came to the table a few weeks ago and having both Vodacom and MTN is a big kicker for the service,” says Angus Robinson, CEO of Brandsh, Standard Bank's mobile and social media agency. ”This move should mark a big improvement and increased proliferation of the service. We should also see new innovations coming out.”
Customers searching for a branch or ATM can enter their current location onto the mobile Web site, which will then list the nearest ATMs or branches to that location. The site also offers the user directions, which can be viewed on-site, or sent via SMS. Vodacom customers using the ATM locator aren't required to type in their current location as the locator picks up which base station the cellphone is connected to. It then looks for the closest ATM or branches in that area.
“More and more customer are expecting this type of service and companies are also looking to it as a cost saving and as a way to promote their ATMs and services,” says Marius van der Merwe, director at AfriGIS.
Robinson notes companies will increasingly invest in this technology as it has been proven to reduce calls to call centres and provide companies with data on ATM and branch use and location demand.
The service is WAP-enabled and is currently free, though any future expansions might introduce a cost to customers.
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