IBM Banking Centre Visit

The IBM trip has widened my knowledge about user interface. Basically, the moment I entered the room, I was impressed by the technology used in IBM. To enter the room, staff have to scan their finger veins before entering their pin code. They are only permitted to enter once and the system recognises their identity. In the room, we were given a brief introduction about the IBM Banking Centre. This was useful to those who do not have any general knowledge about the centre. It provided them with the basic information about what IBM does.

After the introduction talk, we were brought around to view some of the latest banking products. This included the Automated Teller Machines (ATM) with the latest technology embedded into the machines. The re-using of cash notes was a good strategy to minimise the problem of low cash flow in the machine. There is a machine that uses different finger veins to withdraw certain denominations of cash notes. For example, when you scan your index finger, you would be withdrawing $10 notes and the middle finger to withdraw $50 notes. Finger veins are used in this technology because it is unique to each individual. Using fingerprints is not ideal as it could not accurately scan the finger due to cuts or any injury on the finger. Fingerprints can also be taken from an individual through many different ways. Finger vein scanning is made possible with the circulation of blood in the finger. This results in a more secure way to transact as opposed to transacting via using fingerprint.

Another technology used is the electronic display to inform customers that the machine is experiencing some problems such as the inability to withdraw $10 notes. Thus, customers do not need to queue if they know that the machine could not be used in any way. In any of those machines, if there is any shortage of cash, the bank will be alerted through the system. Thus, cash can then be topped-up quickly to the machine. Security cameras can alert banks or institutions should there be any bags left unattended. Security measures can then be increased to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

This experience had given me many new ideas and opportunities for me to better understand the technology used in many banks and institutions. The usability of the machine was great and meets the current conditions of the customers, banks and institutions. The advancement in technology has increased the standards of systems used in the banks. This visit has helped me greatly in my course of study as I am currently studying about banks and human computer interaction.

Posted by Raihanah Bte Abdul Rahim