NCR eyes self-service solutions for Southeast Asian markets
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 10:54:00 05/01/2008
Filed Under: Economy, Business & Finance
SINGAPORE -- NCR Corp. is looking to apply its "self-service" technology from automated teller machines (ATMs) in banks to other industries like healthcare and tourism.
NCR officials announced plans to bring some of the company's self-service solutions, including automated kiosks, to markets in Southeast Asia.
"We are at an inflection point," said Brian Bailey, NCR vice president for financial industry marketing, hyping on self-service technology during a briefing here launching the company's new ATMs.
"Customers are demanding more interaction and want more control, security and speed in how they transact," he explained further. "And companies able to deliver that are rewarded with customer loyalty."
He cited studies conducted by NCR in Australia, China and the US indicating that 80 percent of consumers surveyed prefer transacting with businesses that encourage more customer interaction.
The concept of self-service technology is found in some kiosks that allow airline passengers, for example, to check in on their own. NCR has deployed this solution in the US and is developing similar solutions for other industries, according to Bailey.
"The same customer using the ATM is the same customer that goes to the hospital or checking in a hotel. We will be investing in solutions that address these industries his year," he said.
The healthcare industry, in particular, is under cost pressure and self-service technology enables physicians to have greater patient interaction while freeing up staff resources for efficiency.
"In Southeast Asia, there is a very good potential for these technologies in both developed and emerging countries," he added.
When asked what possible applications suit the Philippines, Bailey said self-service kiosks can be developed to automate remittances from Filipinos in different parts of Asia.
"Technology already makes that possible," he said.
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