Open ATMs- Safer ATM design?
After the ATM attack incident in Bengaluru, lots have been talked about the safety of customers at the ATMs. Government instantly washed off its hands and passed the responsibility to banks, mandating them to employ security guards or else close the ATMs.
But no one thought if there's anything else that can be done. Employing aged men as security guards will deter the thief? Why can't we try alternatives like ATMs in open space- like the ones in Thailand.
Let us assess the advantages and disadvantages of having ATMs like this
Advantages:
1. Banks can save on rental, AC and security guard expenses, thus reduced per transaction expenses
2. Attacker can't pull down the shutter- whatever happens, happens in public, hence this automatically increases safe.
3. Many use ATMs for other purposes- such as to enjoy the cool AC while it is hot outside- all these can be saved.
4. Responsibility of protecting the public lies more with government and less with bank. In this model, by making ATMs public, banks won't have to pretend providing false sense of security and law enforcement agencies will be able to keep better watch on what's happening at ATM
Disadvantages:
1. ATM is exposed to nature and its harshness. Rain and heat can damage the exterior faster. But I feel this shouldn't be a concern, as Thailand has similar climate as in India and still they are able to maintain ATMs like above.
2. Exposed to Vandalism: If open ATMs are launched in India, miscreants are sure to try damage/tamper the set, just for fun. Those who damage public property never get punished in India and banks will have to repeatedly replace the damaged parts. If we can capture those who cause damage to the machine or its accessories and punish/humiliate them publicly, people would eventually stop unnecessarily damaging the system.
3. Providing additional services- such as check drop box, product/service brochures etc would be difficult. Many ATMs in India even serve as sleeping spot for security guard and even street dogs, which can be avoided in this model.
4. Cash loading is done from the side and since there's no enclosure, difficult when it rains. Also cash loading is sort of exposed to public.
What do you think of above model for teller machines? Do you think it will work in India? I feel banks should at least set up a few on experimental basis.
Similar: Security tips for ATM usage
But no one thought if there's anything else that can be done. Employing aged men as security guards will deter the thief? Why can't we try alternatives like ATMs in open space- like the ones in Thailand.
Let us assess the advantages and disadvantages of having ATMs like this
1. Banks can save on rental, AC and security guard expenses, thus reduced per transaction expenses
2. Attacker can't pull down the shutter- whatever happens, happens in public, hence this automatically increases safe.
3. Many use ATMs for other purposes- such as to enjoy the cool AC while it is hot outside- all these can be saved.
4. Responsibility of protecting the public lies more with government and less with bank. In this model, by making ATMs public, banks won't have to pretend providing false sense of security and law enforcement agencies will be able to keep better watch on what's happening at ATM
Disadvantages:
1. ATM is exposed to nature and its harshness. Rain and heat can damage the exterior faster. But I feel this shouldn't be a concern, as Thailand has similar climate as in India and still they are able to maintain ATMs like above.
2. Exposed to Vandalism: If open ATMs are launched in India, miscreants are sure to try damage/tamper the set, just for fun. Those who damage public property never get punished in India and banks will have to repeatedly replace the damaged parts. If we can capture those who cause damage to the machine or its accessories and punish/humiliate them publicly, people would eventually stop unnecessarily damaging the system.
3. Providing additional services- such as check drop box, product/service brochures etc would be difficult. Many ATMs in India even serve as sleeping spot for security guard and even street dogs, which can be avoided in this model.
4. Cash loading is done from the side and since there's no enclosure, difficult when it rains. Also cash loading is sort of exposed to public.
What do you think of above model for teller machines? Do you think it will work in India? I feel banks should at least set up a few on experimental basis.
Similar: Security tips for ATM usage
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