The Technology of the ATM

To the consumer, an automated teller machine is an essential part of daily life, as it provides them quick access to their cash, allows them check the balance of their bank account and even lets them pay certain bills. But behind the computer display and the keypad is a complex and interesting number of arrangements that communicate quickly and efficiently to afford you quick access to any service you ask. So how does one automated teller machine do all this?

For consumers, it takes seconds to withdraw money from their account, and Transportation and other transactions such as checks and balances in, out, may take even less time. But after they insert their card and their PIN or personal identification number, what happens behind the scenes, so to speak?

ATM means Automated Teller Machine, and in simple terms, it's an electronic replacement of a human teller in the bank, it was developed to saving time when receiving cash from a bank account, and are well-known all over the world, with ATMs to be discovered in some of the most unsuspecting places. An ATM operates by being attached to complicated interbank systems, the best known of these are Cirrus and Link. For a customer to be able to access their cash, the ATMs must receive authorization from the customer's financial institution before they give any cash.

ATM itself consists of several parts, some of which the client can use, such as the display, the card slot and the keypad. However, the components that the client doesn't see are the most essential, as they make sure that the ATM is operating properly. ATM management software is one of the most essential components of the ATM, as this type of software essentially keeps an eye on everything going on inside the ATM, such as receiving messages from the machine, messages that could indicate an issue, such as a fault or a glitch. These messages always make sure that there is very detailed information available about the ATM, so that any problems, such as low cash levels, a paper jam or any other issues can be treated quickly – meaning that if an ATM has to temporarily go out of service, it will be back up and running without too much stress for the consumer.

Some ATM management comes by means of web servers, and not just software. These servers eliminate the need for multiple and separate systems for individual ATMs. They provide additional security to every single ATM or kiosk from the same network.

While this is only presenting what goes on within an ATM and the many networks and other systems that allow it to work easily and effectively, from the screen, to the keypad, to the ATM management system, they are all cogs of a very well-known and important device.