Spark ATM Systems launches secure web-based portal

Data that can be viewed through SparkWeb includes, among others, current cash levels in the ATM, transactional data, historic statements, transaction reports, reimbursement reports, cash dispensed reports and ATM performance graphs.

Being at the forefront of technological innovations in the African ATM industry, Spark ATM Systems has brought many other first-of-its-kind technologies to the African continent including pioneering dual-sim wireless cellular telecommunications for ATM connectivity which allows ATMs to operate wirelessly, mitigating the need for landline connectivity, as well as the development of SparkConnect, SparkView and SparkManage, an internally-developed software suite which manages all transaction processing, switching, monitoring, alerting and management of the ATM network.

Making well-informed decisions

In addition to the technological innovations, Spark ATM Systems prides itself in providing innovative customer-centred solutions in the form of automated merchant settlements for dispensed cash, SMS alerting for low cash levels and a prompt industry-leading six hour return-to-service SLA agreement. Spark ATM merchants also have the option to further capitalise through the availability of franchise advertising opportunities and advertising rebates.

According to Marc Sternberg, managing director of Spark ATM Systems, as with any industry, having access to critical data is key to making well-informed and advantageous business decisions, while also enabling a deeper knowledge of consumer needs and trends - especially in the fast-developing African continent.

"By having access to this type of information, merchants can accurately predict busy periods and therefore ensure their ATM is fully stocked for these crucial times. Furthermore, merchants can access SparkWeb from their mobile phones or laptop, meaning they can be anywhere and still know exactly how their ATM is performing."

Access to reimbursement report

Sternberg says the new portal has myriad benefits to merchants from a business growth perspective. "For example, by accessing the reimbursement report, merchants can accurately predict exactly how much money will be reimbursed back into their bank account, thereby allowing them to make payments to their suppliers timeously, without having to worry about cash-flow issues."

Furthermore, he explains that merchants can keep abreast of their ATM's performance through the cash dispensed report which compares current performance with the average, maximum and minimum values achieved over the searched period.

SparkWeb is a free service which was developed by Spark exclusively for its clients. "In tough economic times, SparkWeb is a value-added service that is geared to provide merchants with a competitive edge and also making Africa on par with world-class standards. It provides Spark ATM owners with greater control over their ATM, ultimately allowing them to utilise their ATM to its full potential, while also presenting an opportunity for the business owner to improve all aspects of their business through a better understanding of their ATM's performance and the gathering of valuable customer data," concludes Sternberg.