Global Cash Trends in ATM Managed Services

Despite the rise of digital payments, cash remains a vital part of the global economy. For banks, financial institutions and independent ATM deployers (IADs), the challenge is to manage cash efficiently and securely, which requires a shift from a reactive, labor-intensive model to a proactive, data-driven approach. 

Why cash still matters in ATM networks 

The idea of a cashless society is often overstated. Cash continues to be a dominant form of payment in many parts of the world as a tangible budgeting tool. Even in digitally advanced economies, cash holds its own. According to the latest ATM & Self-Service Software Trends survey (17th edition, presented by KAL ATM Software and ATM Marketplace), only 12% of banks were less reliant on ATMs in the past year, while 57% maintained the same reliance, and 31% were more reliant. 

While the number of ATMs has declined in some developed markets, it’s growing in emerging economies due to financial inclusion initiatives. A robust ATM network is crucial for maintaining customer loyalty and brand presence, especially as physical branch presence declines.  

Global ATM cash usage patterns and challenges 

According to McKinsey & Company, cash management accounts for up to 10% of banks’ operating costs. Traditional cash forecasting, which relies on historical data and manual processes, often leads to two problems: cash-outs or excess cash. Cash-outs result in lost revenue and poor customer experience, while excess cash ties up valuable capital and increases operating costs. The challenge for ATM operators is to find the perfect balance between these two extremes. 

Technological drivers: AI forecasting, monitoring and remote services 

The solution lies in technology. About 30% of survey respondents named cash forecasting technology as a key strategy for optimizing cash management, and 39% of respondents view ATMs as a channel for diverse self-service banking transactions beyond just cash. The ATM industry is undergoing a technological shift, driven by three key factors: 

• ATM AI Cash forecasting: Advanced algorithms use predictive analysis based on variables like local events, holidays and real-time data to optimize cash loads. This reduces operational costs and improves the customer experience by preventing cash-outs.

• Real-time monitoring: Cloud-based platforms like Brink’s Insight Center provide real-time visibility into the health of an entire ATM fleet. They proactively identify potential issues and condense multiple error messages into single, actionable alerts, enabling remote fixes or faster field service. 

• Remote services and digital integration: ATMs are becoming more digitally integrated with mobile and online banking, offering contactless transactions, biometric authentication and QR code functionality. Česká spořitelna, for instance, the largest bank in the Czech Republic, uses KAL software to enable contactless transactions via QR codes.  

The focus on seamless, secure interfaces is critical to attract younger, tech-savvy customers and to position the ATM as an extension of a bank’s digital channels. According to BAI’s Banking Outlook: 2024 Trends, 60% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials said they would switch financial services organizations for a bank with a better app and other digital capabilities. 

Flexibility and interoperability: Brink’s strategic investment in KAL software 

In an industry where ATM fleets often contain a mix of different makes and models, hardware flexibility is essential. The solution lies in vendor-neutral software that can operate across all machines, enabling a consistent user experience and centralized management platform for the entire fleet, regardless of hardware manufacturer. 

Brink’s has made a strategic investment in KAL’s ATM software, a world leader in hardware-independent ATM software. This interoperability increases operational efficiency and gives customers the freedom to upgrade or replace hardware on their own terms. It also reduces the total cost of ownership by extending the life of existing ATMs. This strategic shift away from vendor lock-in is a critical move for modern ATM services and demonstrates Brink’s commitment to prioritizing customer choice and value. 

Local expertise through acquisitions 

While technology is a key driver, human expertise and a local presence are equally important. Brink’s has strategically acquired companies to enhance its service capabilities and global reach. A prime example is the acquisition of TestLink, a leader in second-line maintenance and parts management.  

TestLink’s expertise in ATM maintenance has been seamlessly integrated into Brink’s global AMS offering through an acquisition that allows Brink’s to streamline maintenance, extend ATM lifecycles and deliver consistent service globally. Strategic moves like this enhance Brink’s ability to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end ATM outsourcing solution, from cash replenishment and forecasting to maintenance and parts management. 

Business impact: cost efficiency, uptime and security 

The ultimate goal of modernizing ATM Managed Services is to deliver tangible business value. With a global network of over 300,000 ATMs managed and over 1 billion annual transactions, Brink’s is uniquely positioned to help clients achieve this goal. The combined effect of our innovations, from AI-powered forecasting to hardware flexibility and local expertise, has a huge impact on a customer’s bottom line. 

• Cost efficiency: AI forecasting minimizes idle cash and unnecessary trips; outsourcing to Brink’s leverages economies of scale to reduce overall operating expenses.  

• Superior uptime: Proactive monitoring and efficient maintenance ensure ATMs are operational for longer, maximizing revenue and customer satisfaction. 

• Enhanced security: Brink’s legacy as a security leader, dating back to 1859, is testament to our commitment to secure every aspect of the ATM network. 

Future-proofing ATM networks in a changing cash landscape 

The future of cash is dependent on its strategic optimization. As global ATM cash management trends evolve, banks, financial institutions and deployers must partner with providers who offer more than just basic cash replenishment. 

With our global scale (operating in 52 countries and serving customers in over 100 countries), strategic investments in technology like KAL and expanded service capabilities through acquisitions like TestLink, Brink’s is uniquely positioned to be that partner.  

By using innovation to drive efficiency, maximize uptime and ensure security, Brink’s AMS helps clients not just manage their ATM networks, but future-proof them for a world where cash remains a critical part of the financial ecosystem. 

Ready to future-proof your ATM network? Contact Brink’s today to learn how our ATM outsourcing solutions can optimize your operations.