Beyond Check Imaging: Reaping the Benefits of a Paperless Branch
Report Summary
Beyond Check Imaging: Reaping the Benefits of a Paperless Branch
The benefits of a paperless branch include mitigating fraud, meeting compliance, achieving cost reductions and eliminating lost data, among others.
Boston, MA, November 2, 2009 – Based on an Aite Group survey of 21 U.S. branch executives, a new report from Aite Group, LLC discusses the presence of paper in bank branch processes. The report sheds insight into the transition from paper to electronic processes within the branch channel, and highlights the key benefits U.S. banks can gain from adopting a true paperless strategy.
U.S. banks have been heavily focused on removing paper checks from branches over the past few years. While check imaging is a step in the right direction, paper processes are still being used throughout the branch channel at the teller line, at the new account desk, in the loan department, in the branch back office, and at the ATM. Ample opportunities exist for banks seeking to realize the benefits of electronic processes, such as deploying additional processes like automated workflow, electronic document audit trails, and electronic tracking of internal processes. The benefits of going paperless include mitigating fraud, assisting with compliance, preparing banks for the audit process, achieving cost reductions, cutting down or eliminating misplaced and lost data and files, and increased internal efficiencies.
"To create a truly paperless branch network, banks must look beyond deploying deposit capture to find areas where paper still exists," says Kate Monahan, analyst with Aite Group and author of this report. "Through the implementation of electronic processes, banks will reap the rewards of increased branch efficiencies and cost savings. U.S. banks still have a long way to go before becoming truly paperless, creating opportunities for vendors to provide electronic solutions that enable paperless processes."
This 45-page Impact Report contains 36 figures and two tables. Clients of Aite Group's Retail Banking service can download the report.