USPS installs Wincor Nixdorf self-service units

USPS installs Wincor Nixdorf self-service units
August 2, 2004

AUSTIN, Texas — Wincor Nixdorf announced that the United States Postal Service has selected self-service devices from Wincor Nixdorf and its U.S. alliance partner, IBM, for installation at 2,506 postal branches throughout the United States. The initial installations of the Automated Postal Center (APC) units occurred in May 2004 and will continue through November 2004.

The APC is based on Wincor Nixdorf's advanced ATM technology and consists of the Wincor Nixdorf ProCash 1500 ATM as the base unit, with two cassettes used for postage dispensing, a "print from cassette" device that prints on secure paper stock in the ATM safe, and an IBM sidecar with a scale and second printer. The APC improves operational efficiencies at postal branches by allowing customers to conduct routine postal transactions at the self-service platform instead of waiting in line for a clerk. Postal customers can use the APC to weigh packages and print bar-coded postage; weigh and rate envelopes, flaps, and packages up to 70 pounds; prepare, prep and deliver postage; and dispense stamp sheets.

The APC units include a 15-inch touch screen, a card reader for credit or debit transactions, a receipt printer, color camera, an encrypting PIN pad and software to assist visually-impaired customers. The APC units run on the United States Postal Service point-of-sale (POS) network. IBM Global Services, which exclusively markets, sells and services Wincor Nixdorf ATMs in the U.S. market, has adapted the software developed for the branch POS network to the self-service environment.

"Wincor Nixdorf's relationship with the United States Postal Service will add another layer of customer service through advanced self-service functionality," said Scott Hackl, vice president of Wincor Nixdorf Banking Solutions USA. "Worldwide, Wincor Nixdorf is a leader in delivering postal solutions, and this creative use of an ATM platform will provide USPS customers with a new level of convenience."