Celebrating 50 Years of ATMs with NCR
The world's first automated cash dispenser -- later known as an Automated Teller Machine -- was inaugurated at the Enfield branch of Barclays Bank in London on 27th June 1967. This device was invented by John Shepherd-Barron and his team at De La Rue Instruments Ltd. Hansab, meanwhile, has worked with NCR ATM sales and services since 1999, making it a solid 18 years. It's an incremental part of Hansab operations and will continue to play a key role.
Looking back 50 years later, we can see that this machine was a beacon of hope heralding a fundamental shift in banking. Today, there are over three million ATMs worldwide as well as more than 200 different kinds of transaction possible on these highly interconnected terminals.
At the time of its invention, the ATM was an unproven device which people didn’t even know they needed, far less would come to rely on. It has subsequently revolutionized society and helped bring about the 24/7 self-service culture we know today with its convenient access to financial services beyond banking hours, such as cash withdrawals, balance inquiries and a growing range of value-added services.
The ATM certainly changed the way we think and behave, both as individuals and as a society, and put us in control of our cash for the first time. Over time, we see that self-service devices like the ATM laid the groundwork for today’s range of digital retail financial services. New services and technology, such as biometric and anti-fraud solutions, are continuously contributing to the on-going innovation of the ATM, where security is far stronger than it is on laptops and cell phones. For most of its 50-year time span, the ATM has stayed at the cutting-edge of innovation and public interface, providing a reliable and secure set of services whilst building the trust of consumers.
For more information on the history of ATMs, we suggest checking out our long term partner NCR's blog. https://www.ncr.com/company/blogs/financial/50-years-of-atm-infographic