Three banks installing NCI branch system.

Three banks are installing the latest version of Network Controls International Inc.'s PC-based Banc-Mgr platform and teller automation system to improve bank operations, customer service, and cross-selling opportunities, said NCI officials.

Version 4.0 of Banc-Mgr has a standard set of applications that can be customized to a bank's host system and other requirements. It can also be used with an institution's existing dumb terminals.

The terminals, like personal computers, have access to a full set of functions, including deposits, new account openings, and cross-selling applications. This enables banks to save on equipment replacement costs because they can keep their old displays, combine them with PCs, and gradually migrate to new PC platforms, said company officials.

Improved Service

The system is currently being installed for platform applications at American Savings Bank of Honolulu, which holds $2.5 billion of assets. Banc-Mgr is now running in six of the bank's branches, and incorporates International Business Machines Corp. PS/2 workstations, running under DOS, with an OS/2 file server.

According to Evelyn Yamamoto, vice president of information services, the system was installed primarily to automate new account openings, and has already improved customer service. For example, the time to create customer bank cards has been cut from five days to one, she said, enabling customers to get their cards sooner.

The system will be expanded to the bank's remaining 39 branches, with the target date for completion set for September, said Ms. Yamamoto.

Installation in Kansas

Banc-Mgr is also being installed for teller applications at Capitol Federal Savings and Loan, a Topeka, Kan.-based institution with $3.9 billion in assets. The bank is replacing its existing IBM 4700 Finance Communication System with PC-based local area networks in 24 branches. The networks will support a total of 150 teller workstations, according to NCI officials.

In addition to the software for teller applications, the new Capitol Federal system will incorporate NCI's ClientServer-Mgr, which provides computer virus protection and network security features.

A third bank, Central Pacific Bank of Hawaii, is evaluating the benefits of a wide area network, which will connect its local Banc-Mgr networks in 20 branches. The Honolulu-based institution, with $1.2 billion in assets, was the first client to install Banc-Mgr. Now the bank is testing bridge and router technology on the new wide area network, in hopes of improving communications between its host systems and branches, said NCI officials.

Big Exporter

The three installations reflect the diverse capabilities of Banc-Mgr, said NCI president Per Olof Ezelius.

Based in Charlotte, N.C., NCI provides branch automation technology for financial institutions throughout the world. The majority of the company's business is in exports, but NCI's goal is to reemphasize the U.S. market, said Mr. Ezelius.

In addition to the three new installations, major North American clients include Toronto Dominion Bank, Bancomer, and the Bank of Nova Scotia.

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