Hoping to shave overhead, shutter processing centers and remove paper from its seven-state network, TCF Bank has embarked on a check processing project that includes the deployment of image-based transaction processing. As part of the project, the bank is deploying GoldLeaf's Sierra Xpedite Back Counter, which will allow for check image capture within branches, and is a first step toward eventually offering capture at the teller window in a branch network that includes locations in Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, Indiana and Arizona.
“With so many geographically diverse branches, we really focused on where the business case was the strongest for us. Reduction in courier costs, elimination of equipment and maintenance costs and the ability to improve float are all immediate benefits from back counter capture. But it also gives us the opportunity to transition seamlessly to front counter in the future, which is a very compelling value proposition,” said Jim LaPlante, evp of operations for TCF Bank, in a prepared statement.
The bank would not provide an executive for a phone interview by press time, but part of the plan is to close several regional processing centers by allowing remote truncation, a no brainer given the budgetary pressures facing all banks.
“Considering the issues that bank face today regarding the movement of paper checks from branches to a central operations center, this deployment is the first major step in helping drive some of the costs out of that operation,” says Charles Potts, svp of business development for GoldLeaf.
