Let's go!
Now’s the time to hit the ground running (AKA my New Year’s resolutions are wavering a bit)
By Dan Swain
Okay folks March is just around the corner, and can you believe we will soon be through the first quarter of 2012. Yikes!
Okay, the new diet plans are on the sidelines and the treadmill is going to need a good dusting soon, unless you are using it for a clothes hamper (I know a guy that does this… really) Therefore, I have come up with a listing of to do’s or points of focus for 2012, before I look down and realize it is December.
-Go to ATMIA next week! Yes, this is the Superbowl for many of us in the industry. As you know, it is usually much more than just a chance to see what is new, and to look at who is wearing a different logo on their shirts! There is a wealth of information at your fingertips with the breakout sessions and the vendor booths. As we all know, margins are thinner, legislation is becoming more prevalent, and there is a lot of “chatter” about how the industry will fare over the next few years. If you care about your future, make the investment to attend!
-ADA, PCI, and dare I say EMV? It is nice to see that there has been a lot of information released over the last couple of months on what to expect with the latest mandates. The ADA deadline is oh so close, and many distributors are scrambling to get their remaining units upgraded. Once the date is reached, get ready to see how long it will take for a flurry of legal action on owners of machines that were not upgraded. Unfortunately, we’ve had to endure some unscrupulous opportunists that have taken to scraping off fee notice stickers and the ensuing legal activity that usually follows. Let us hope we do not see the same with ADA. However, in full disclosure, machines that have not been updated are at risk and righfully so. Stay informed by perusing ATMMarketplace, ATMIA, and the manufacturer’s websites for the latest updates on what is happening. One thing I have learned over the last few years is that the mandates seem to be coming on at a more rapid pace. Stay informed, be prepared, and get ready. There will be something in the wings.
-There are many new machines in the field. Yes, with most of the updates mentioned above, many distributors have upgraded their fleets to newer units and technology. Make sure you take advantage of the latest and greatest! Are you running wireless communications? When will remote DES key loading be implemented? Should I invest in additional security items, machine wraps, or signage? As they say, "It’s all about the money." Make sure you are getting the most out of your investment.
-Time to purge those warehouses and get rid of a few things; one of the most interesting things I see in my travels is the absolute abundance of old parts sitting on the sidelines collecting dust. Some of these items can be refurbished and utilized for field repair, or even bartered for something more current or relevant. There are a number of organizations out there that may have an interest in your old stuff. Unfortunatley, old ATM parts won’t give you the same satisfaction of finding an extremely rare car in a barn. Nevertheless, do not underestimate the potential value of what you might be sitting on. Take some time to look at what you have. Yes, some of it probably needs to be thrown away. However, don’t forget to look around and see if someone is interested. You just never know what someone might want.
-Invest in your future. It is great to see all of the distributors and business owners that make up our industry, from the single owner/operator up to publicly traded organizations with thousands of employees. No matter the size, continue to groom the next generation. Whether it competition, expansion, or just the impact of time, make sure you are doing your part to pass on the knowledge to those that will have the reigns next.
Like the commercial says, "Stay thirsty my friends." Keep pushing, keep striving, keep going!
