Spark launches SA first-of-its-kind online gateway to essential ATM data

Spark ATM Systems, South Africa’s premier independent ATM deployer, has launched SparkWeb, an innovative secure web-based portal that enables ATM merchants to access their ATM’s data anytime and anywhere, further bolstering the convenience of hosting an in-store ATM.

Through the SparkWeb portal, Spark ATM’s customers can view a multitude of ATM data including, among others, current cash levels in the ATM, historic statements, transaction reports, reimbursement reports, cash dispensed reports (including average, maximum and minimum values) and ATM performance graphs.

According to Marc Sternberg, Managing Director of Spark ATM Systems, SparkWeb also serves as a great forecasting tool for ATM owners by allowing them to analyse their ATM’s usage data to identify consumer spending trends. “As with any industry, having access to critical data is key to making well-informed and advantageous business decisions, while also enabling a deeper knowledge of consumer needs and trends.”

He says by having access to this type of information, merchants can accurately predict busy periods and therefore ensure their ATM is fully stocked for these crucial times. “Furthermore, merchants can access SparkWeb from their mobile phones, meaning they can be anywhere and still know exactly how their ATM is performing.”

“The new portal has myriad benefits to merchants from a business growth perspective. For example, by accessing the reimbursement report, merchants can accurately predict exactly how much money will be reimbursed back into their bank account, thereby allowing them to make payments to their suppliers timeously, without having to worry about cash-flow issues,” adds Sternberg.

Furthermore, he explains that merchants can keep abreast of their ATM’s performance through the cash dispensed report which compares current performance with the average, maximum and minimum values achieved over the searched period.

He says SparkWeb is a free service which was developed by Spark exclusively for its clients. “All the merchant has to do is take one minute to complete the registration process online. In tough economic times, SparkWeb is a value-added service that is geared to provide merchants with a competitive edge. It provides Spark ATM owners with greater control over their ATM, ultimately allowing them to utilise their ATM to its full potential, while also presenting an opportunity for the business owner to improve all aspects of their business through a better understanding of their ATM’s performance and the gathering of valuable customer data,” concludes Sternberg.