1.1 Introduction
The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a self-service machine that dispenses cash and performs some human teller functions like balance enquiry, bills payments, mini statements and so on. ATM transactions are carried out through the use of a debit/credit card which enables the card holder(s) to access and carry out banking transactions without a teller.
Nearly every adult has used an ATM, probably without much thought about who owns and operates it. Many ATMs belong to banks. ATMs are placed not only near or inside the premises of banks, but also in locations such as shopping centres/malls, airports, grocery stores, petrol/gas stations, restaurants, or anywhere frequented by large numbers of people these people typically offer the ATM as a convenience for their customer base and even for non-customers. This companies and firm provides afterhours access to a host of transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and transfers, but manyare placed by independent businesses that operate ATMs for profit. Using an ATM, customers can access their bank accounts in order to make cash withdrawals, debit card cash advances, and check their account balances as well as purchase pre-paid mobile phone credit. Banks have become the principal deplorers of ATMs. Globally, Banks have become the principal deployers of ATMs.
In this project, we describe a simulated voice aided ATM system, which is truly accessible to blind customers. It has all the features of a real ATM machine like withdrawal of cash, changing of default PIN number, checking of balance etc.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The evolution of payments in recent history has gone from cash to cheques, and then to payment cards such as credit cards and debit cards. Interestingly, ATM cards are the most rapidly growing method of payments in several countries around the world. Information and communication technology (ICT) have also provided new products and value-added services to be delivered using the same electronic infrastructure. In order to remain competitive, most companies invest a lot of money in modern ICT infrastructure. ICT has also changed drastically the way businesses are done in these modern times. In recent years, the use of different channels for banking and financial services has changed the whole way bank customers and their banks interact. With the increasing popularity of the internet, more and more industries are seeking ways to utilize this popular medium in an effort to keep up with the changing technological preferences of their customers.
The development of banking ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) industry has received much attention in recent years, mainly due to growing ATM networks. Recent scholarship has studied whether its growth has maximized consumer welfare. The concern is rooted in the network effects that depend on total number of users or customers patronizing banking ATMs. Because the form of banking ATMs of both banking cards for depositors and differentiated banking ATMs can be regarded as network effects. Online ATM card request, activation and delivery System with tracker is an application which generally allows bank customers apply for Automated Teller Machines cards used to withdraw money at ATM machines or perform cashless transactions without visiting the bank, This application will be used by financial Institutions (Banks) to create and manage customers ATM card request using a computerized system where the customers can apply for their ATM cards anywhere in the world, without visiting the bank and more importantly verify and speed up the request time for getting the ATM card with a tracker, to aid speed up of the entire process, with this computerized system there will be no queues in banks, no hassle and stress to get ATM cards from our banks across the country. If a customer needs an ATM card to perform cashless transactions, the customer is able to apply for this card over the web without visiting the bank, all these modules are able to help the bank to manage and create an ATM for customers with more convenience and in a more efficient way and it also help in the cashless policy initiated by the central bank of Nigeria.
1.3 Statement Of Problem
It is only in developed countries of the world that nearly all banks deploy Voice aided ATM for it blind customer. Operating by Blind customers is not easy as they are easily defrauded by bank staffs or their close assistance without their knowledge. The processes involved in the process of using ATM has no provision for blind customers and has some negative effects to both customers and banks. These problems necessitated for a prompt action that will require a voice aided or talking ATM system that will bring succour, comfort and security to blind customers.
1.4 Aims and Objectives of Study
This project is aimed at stimulating a voiced aided ATM system for blind and visually impaired customers of Nigeria banks that will help them check Balance, change their default PIN, and recharge their mobile phone and Withdraw cash with the following objectives
- To design a robust and friendly user interface voice aided ATM system that is easy to use by blind customer with little assistant from bank staff.
- To provide better banking options to blind customer.
- To provide solution alternatives to the operations inherent in the existing system.
- To review existing literature on voice aided ATM system.
- To examine the relevant of adopting a voice aided ATM system.
- To offer useful recommendations on how to improve on existing ATM systems.
1.5 Limitations Of The Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- High programming Technique: The programming aspect of this project posed a lot of problematic bugs that took me some days to solve. Problems such as database connections using visual basic.NET and access database posed a lot of challenges.
- Few Literature Sources: The topic though seems to be a common term; it is not a popular topic to surf from the Internet. It had fewer literature sources.
1.6 Scope Of The Study
The research work is restricted to ATM operated by financial institution and for deaf and blind customer will cover among other things:
- Changing of customer default PIN.
- Withdrawal of fund.
- Checking of balance.
- Funds transfer
1.7 Significance Of The Theory
This project when implemented will directly benefits both the financial institutions using ATM and all its blind customers and will also reduce queue in ATM terminals, it will also rebrand the image of Nigerian banking system as fully ICT inclined. This study will in many ways promote good management in Nigeria banking sector.
Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.
1.8 Definition Of Terms
- Cash Machine: A cash machine (ATM) is a computerized telecommunications device that enables the clients of a financial institution to perform financial transactions without the need for a cashier, human clerk or bank teller.
- Virtual Reality: This is the act of imitating the behaviour of a working system or situation or real-world process over time.
- Cash Card: Cash card (ATM Card) is also like magnetic strip card. It is also a data carrier which electronically reads and writes data. ATM cards are mainly a debit card.
- Scheme: This is a group of interacting, interrelated or interdependent computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices.
- Deed: This is a legal agreement or activities in banking halls between a customer and the bank. Those activities may include Lodging money into a bank account and withdrawing of money, checking of balance.
- Voice Aided ATM: Are automatic teller machines that provide the ability to conduct transactions using both visual and auditory components.
- Receiver: These are electro-acoustic transducer for converting electric signals into sounds.
- Con: This is a wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain
