DOD implements image-based teller system at Community Banks overseas

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ARLINGTON, Va. (AFPN) --  A new image-based teller system being implemented by the Community Bank operated by Bank of America is reducing check-processing time at overseas air bases. The new teller system employs the latest technology and incorporates features of the recent Check 21 Act.

The new system, already in place in Japan and Korea, reduces the processing time when a check is written to when it clears a customer’s bank account. It is currently being implemented at Community Banks in Europe.

Features of the new system include scanners at each teller station that convert checks and other documents to digital images at the point of presentment. The new teller software balances the transaction, creates electronic transaction history journals, archives items in a central database and ultimately creates an image cash letter for transit check processing.

The added benefit of the improved efficiency and processing of checks enables checks to be presented to a customer’s home bank in a timelier manner, resulting in quicker postings to individual checking accounts.

To date, all Community Bank branches in Japan and Korea have converted to the new system. At European branches, the conversion began in July 2005 and is scheduled for completion in November.

The new system will also be installed at Community Bank branches located in Kwajalein, Diego Garcia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with final installation dates to be determined.

The Community Bank is operated by Bank of America under a contract with the DOD on military installations in 10 countries. There are 94 branches and 299 ATMs located across the globe in such places as Diego Garcia; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; England; Germany; Honduras; Iceland; Japan; Korea; Kwajalein and the Netherlands.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, in coordination with military service banking representatives, is responsible for the daily oversight, control and management of the Overseas Military Banking Program to provide stateside-like banking products and service to DOD overseas banking customers.