A case study of refurbishment and re-sale of automatic teller machines

Asset recovery from automatic teller machines (ATMs) presents unique challenges due to a fairly long product lifetime (7-15 years), the security features surrounding the cash dispensing mechanism, and the unusual blend of electronic and electromechanical hardware. NCR's asset recovery program for ATMs includes the following options: (1) recovery of usable components for service operations; (2) refurbishment of used units for re-sale in a secondary market; and (3) recovery of raw materials from product disposal. This paper describes a case study of refurbishment and re-sale of used ATMs. NCR's Financial Solutions Group is increasing the life expectancy of ATMs through a program of refurbishment. Units reaching "end of life" with a major European bank have been traded in as part of an upgrade program. These units have been returned to "as new" condition and placed in secondary markets. This paper addresses the issues identified in developing such a program and demonstrates both the economic and environmental advantages to be gained. It is shown that these advantages accrue to both supplier and customer and reduce the landfill and resource depletion burden.