Nov/Dec 2004

Field sales staff recruiting credit card customers are said to be able to process applications wirelessly and virtually in real time by using a new service launched by BancTec. It is said to be ideal for sales situations such as busy airport lounges, shopping centres and at exhibitions.

Using mobile devices such as PDAs, smartphones and tablet PCs, sales representatives capture credit-card application details electronically, and these are then uploaded via encrypted GPRS signal to BancTec's managed services centre.

Each application is processed in real time by means of various data checks including address and bank account validation and credit scoring. This allows the system to notify the field sales representative of any issues relating to the client's application while the applicant is still present.

The system is said to support legislation coming in next May, which requires credit card companies to inform applicants of the APR at the time of application. The system can calculate an appropriate rate on the basis of the application details. The company points out that this also obviates the need to set a high blanket rate, which it says would otherwise be necessary for mobile salespeople.

 

Finally, BancTec has integrated a mobile printer into the system via infra-red connection, allowing the users to provide a completed form for the customer, and to capture a paper signature if required.