ACOM's Financial Documents Division Delivering First Automated In-House Check Production System.

Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2003

The Financial Documents Division of ACOM Solutions, Inc., developer/marketer of the MICRPro in-house check printing system, has begun shipping its new automated production and finishing system, it was announced today by Division General Manager Mark Firmin. The new system cuts stacks of printed personal checks to checkbook size and stitches and tapes them into pads in a hands-free process that takes as little as 90 seconds.

"This is the first high-speed, high-capacity in-house check technology, and it removes the main deterrent to large financial institutions' adoption of in-house check production," Firmin said. "Now, these institutions can gain a new source of profits by producing customer checkbook orders themselves rather than relying on third party vendors. Important customer service and competitive benefits result as well, since patrons no longer have to wait two or three weeks for their checks. Next day delivery is the norm."

The automated finishing system comes in two versions, differentiated by their capacities: the MICRPro 800 generates up to 25 checkbook orders per hour; the MICRPro 1600, up to 50 orders per hour. Prices are $55,000 and $70,000, respectively.

"An order of checks can be produced in-house for less than $5.00, leaving room for substantial profit," Firmin said. "With check prices ranging from $12.00 to $20.00 per check order, an institution can easily realize profits of $200 to $400 per hour and a payback of less than one year. Typically, over a five-year period, a $150 million-asset bank can expect $350,000 more profit from in-house check production than it receives from outsourcing. Banks with $500 million in assets should realize as much as $500,000 more, depending on number of locations and on how it promotes the service.

"We believe the system will be well-received by banks such as these and by credit unions with 5,000 or more members, because we can demonstrate how these revenues impact the bottom line."

To produce a check order, the operator sets up the checks in the MICRPro software and prints them on blank security check stock using the associated MICR-enhanced laser printer. She/he then places the stack of checks in the input tray of the automated production system, which completes the process.

The MICRPro automated in-house check system is fast, quiet and safe. It requires less than 20 square feet for the entire installation: PC and Printer, and the automated finishing system, which resides on a waist-high rolling cabinet that serves as a storage unit for check stock and printer consumables. The stitching, taping and cutting elements are protected by an OSHA-compliant safety enclosure with an attractive, hinged gull wing access door for service. A JPEG image is available by contacting Maribell Buchanan, [e-mail].

About ACOM Solutions

ACOM Solutions Financial Document Division is the premier developer and marketer of check and financial document production solutions that enable financial institutions to streamline their front office and back office check and financial document production activities, and to create and fulfill customer check orders and reorders in-house, versus outsourcing to commercial check vendors. ACOM Solutions, Inc. is a multidivisional, international developer and marketer of conventional and e-business solutions that integrate with enterprise applications to enhance back office and B2B processes for electronic, Internet and paper-based commerce. For more information, contact ACOM Solutions Financial Documents Division at 3305 Breckinridge Blvd, Suite 130, Duluth, GA 30096; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]; Web: www.inhousechecks.com.