AFS Launches ICBA-Endorsed Fast Track Check Imaging Program to Community Banking Market

AFS was recently named the ICBAs preferred service provider for check imaging solutions. The Fast Track Check Imaging Program that AFS developed for the ICBAs member institutions is an ideal solution for community banks under $250 million in assets that are looking to acquire their first in-house check imaging solution. The AFS Fast Track ImageVision System provides a comprehensive check imaging solution that can be fully operational in less than six weeks. AFS offers pre-configured solutions designed to meet the unique parameters of the community banking market at special negotiated rates for ICBA member banks. Due to AFS bold timeframes, the AFS Fast Track implementation services team completed a fully operational check imaging installation in only six weeks. First Heritage Bank first met with AFS on November 3, 2003 and went live by December 15th with a broad range of check imaging capabilities, out of the box, including proof of deposit (POD), image statement capability, power encode, AFS DREAM (automatic reject repair) courtesy amount recognition (CAR), signature verification, online check image research, Home Banking Interface capability, and connectivity to the Endpoint Exchange Network for check image exchange, clearing and settlement. This accomplishment sets a standard within the community banking market, where flexibility, speed, and new image-based capabilities are of prime concern. A recent ICBA-InFinet Resources Technology Survey shows that community banks are becoming more sophisticated in their use of check imaging technology, with 52% of ICBA member banks indicating that they will be evaluating image-check clearing networks in the next 12 to 18 months. These banks see membership in a national check image exchange network providing a critical market advantage in a post Check 21 image based processing environment. The AFS-ICBA Fast Track Check Imaging solution will empower community banks to realize the full potential and benefits of the Check 21 legislation.