Expect disruptions
NCB to embark on major technology upgrades
STARTING MAY 17, the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCB) will embark on a major upgrade and modernisation programme for its core banking and online banking platforms.
According to NCB, this upgrade is expected to last four to six weeks in total. “The purpose of the upgrade is to create a technological platform that allows us to improve on the speed, efficiency, customer friendliness, and reliability of the banking services we provide to our valued customers. These changes are in response to desired improvements expressed by our customers, and based on our own ambition to provide a world-class experience worthy of our customers’ loyalty.
“Like any major infrastructure, roadwork, or technology upgrade, our customers may experience some service interruptions and inconveniences. In all cases, we commit to updating our customers regarding the service disruptions and to work to restore normality in the shortest possible period. In preparation for the upcoming upgrade, we are urging all online banking customers to complete the registration for their security token ‘RSA Secur’ by May 15, 2019 to avoid disruption of service following the upgrade. Our business customers are encouraged to settle payroll processes on or before May 15, in the event of disruptions during the usual salary payment period,” the release further stated.
The bank said to facilitate the upgrade, all branches will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Banking hours will be extended to 3:30 p.m. from Tuesday, May 14 to Thursday, May 16, due to this early closure. NCB also noted that all online banking and mobile app services, including balance checks, bill payments, and transfers, will be unavailable from approximately 3 p.m. on May 17 to 8:30 a.m. on May 20. During this period, customers may still conduct transactions via ABMs and point-of-sale machines. Should there be any changes to this estimated downtime period, customers will be advised via social media, email, SMS and radio.
“Once the upgrade and post-implementation period is completed, customers can expect an overall enhanced experience in branch and online and significantly less service disruptions to the online banking platforms. Customers will be able to schedule bill payments, receive transaction notifications via SMS, email and the mobile app and automate transfers. Business customers will now be able access online banking through a single sign on, conduct all transfers from one place and complete a new menu of self-service transactions. Training on the new platform for business customers is under way. Business customers who are interested may contact their relationship manager for further information.”
NCB said dedicated teams have been put in place to respond to queries during this period. For service queries, customers can call us NCB at 888-NCB-FIRST or email us at ncbonline2019@jncb.com.
Updates will be regularly posted in the press and social media and on the NCB website.