The Guardian (Nigeria)

Union Bank deploys first robotics software

- By Helen Oji

UNION Bank has announced the deployment of the innovative Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology in its operations and becomes the first in the industry to introduce the applicatio­n in the processes.

The new technology, officially launched in the bank lat week, makes use of robots which are software tools developed to simplify business process delivery. According to the bank, the software robots offer improved business efficiency and data security by automating repetitive tasks across multiple business applicatio­ns without altering existing infrastruc­ture and systems.

Announcing the deployment of the new technology, the Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Emeka Emuwa, said: “We are quite pleased to be the first in the banking industry in Nigeria to introduce robotics into our processes.

“The provision of simpler, smarter banking services to our valued customers is at the core of our business and RPA helps us achieve this objective by leveraging cutting edge technology and innovative partnershi­ps. I commend the hard work and dedication of our Union Bank team for the effective execution of this project .” He pointed out that the bank’s adoption of RPA technology is expected to enhance staff productivi­ty, reduce process turnaround time and improve accuracy and compliance.

Furthermor­e, he added that with the new technology in place, employees are better able to focus on other value adding and customer related functions, significan­tly improving the overall quality of customer experience.

“In the first phase of the bank’s RPA implementa­tion, reconcilia­tion of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactio­ns are now fully automated, cutting down processing time by over 60% and ensuring that refunds on ATM fund dispense errors are promptly and efficientl­y carried out. “Union Bank’s marked technologi­cal advancemen­t in recent times is a major element of its transforma­tion programme and has included the redefiniti­on of the Bank’s business model, reengineer­ing of its work force and rebuilding of its physical infrastruc­ture,” he said.

The bank had in 2017, introduced a wide bouquet of digital banking platforms, including an upgraded version of its mobile banking app - Unionmobil­e and *826#, the unique USSD code which allows customers perform banking transactio­ns through short code messaging on their mobile phones. Several innovative features on the Unionmobil­e App have since received wide acclaim including the industry first ‘Agent Locator’ feature. Others are ‘Locate an ATM with Cash’, ‘Cardless withdrawal­s’ and the mcash easy payment feature.

Last year, Union Bank celebrated a century of providing reliable banking services to generation­s of Nigerian families and businesses.

With its ongoing transforma­tion and marked upgrade of its infrastruc­ture including the new RPA technology, Union Bank is poised to deliver on its promise of being a truly simpler and smarter bank for the next one hundred years.

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