Although Gunnar Enroth makes Swedbank a regular stop on his bank technology tours, he chides Mats Broman, only half in jest, for not slashing away at the space the branch occupies. BCFI's model branch was created to show how intensive use of computers combined with modern Swedish furniture design can create a comfortable, highly effective banking environment in very little space. He thinks banks could take it to places like sporting events to generate new business and build their brand. At the center, Compaq displays a branch office that could serve 10,000 banking relationships, once transactions are directed to self-service through ATMs, call centers and the Internet. The office consumes just 30 square meters and can be staffed by three.
Most meetings are by appointment, but a pleasant caf area accommodates people waiting to talk.
A banker can handle virtually any transaction by pulling up a customer file before the meeting to review the account, checking balances, and looking at notes from previous meetings. The screen is placed in the middle of a counter so the customer and banker can view it together. Loans can be arranged immediately, experts can be contacted for advise, and new accounts can be opened. After the session, the banker adds notes about the meeting. The program offers a prompt if he tries to close the file without adding details of the meeting.