Branch network: Open Bank project.
Payments traffic: no end to automation.
Of the 19,537 ABN employees in the
Netherlands, the vast majority works at a
branch, of which there arc more than 700. The
branch organization is therefore of major
importance in relation to the efforts to upgrade
the Bank's services and match them more
closely to the needs of the market place.
The present domestic branch network, which
includes a number of regional ollices with
specialists in various fields who act directly as
advisors, fits in extremely well with the concept
of gieatei orientation towards the customer.
The services of specialist teams in areas like
industrial finance, agriculture, financing of
medical practice, domestic and foreign pay
ments and funds entrusted are increasingly in
demand; the teams play an important role in
supporting the activities of the branches.
Apart from these experts, who operate mainly
though not exclusively in the business sphere,
we propose to offer the private customer
information matched more closely to his specific
circumstances. To this end, the branches will be
better equipped in the years ahead. The
improvements will include bringing all branches
into the ABN computer network so that the
staffs will have more up to date information,
leading to better service and greater efficiency.
This "Open Bank" concept is already being tried
out at three branches - Amersfoort, Oegstgeest
and Dronten - and the entire project will cost
around Fl. 150 million. The relevant training
will commence in 1986, and between 1987 and
the end of 1989 the new system will be
progressively extended to all branches. We shall
thus be well prepared as we enter the nineties.
Payments traffic is without doubt among the
areas on which automation and other techno-
logical advances have had the greatest impact.
The advantages lead to significant improvement
of the standard of service to our clients in both
the private and business sectors.
29
A branch of ABN Bank at Zaandam, recently renovated and
extended.
ABN's main branch at Amersfoort - one of the branches at which
Open Bank Project trials are being conducted.
A building at Zierikzee housing a new branch of ABN Bank
behind its splendid old facade.
