Challenges for ATM management in times of market variability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic crisi

Abstract

One of the most important issues related to the management of an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) network is the correct forecasting of the demand for cash. Typically, this demand, expressed as the value or number of ATM withdrawals, has some regularities that can be used to evaluate future values for these variables. However, forecasting becomes a challenge when a crisis occurs that could affect the behavior of ATM users. In this context, it is important to identify how the development of the crisis and the various information concerning it may affect people’s attitudes to cash.This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavior of ATM customers. On the basis of daily data from 81 ATMs, we analyze the changes in the value and number of withdrawals just before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. An event study analysis allows us to determine precisely the moments in which changes in user behavior took place. This means that it is also possible to examine the reaction of ATM users to the announcement and implementation of the pandemic restrictions, and to determine the factors that had an impact on the change in people’s attitude to cash. Such a study is also important from a sociological point of view, as it enables one to understand people’s reactions to the emerging crisis. Hence, its results may be useful not only for managers of ATM networks, but also for various authorities and policy makers.