Check Printing Risk Assessment: Careful Considerations Serve as Useful Buyers Guide

The three major components of an automated check printing solution are check printing software, MICR laser printers, and MICR toner. Buyers need to look at all three in the context of required security and flexibility. A look at the most critical issues:

1. Not all check printing software is alike. Many software suites provide good stand-alone functionality, but host system integration and support of existing issuance processes can get complicated. Will you have software residing in a central location with multiple users and log-ins for remote locations printing checks? Does your check issuance environment require user-defined rules for item types being printed, requestors, approvers, reporting, and post- issuance reconciliation?
2. Not all MICR laser printers are alike. Variables to consider are: print volumes, security requirements, networking with remote locations, audit trail reporting, and most important, proper image quality for reader/sorters in item processing and for scanners in image exchange. Secure MICR laser printers provide financial institutions with full security features and quality assurance for printing checks and work in tandem with check printing software to ensure item completion without the risk of fraud.
3. Organizations also need to consider the risks of non-secure MICR laser printers and remanufactured toner. These products present attractive price points for potential buyers but often fail financial institutions that have greater security and reliability demands.