Check Printers

Checkbooks

Check manufacturers can boost production rates and reduce costs with a successful and proven XSIS solution specifically tailored to check printing. XSIS has packaged a set of enhanced capabilities into the Xerox 4635MX, which enjoys a well-earned reputation for exceptional MICR line quality, superior 600 dpi printing, versatile paper handling and high reliability.

This solution includes Large Format paper support which enables the check manufacturer to print personal size checks in a 12-up layout for increased throughput. The check printer has the flexibility to mix checks for different banks, different accounts at the same bank, and different graphics and fonts all on the same sheet. Every job can use a different check stock.

The enhanced 4635MX will run standard weight check stock alone, or interleaved with Duplicate check stock. The Duplicate stock (self-contained carbonless paper) may be 17# basis weight or even 14#.

The XSIS Feed Assurance Feature (FAF) is also part of this packaged solution. FAF verifies that the printed check content is matched with the correct stock, so customers who want a blue background do not get checks with a floral background, and customers who request Duplicate checks get what they ordered. FAF validates the stock by reading tiny barcodes that the customer has pre-printed on his different check stocks in the area between the blank checks. The barcodes only need to be 1/8" high (3.2 mm), so they are easily covered by the binding in the finished checkbooks. Similarly, each stock for Duplicate checks, deposit slips and other forms can have its own unique barcode for FAF to read.

Many check printers will benefit by adding a Multi-bin Feeder to the solution. The Multi-bin Feeder increases the number of input trays so that a check manufacturer does not have to pre-collate his stocks. The paper types that are used most (typically check stock and deposit ticket paper) would be loaded into separate high capacity feeders available on the 4635MX printer. The lower volume stocks (like colored paper for advertising inserts, or special stock for re-order forms) would be loaded into the Multi-bin Feeder, so they are "on-line" and available to the printer when the job calls for them.

For instance, many financial institutions like to use checkbooks as an advertising vehicle to reach "captive audiences" with known interests, so they want their check printers to insert selective marketing messages into checkbooks. These marketing messages are usually printed on distinctive paper, or they may be pre-printed with space for a personalized message that can be added in line. The Multi-bin Feeder allows the check printer to deliver a highly customized product by drawing these specialty stocks from extra input bins (feeders) not otherwise available on a standard Xerox printer. The bank is pleased because it can have the check printer include messages that promote home re-financing to the relevant account owners and car loans to a different group of bank customers. The check printer is happy because he has an easy way to insert marketing messages into the appropriate checkbooks along with other intermittently used stocks (like re-order forms). Of course, FAF still operates to ensure that the intended output is achieved, for example, that check images are being printed on check stock and not deposit slip stock.

The Multi-bin Feeder is useful also to a check printer who prefers pre-collation for operational efficiency, but wants the flexibility of a hybrid approach. In this case, he separates the high volume stocks for loading into the 4635's high capacity feeders. He pre-collates the other stocks -- those used infrequently -- and loads the sets into multiple trays on the Multi-bin Feeder. Continuous printing is easily accomplished since empty high capacity feeders can be refilled with more stock while the printer is pulling paper from a different feeder, and empty Multi-bin Feeder trays can be refilled while pre-collated specialty stock is pulled from other bins.