Canara Bank launched its first digital banking branch, called CANDI. in Begaluru. The branch is expected to provide an end-to-end digital experience to customers. As part of the run-up to its digital foray, the bank has introduced several customer-friendly mobile apps which help customers get most of the information related to their accounts from the app without the need to visit the branch. CANDI will see the presence of a humanoid robot, which can take care of basic queries of customers on banking products and services. This is a first-of-its kind initiative by a public sector bank in the country. According to M.G. Ajayan, GM/IT and CIO of the bank, the bank is in the process of re-inventing branch strategy and moving towards more digitization and self-service channels. He added that the bank has introduced several next-generation banking tools which use advanced technology to streamline services and improve efficiency. These include Customer On-Board Application which facilitates instant opening of savings bank accounts using fingerprint/ iris authentication, printing of personalized debit card, cheque book, mobile/ internet banking registration, generation of e-Passheet and issuance of virtual welcome kit. The bank has also introduced an app-based token and queue management system to facilitate paperless appointment system using cloud technology and digital challan to facilitate filling up challans digitally by customers at their own convenience for services like cash deposit, fund transfer and cheque clearing.
