The system enables banks to implement image capture at the teller counter or back counter. Images are captured at the branch and then sent to a central processing site. The Source Capture application then manages the transaction data and images, completing the transactions and routing the resulting data to the bank posting system, image archive and exchange points.

Wayne Mekjian, EVP, Wells Fargo, says the aim of deployment is to improve customer service for over-the-counter deposits and reduce costs as paper volumes decline.

"By converting paper to images at the earliest point possible, we are furthering our commitment to end-to-end image-enablement in preparation for reaping the benefits of image exchange," he says. "We can make these deposits available for earlier posting, detect fraud sooner, and avoid related transportation expense."

Since Check 21 became effective in October last year, financial firms are able to exchange electronic images of cheques for clearing and settlement purposes.

Carreker says distributed capture - the ability to convert the paper cheque to image early in the processing path - has emerged as one of the early benefits of Check 21, with banks seeking to capture cheques before they reach a processing centre to avoid float and transportation expenses.

Mekjian says the bank selected Carreker because the technology could be adapted to fit with Wells Fargo's existing payment systems architecture and design.

"They designed it to integrate with other existing teller applications," he says. "They also included their Image Quality software in the solution, so we aren't just capturing images but instantly ensuring that they meet our rigorous quality standards."