Lake Saint Louis, Mo., August 28, 2023 – National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), a leading provider of software solutions to utility and broadband companies, announces a new partnership with Howard Technology Solutions to provide enhanced in-person payment kiosk options to its Membership.

“We’ve heard from our Members on the importance of providing a variety of payment options,” said David Bonnett, NISC Vice President of Product Management. “Customers need flexibility, and we’re excited to partner with Howard to provide a safe, in-person option that’s fully integrated with the iVUE Enterprise System.”

NISC’s partnership with Howard enhances Members’ payment options with secure, PCI-compliant kiosks that customers can access 24 hours a day. Howard is a leader in payment-kiosk technology, offering sleek designs that accept cash, electronic check, credit and debit card payments. NISC’s Application Programming Interface (API) for payments integrates with all Howard kiosk models including indoor stand-alone and tabletop as well as outdoor stand-alone, drive-up and through-the-wall models.

“We know that on average, 20 percent of customers are walk-in payers,” said Walker Kelly, Howard Sales Manager. “Many of those customers can’t make it to pay their bills during office hours, so having a safe, secure, easy-to-use payment option keeps their services running and helps NISC Members increase customer satisfaction.”

Kiosk payments are posted in real time, which provides the ability to cancel cutoff notifications and remotely connect a meter following an authorized payment. Customers can make cash payments at no cost to the utility. Credit or debit card transactions utilize the NISC interchange pass-through rates with Fiserv and First Data. Paper check payments are converted to Check21 images for electronic processing.

Customers can also chat with a customer service representative directly through the kiosk if they need help thanks to integration with Zoom.

Howard’s kiosks are customizable and can be branded to Member organizations, making them recognizable anywhere in their service area. These in-person payment options extend hours for bill payment and improve access at off-site locations for customers that aren’t located close to Members’ offices.

For more information on Howard Kiosks, please contact Walker Kelly at wkelly@howard.com or 601-513-8779.

About NISC

NISC is an information technology organization that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to 945 independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including financials, service, operations and marketing as well as many other supporting platforms and business services. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Blacksburg, Va., NISC and its subsidiary employ more than 1,300 professionals between the four locations and remotely throughout the United States.

About Howard Technology Solutions:

Howard Technology Solutions is a division of Howard Industries, a billion-dollar, privately held company headquartered in Ellisville, Miss. Known for its cost-effective approach to providing and producing reliable, high-quality technology, Howard designs and manufactures custom desktops, notebooks, servers and kiosks, as well as a variety of enterprise mobility solutions that continue to secure market recognition. By incorporating energy-efficient production technologies, Howard is also doing its part to preserve the environment. Howard’s offerings include network security and storage solutions, interactive classroom products and a host of other professional services. In addition, strategic partnerships with other industry leaders enable Howard to offer a rich portfolio of over 300,000 name-brand products. The Howard workforce is 100% US-based, with technical support specialists available 24/7 and dedicated to providing customers with superior service.