New Mexico WIC uses Source Technologies' secure MICR laser printers to improve voucher distribution and increase customer service

New Mexico WIC chose Source Technologies' secure MICR laser printers because...

• They enabled the clinics to print vouchers on-demand, thus reducing time spent printing checks.
• They are able to see 30% more participants and provide a higher level of customer service in the process.
• MICR printers allows for a more efficient process reducing the percentage of vouchers voided onsite from 28% to <0.1%

Women, Infants, and Children Program, popularly known as WIC, is a USDA program that provides vouchers for supplemental food, nutrition counseling, and health services to low-income, at-risk women and their children. Operating 120 clinics throughout the state, New Mexico WIC processes vouchers similarly to checks in that the vouchers must contain a MICR line to facilitate payment processing.

Voucher requests were submitted at the WIC clinics but were printed at a central office only once a week, which forced participants to wait to buy food and other necessities. With each print job, individual numbers were printed on top of the serialized preprinted vouchers and in the case of a printer jam, the print job would have to be re-synched with the software system. As many as 28% of printed vouchers were voided onsite due to common line printer jams, resulting in increased operational costs and even bigger delays in voucher deliveries. On average, the weekly print job included 25,000 vouchers and would often take up to six hours.

To streamline the process, New Mexico's WIC Automation Team developed a Windows-based system that enabled authorized WIC employees to print vouchers on-demand in each local office. All permanent and satellite sites gained access to the network, allowing interoffice sharing of data and resources.

To complete the new system, New Mexico WIC turned to Source Technologies to provide secure MICR laser printers for each clinic. Now, staff members enter information at their location and generate a voucher on the spot using blank voucher stock. The printed voucher includes all identifying information, logo, variable data, and the necessary MICR line and authorized signature.

With this new system, New Mexico WIC has eliminated time-intensive batch voucher printing and WIC voucher recipients now immediately receive their vouchers. According to New Mexico WIC Director, Sid Golden, clinics report they are now able to see approximately 30% more program participants in the same amount of time and provide a higher level of customer service in the process.