Branch Transformation is tough, but you're lucky because you have DBSI on your side. As experts in the financial industry, we know exactly what your branch needs and we will guide you every step of the way to make sure you are set up for success. Take this handy-dandy survival guide with you if you're planning to embark on your own Branch Transformation!

1. REA
D
. SU
RVIVE. TH
RIVE.

2. WELCOME!
Two quick things you should know:
First, this is a compilation of lessons, know-how, tips,
and other things we have learned along the way
of helping thousands of banks and credit unions
transform their branches and headquarters.*
*This book has been approved by Compliance with the addition of this here fine print informing you to
not consider this legal advice in any way, shape, or form. Please consult with one of our Transformation
Strategists or visit the Ideation Center for actual recommendations.

3. DBS-WHO?
Second, this book was created by DBSI.
We are a comprehensive Branch Transformation
firm that specializes in helping financial institutions
turn their physical spaces into highly efficient,
profitable networks that deliver uniquely smarter retail
experiences—whew!
In a nutshell, we bringing ease and convenience to
what’s typically a complex project...Transformation!

4. Now that we’re all on the same page (literally), let’s start
from the beginning.
/bran(t)SH/,tran(t)sfer’maSH(e)n/
(noun):
BRANCH
TRANSFORMATION
1. A thorough or dramatic change in the
technologies, experiences, processes and physical
spaces in which you serve clients.
2. A metamorphosis of the branch and internal
processes to align with today’s market needs,
changing consumer preferences and
retail-focused environments.
3. The end result you will achieve when
working with DBSI.

5. “Coins are made
of metal because
change is hard.”
Deep. We know. But making dollars and cents is a
whole lot easier when you know the correct change
to make. DBSI is a certified expert in both counting
and identifying which change is right for you.
A WISE MAN ONCE SAID:

6. Ok, so change may be hard. But we all are on the
same page (literally, again...) in agreeing that
transformation is needed:
of execs find it imperative to transform their branches
are planning to do so now!

7. ZERO
PERCENTfind transformation unnecessary
Executives give
current branches
an average
grade of C+
*Celent Early Stages of Branch Transformation Report, 2016

8. WARNING SIGNS
YOUR BRANCH MAY
BE IN TROUBLE:
• The Merv Griffin Show is doing a remake,
and the film crew asked if they could use your
branch as their set.
• The most advanced technology in your
branch is the iPhone your client is using to
google home loans.
• You feel like a contestant on The Price Is Right,
with long rows of tellers beckoning you to “come
on down!”
• Your brochure rack has collected more dust
than a Dyson.
• Your queue lines look like you’re herding cattle,
not helping clients.
• You’ve gotten used to the stress induced eye
twitch you’ve had since you started working on
Branch Transformation…3 years ago.

9. WHAT GETS IN THE WAY
OF GREAT SERVICE?
A Top Ten List of barriers in the typical branch today that
affect your client experience:
Bad First Impressions
Poor Engagement
Wait Times
No People Choice
Lack of Problem
Resolution
Cold Transitions
FSR Confinement
Partial Service
Limited Onboarding
Bland Attraction
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10

10. DID YOU KNOW?
In case of a blackout, a crayon will
burn for 30 minutes!
*A fact unrelated to Branch Transformation,
but relative for survival.

11. THOSE WHO
EAT A HOT
BREAKFAST
ARE 90%
MORE LIKELY
TO SURVIVE A
BEAR ATTACK*
*Not based on fact
DID YOU KNOW?

12. To do nothing is to die. Taking
actions,making decisions,and
following through with a plan will
give you at least a 50/50 chance of
survival.
SO GET GOING ALREADY!
The following essential Branch
Survival Rules will be your guide.

13. TRANSFORMATION SURVIVAL RULE #1
Having a solid plan of
attack keeps you alive
(and wins the Board)!
Executive alignment is everything, but to start building
your plan, you must have the right key elements.

14. Start by asking the right people the right
questions to build your foundation, like:
What’s working today?
What isn’t working?
What makes your institution unique?
What are the are the barriers getting in the way?
What is your desired future state and objectives?
How will you measure success?
*DBSI has a whole Discovery process where we do
this for you...clutch!
From there, create an Executive Summary* with
the information above, along with why you should
take action and when and what the actions are.
Stack hands and you are ready to present your
plan to the Board!

15. MORE UNRELATED, BUT STILL HELPFUL ADVICE:
STICKING
YOUR FINGERS
IN YOUR EARS
FOR A FEW
SECONDS CAN
GET RID OF
HICCUPS.*
*Based on an actual trial

16. Bring a bottle of water to
the stage.When you can’t
remember what to say,
take a drink and nobody
will know you spaced out
there for a second.
GIVING A PRESENTATION?

17. TRANSFORMATION SURVIVAL RULE #2
Use your resources wisely.
Having enough supplies to get you to the end of your
journey is a must to survive any wilderness adventure
or Branch Transformation project. You wouldn’t want to
run out of food or money too soon or you won’t come
out alive.
In Branch Transformation survival, it starts with having
the right budget and a complete understanding of
what all goes into a branch transformation.
What should I budget?
Here are national averages based on a 2016
Bancography Branch Construction Survey
Freestanding
Branch
Inline
Branch
Per square foot
Per square foot
$570
$360

18. Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering
But wait, this doesn’t include:
Banking Equipment, Technology,
Furniture, Signage
Construction
(varies greatly on site conditions)
Demolition (if needed)
Branding, Digital Signage, Merchandising
Owner provided items, I.T. ,Office supplies
Contigency for unforseen conditions

19. FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
ARE INVESTING IN
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
RIGHT NOW:
Tablet Transactions/
Universal Associates
Assisted Self-Service
Cash Recycling
89%
62%
92%
69%
81%
51%
Remote SME’s
Digital Signage
Interactive Surfaces
*Celent Early Stages of Branch Transformation Report, 2016

20. But what’s the all-in cost of
Branch Transformation?
DBSI’s proprietary Smart Budget Tool considers every
part of your Branch Transformation to calculate an
accurate estimate of your all-in cost. That way, there’s
no surprises.
(UNLESS IT’S
SOMEONE’S
BIRTHDAY.)
Get informed.Get answers. Get smart.

21. TRANSFORMATION SURVIVAL RULE #3
Timing is everything.
The signs are clear: branches must adapt or perish.
Wait and you will be too late. Imagine if Facebook
had launched in 2015 when they felt truly ready.
Would they have been as successful as
they are today?
Instead, Zuckerberg made a decision and launched
early in 2004. The rest…and over a billion users
today…is history.
So don’t let your transformation
efforts take as long as it takes a
Saguaro Cactus* to grow. Here are
some timing tips to go faster!
*Saguaros reach adulthood at 125 years.
That’s slooooow!

22. Immerse yourself and your
entire executive team in the
latest retail banking trends–all
in one place. One day spent
here with our Strategists is
guaranteed shorten the entire
transformation process by days,
weeks, even months!
Sometimes the fastest path is
the smartest, especially when
you have no time to lose.
While the average branch
transformation takes the better
part of year to complete,
you can have a new branch
experience with digital signage
in just 2-3 months. DBSI’s Digital
Signage Agency can help.
SURVEY THE
LANDSCAPE QUICKLY
AT THE IDEATION CENTER
TAKE FASTEST PATH TO
BRANCH TRANSFORMATION
WITH DIGITAL SIGNAGE

23. Now, about that Ideation
Center we mentioned…
It’s a true oasis of banking innovation in Arizona!
“The Ideation Center gives you the most
current and up-to-date ideas on how to style
your branch, improve your technology and
move your branch network into the future.
If I were to describe the Ideation Center visit,
it would be—awesome.”
– One of many happy executives who visited.

24. …you can save countless hours in your
branch transformation process:
All of these numbers add up to 546, but the real number is how
many days, weeks, and months you will save by bringing your
team here. It’s guaranteed!
In1Day at the Ideation Center…
It’s where more than
500 financial institutions
have started their branch
transformation efforts.
Discover the top 15 trends
in retail and how they can
work for you.
Learn the top 10 retail
banking barriers that effect
sales and service.
Interact with over
20 retail components and
technologies.

25. SIDE EXCURSIONS
SPRING
Arizona is home to 10 spring training stadiums, so
you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grab a cold one
and root for your favorite team! Or get ready to go
for hike on Camelback Mountain, the Superstitions, or
South Mountain for some unbelievable sights. Spring
is also a great time to take in the First Friday Art
Walk or the Phoenix Art Museum for your fix
of inspiration.
SUMMER
The Arizona heat can be scorching, but you can stay
cool poolside at any of Phoenix’s amazing resorts.
Feeling more adventurous? Try tubing the Salt River!
Or get out the heat with a trip to one of the natural
wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon,
or Sedona’s magnificent red rocks.

26. FALL
Cooler fall temps allow you to explore the city for
those hidden gems—delicious restaurants, and unique
shops are around every corner. More than anything,
Arizona is known for our delicious, authentic Mexican
food! Your taste buds will be doing the tango once
you get a taste of the Taco and Tequila festival,
or catch up-and-coming baseball players at an
Arizona Fall League Baseball game.
WINTER
Winter is prime time for golf! Hit the greens at one of
185 courses in the Phoenix area. Even better, see the
pros do it at the Phoenix Open. Looking for a sweet
new ride? The Barrett-Jackson Car Auction is for the
highest of rollers. Whether you’re just there to look,
or buy, the cars will surely amaze.
A tour at the Ideation Center takes most of the day,
but you can make the most of your trip in any season
with these Arizona activities:

27. DID YOU KNOW?
Spotting a bald eagle is thrilling to campers
of all generations.
SIGHTING A BALD MAN, HOWEVER,
DOES NOTHING FOR EAGLES.

28. IT’S SURVIVAL
OF THE FITTEST
OUT THERE,
AND YOU’VE
OFFICIALLY EARNED
YOUR BADGE
OF HONOR!
But don’t stop now. Reach out to DBSI to schedule
your Ideation Center visit and plan a strategy for your
great Branch Transformation escape!
WWW.DBSI-INC.COM/IDEAS

29. 855.ASK.DBSI | www.dbsi-inc.com | info@dbsi-inc.com
YOU DIDIT!You earned it.