MICR Fundamentals
Understanding MICR: What it is and How it works
Understanding MICR
The common machine language specification for the paper-based payment transfer system, as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It consists of magnetic ink printed characters of a special design, which can be recognized by high speed magnetic recognition equipment. The special designed characters are known as E-13B or CMC-7 depending upon the area of the world. Standards indicating how to print MICR have been developed as a way to create an industry standard; adhering to these guidelines provides consistency throughout the financial industry.
These standards provide specific information regarding: character use, placement on the check, as well as character specifics including uniformity of ink, character dimensions, and signal strength ranges, etc. When checks adhere to these guidelines the end result is a negotiable instrument of high quality. However, when checks do not comply with the standards it can result in rejected checks and unnecessary processing fees.
MICR check printing solutions include five key elements:
- Software
- Printers
- Fonts
- Toner
- Paper
Complete secure solutions combine all fice of these elements.
For more details about printing checks you can review the MICR BASICS HANDBOOK developed by TROY.
What is MICR Toner?
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the common machine language specification for the paper-based payment transfer system. The specialized ink is required to achieve a Magnetic Signal and is generally available in ribbons used in a high impact printing system or in toner used in laser printing. Due to a high level of inconsistency, settling and nozzle clogging you will NOT find widespread use of MICR cartridges for use in ink jet printers.
The characters produced with the magnetically chargeable ink are known as E-13B or CMC-7 depending on the geographic area where you are printing your financial documents. E-13B, which was developed in the United States, is used in: United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Mexico, Colombia, and Turkey. CMC-7, which was developed by a French Computer Company, is used in: France, Spain, Israel, South America (except Colombia) and other Mediterranean Countries. MICR technology is used in the banking industry in many countries because it allows very fast and reliable document processing.
When printing checks it is important to follow the appropriate standards as rules, which indicate character placement, signal strengths, as well as recommended paper specifications. Each specification has been established to create a document which can easily and accurately read when presented to a bank.
The Significance of MICR Security
Choosing a financial document printing solution includes consideration for both operational and fraud-deterrent security issues.
Operational security features focus primarily on reducing operator errors, and maintaining print quality.
Fraud-deterrent security features are designed to prevent theft of check paper, printed checks, duplicate checks, etc.
To review ANSI standards as well as definition of terms review ANSI ASC X9 TR 100-2006 visit ANSI Standards. To review CPA standards review CPA Standard 006 or visit Canadian Payments or TROY's MICR Page.
How it Works
The E-13B font, which is needed for the clearing process, is printed with magnetic ink near the bottom of the check, known as the MICR Clear Band. After printing checks are then processed mechanically and electronically through a reader-sorter machine. With the ability to read the E-13B characters through a reader-sorter device at a rate less than 1/1000th-of-a-second per character, the time and cost of check processing have decreased over time.
The machine reads each MICR Clear Band from right to left and recognizes each character based on the shape and unique magnetic waveform of each individual character. This unique shape creates peaks and valleys within the waveform, which result in a read of the character.
The high rates of speed as well as the magnetic waveform created make it imperative that each character is precise. The slightest flaw in the character could create an inaccurate read. Each character must be free from extraneous or irregular marks. When extraneous toner exists within the MICR clear band, the reader-sorter will reject the document. It is imperative that the MICR Characters are accurately printed on each document according to specifications defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
For more information about How it Works view the Basics Handbook created by TROY MICR Basics Handbook.
Need a MICR solution? We’re here to help.
For over 55 years, we’ve been helping top U.S. banks, government agencies, hospitals, and universities manage the risks of fraud
while complying with government regulations. Our secure print solutions have enabled them to print fraud-resistant documents such
as checks, prescriptions, IDs, transcripts, vital records and much more.
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