In the days before computers, electronic cash registers and credit cards, many large retail stores used pneumatic air tube systems to transfer the cash rendered plus the invoice to a central accounts office which would issue change and a receipt and return it to the sales floor in the same way.
Early versions of these pneumatic systems actually date back to the late nineteenth century and the system was virtually abandoned during the 60s.
Now to address a new problem and in vastly modified form, making use of electronics and the latest microprocessor control technology, pneumatic tube systems are making a rapid comeback in all businesses with cash flow, including retail stores, banks and casinos.
Reducing risk at the POS
The reason is today's worldwide increase in crime and the need to eliminate hand transfer of large amounts of cash over even short distances because of the risk of theft.
In the modern retail store all cash and other transactions take place at the point of sale and it is here where both cash and cheques accumulate.
Today's use of the pneumatic tube is to transfer these convertibles cost-effectively, safely and rapidly to a more secure central cash area. Instead of the carrier being returned to the sales point it can be deposited directly into a safe.
Acceptance of the system is widespread in Europe where users include such prominent chain store retailers such as Tesco, British Home Stores and Makro.
The pneumatic air tube is also being used to transfer other valuable items and has proved to be a valuable bonus for jewellers who can use the air tube to remove high value items from the sales floor while providing almost immediate access without the risk of leaving clients unattended while they walk to conventional safes.
Other major users include hospitals and opticians with in-store laboratories, the advantage here being the fast transfer of items and documents, making better use of limited staff resources.
Other Mutual product offerings
The other novel device being offered by Mutual Safes is the 'bollard' system whereby large cash amounts can be downloaded directly from banks to an external standalone safe system. These bollards are located in an area with easy access for the cash in transit vehicle and in positions which allow drivers and guards a 360° field of view where any suspicious activity can be observed. After the van has arrived at the bollard and the crew is confident the area is clear, instructions can be transmitted from the bollard to the bank or strongroom, as the case may be, and the cash transfer made.
An extension to the air pipe located in the bollard allows the transfer to be made directly into the armoured van (similar to a fire truck being connected to a standing water hydrant). Note that cash can be transferred from the cash in transit van to the bank using the same system.
As for the possibility that thieves can intercept the cash being transferred through the pipe, any cutting destroys the vacuum line and in any event the carrier is moving at a speed of between 36-40 km/h. While in existing buildings the pipes may follow existing walks and ceilings, the piping to bollards is buried up to 1 m below the surface and in new structures piping can be located within reinforcing structures.
Depending upon the size of the carrier required piping up to 200 mm in diameter is used, although in most installations diameters are standardised between 63 and 110 mm.
Pneumatic systems are available for banks and financial institutions, retail stores, supermarkets and fast food outlets, toll plazas and petrol stations, restaurants, pubs and hotels, casinos, theatres and cinemas, hospitals, pharmacies and laboratories, industry and offices.
Mutual Safe and Security specialises in the installation of pneumatic air tube transfer systems and has sourced state-of-the-art technology from England, Europe and the US to meet all requirements and purposes of cash and asset transfers.
For details, contact Mutual Safes on telephone (012) 803 6051, fax (012) 803 8677, e-mail mutsafes@global.co.za
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