5 Important Terms Used to Define Cash Drawer Features
What are Cash Drawers and How Do They Work?
Cash drawers are an essential component of most Point of Sale (POS) systems, providing a secure and organized way to store cash and other payment methods, such as checks or coupons. They are typically made of metal and feature a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
Here's How Cash Drawers Work:
- Integration with POS System: Cash drawers are connected to a POS system, typically through a cable or wireless connection. The POS system sends signals to the cash drawer to open or close it.
- Manual or Automatic: They can be opened manually by pulling a lever or automatically when a sale is completed. The automatic opening is typically triggered by the POS system once a sale is completed, and the customer has paid.
- Record Keeping: The drawers typically include a tray for coins and another for bills, making it easier to organize and count cash. Some cash drawers also feature a slot for storing checks or other payment methods.
- Security Features: They are designed to keep cash and other payment methods secure, with a locking mechanism that can only be opened with a key or code. This helps prevent theft and provides a more secure environment for handling cash.
Overall they are essential components of most systems, helping retailers manage their cash flow and providing a secure and organized way to handle cash and other payment methods.
What does one look for while buying a POS cash drawer for his or her store? In general, the size and dimensions, color, and material are the basic specifications that many consider adequate to choose the right kind of device. However, if you decide to buy cash drawers online and explore the available varieties, their specifications often mention certain terms that you might fail to understand.
As a result, you may get confused about which product is the most suitable one for your needs. So, here is a small guide that explains some of these terms for your better understanding.
Interface Type
In most cases, you would find drawers that are receipt printer-driven. What does that mean? In simple words, these drawers connect with the receipt printers of the POS station. When a cashier prepares the bill and commands the printer to print the receipt, the drawer opens up automatically to store cash accepted by the customer. Though it is the most common interface type, there are cash drawers that may have USB, serial, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and wireless interfaces to choose from.
Lock Positions
The electronic drawers meant for storing cash at POS stations have cash security as their most important task. In order to meet the desired levels of security, different drawers have designs with multiple lock positions. For example, a two-position lock allows only electronic locking and unlocking. On the other hand, a three-position lock allows electronic locking, electronic unlocking as well as manual locking. Furthermore, a four-position lock offers manual unlocking as an additional feature.
Latch Mechanism Rating
A buyer is obviously concerned about the durability of the cash drawer he or she buys. While a sturdy steel construction is one good parameter in this direction, many consider smooth operation (opening and closing) and wear-resistant rollers as other important things to look for. In addition, the match mechanism rating defines how many ‘opening and closing’ cycles is the drawer tested for. Interestingly, various models claim to have a latch mechanism rating between 1 and 4 million cycles.
Lockable Cash Till or Tray
It is easy to understand that a cash till is a tray placed in the drawer with multiple chambers for different note and coin denominations. However, you must also know that portable cash drawers come with lockable cash tills that can be locked during operations. Besides, these trays can be easily removed at the end of every shift and securely taken to the back office for depositing cash. The new cashier would have a fresh till or tray to use for his or her shift.
Media Slots
Finally, a drawer with media slots may add more value to the overall POS hardware. These slots are nothing but openings in the drawer’s face that can be used to store things other than cash. It could be cheques, credit card receipts, discount coupons, and other similar stuff the customers may use to make payments. The advantage of these slots is that the cashier can store the above-mentioned items without the need to open the drawer.
Fortunately, you may easily afford these features in your budget if you buy from a website offering a cash drawer for sale. It becomes even more sensible to prefer an electronic drawer over a manual one if you carefully consider these features while buying.
Overview of Different Types of Cash Drawers Available in the Market
There are several types of drawers available in the market today. Here is an overview of the different types:
- Traditional cash drawer: Manually operated cash drawers made of metal with a lock and key for added security.
- Electronic cash drawer: Operated through a computer or POS system, programmable to open and close automatically.
- Flip-top cash drawer: Hinged lid flips open to reveal the cash compartment.
- Portable cash drawer: Easily transported from one location to another.
- Industry-specific cash drawer: Design specifically for use in certain industries, such as hospitality or retail, may have features like bill separators and adjustable compartments.
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