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Insights and Expertise

Trays boost cash logistics efficiency

At the same time, the key requirements for a functioning
cash circulation system must not be neglected: reliable
cash supply, scalability based on current demand, and
stability and resilience during crises. In addition, sustain-
ability issues such as waste reduction and resource con-
servation must be addressed.

A prime example and model for logistics optimization is
the shipping container, millions of which are stored in
ports or freight centers and transported by truck, train or
ship. The key factor in this success story is standardization.
Because of their uniform size and shape, containers can be
loaded efficiently and moved easily between modes.

By Jim Petit This results in shorter handling times, lower transporta-
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) tion costs, better utilization of transport vehicles, lower
fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.
functioning cash supply is a stabilizing fac-
tor in our society, both in everyday life and Off to the container
especially in times of crisis. While digital pay-
A ments are on the rise in the United States, cash With this efficiency profile, containers can serve as a mod-
el for banknote transportation. Instead of bundling, band-
remains an important part of the economy.
ing and packaging banknotes in separate steps, mini-con-
According to the Federal Reserve, (see https://bit. tainers—called trays—can be filled with loose banknotes.
ly/4hjonUC) cash was used in 18 percent of all payments in These trays are secured with lockable lids and seals, al-
lowing cash centers to store them securely. Within a cash
2022, and it continues to be an essential payment method,
particularly for small-value transactions. As such, the de- center, repackaging is no longer necessary when prepar-
ing banknotes for ATM cassettes, for example.
mands for a robust and efficient cash circulation system
are increasing. Standardized trays could help to stream-
line banknote transportation processes, leading to a sig-
nificant increase in the efficiency of cash logistics. Streamlining cash logistics with trays

In the United States, cash remains a universal, crisis-proof, Standardized trays offer innovative solutions to enhance
inclusive and unconditional means of payment. As a pub- efficiency and sustainability in cash logistics. Here's how
lic good, it is also a crucial factor for the economy and they optimize the cash cycle:
trade. Maintaining a vital cash circulation system requires
a certain amount of effort, as the underlying process chain • Standardization: Trays replace bundling and
involves a number of steps—from issuance by commercial packaging with reusable mini-containers, simpli-
banks to widespread distribution, which requires signifi- fying cash handling and reducing waste.
cant transportation and logistics efforts, to inspection and • Efficiency gains: Trays shorten handling times,
counting at cash centers, and finally to sorting at the end cut transportation costs and eliminate redundant
of its lifecycle. Given that cost efficiency is critical to the processes in cash centers.
cash cycle, approaches that reduce costs within the pro-
cess chain are of great value. • Automation readiness: Trays enable automated
Improving the efficiency of cash logistics filling and emptying with modern banknote pro-
cessing systems, reducing manual intervention.
One of the most promising areas for improvement is lo-
gistics. Whether banks handle their cash processing in • Digital integration: Digital twins for trays en-
regional cash centers or outsource it to specialized cash- hance cash management, enabling real-time
in-transit (CIT) companies, there is considerable potential tracking and streamlined accounting.
to make the process chain faster and more cost-effective • Sustainability: Reusable trays minimize paper
in transportation, cash center operations and banknote and plastic waste, aligning with banks' eco-friend-
handling. In cash logistics, as in many other areas, two ly goals.
approaches are typically effective: standardization and
automation. The focus is on identifying and eliminating By adopting trays across the cash cycle—from central banks
redundant process steps to streamline operations, reduce to cash-in-transit companies—stakeholders can achieve faster
complexity and save costs. operations, reduced costs, and a resilient, scalable system.

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