POS Cash Drawer Overview
Purpose:
A cash drawer serves as a secure, temporary storage solution for cash in retail environments and assists with transaction management. It connects directly to a point-of-sale (POS) system, which signals the drawer to open when a transaction occurs.
Operation:
- Automatic Opening: The drawer opens automatically when the POS system sends a specific signal, facilitating efficient cash transactions.
- Physical Access: Retail staff must exert a manual force to open the drawer and its movable tray, enabling them to handle cash effectively. Additionally, they need to close the drawer manually.
Key Features of Cash Drawers
- Automated Mechanism:
- The robust self-locking system allows for quick and consecutive openings and closings.
- Condition Monitoring:
- A microswitch tracks whether the drawer is open or closed. This feature allows the POS application to monitor the drawer’s status and verify transaction legitimacy.
- Organized Storage:
- The design accommodates bills and coins separated by denomination, which helps streamline rapid cash exchanges.
- Load-Bearing Design:
- This feature permits the installation of a cash register and related components without disrupting the drawer’s operation.
- Manual Access:
- Users can manually open the drawer using a key when necessary.
Operational States
A cash drawer can operate in three to four defined states, depending on its design:
- Closed:
- An internal electrical latch keeps the movable tray locked. Users can open it by sending an electrical signal or by using a key.
- Locked Closed:
- The inner lock secures the sliding tray, preventing it from opening unintentionally.
- Open:
- The tray releases under the action of an ejection spring, allowing easy access to its contents.
- Locked Open (if available):
- In this state, the tray remains intentionally open, preventing it from being closed until the user decides to do so. However, not all models include this feature.
