Cloud SST Network Aggregation for Cash Replenishment Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current Self-Service Terminal (SST) management systems operate independently, leading to inefficient cash management and increased costs due to unnecessary cash replenishments and customer dissatisfaction from unavailable terminals.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a cloud-based management system that aggregates real-time metrics from SSTs, allowing for dynamic grouping and proactive management of cash levels across terminals, directing customers to fully stocked terminals, and optimizing cash replenishments through an Omni-channel platform and IoT-enabled devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If SSTs are managed independently without cloud aggregation, then each terminal operates autonomously, but cash management efficiency deteriorates leading to unnecessary replenishments and increased costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecash management efficiencyVSAvoidunnecessary cash replenishments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independently managed SSTs into a unified cloud-managed network. The cloud platform aggregates cash inventory data from all terminals and coordinates replenishment activities across the network, transforming individual terminal operations into a collective system that optimizes cash distribution and reduces redundant replenishments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If real-time cloud management is implemented across SST network, then cash distribution is optimized and replenishment frequency reduces, but system complexity increases due to cloud infrastructure and data integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcloud management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud platform serves as an intermediary layer between SSTs and the cash management system. It receives real-time inventory data from terminals via standardized API integrations, processes aggregation and analysis centrally, then distributes optimized replenishment instructions back to individual terminals, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If SSTs operate without proactive cash level monitoring, then maintenance costs are lower, but customer satisfaction deteriorates due to unavailable terminals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal availabilityVSAvoidmaintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring cash levels at SSTs in real-time and predicting when terminals will require replenishment based on transaction patterns and historical data. The cloud platform initiates replenishment coordination before cash depletion occurs, ensuring terminal availability while optimizing the timing and routing of cash deliveries to minimize costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11721180B2Self-service terminal (SST) network real-time cloud management

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 NCR ATLEOS CORP

AI summary

Cloud-based methods and systems are presented for aggregating custom groupings of Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) and managing the SSTs through a network. Real-time information for the SSTs are gathered and interfaces are used to direct selective usage of particular SSTs within a grouping. The groupings optimized for reducing media replenishment and service of any particular SST within the grouping.