Discrete-Event Simulation for SSTD Cash Servicing Optimization

Solution Overview

Problem

Managing cash in self-service transaction devices (SSTDs) is an expensive and time-consuming process, as existing strategies often rely on frequent audits and scheduled replenishments, which can be costly and inefficient, especially when dealing with variations in demand and device types.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of discrete-event simulation systems and methods that analyze cash state data and simulated input demand sequences to predict when and how much cash is needed, optimizing service schedules and reducing downtime and personnel costs by determining the specific currency requirements for each device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequent audits and scheduled replenishments are performed, then cash management reliability is improved, but operational costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecash management reliabilityVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation and prediction of cash needs before actual cash shortages occur. By analyzing historical transaction data and simulating future cash states, the system determines optimal replenishment timing and amounts in advance, avoiding both premature audits and cash shortages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual transaction data and compares it with simulated predictions. This feedback loop allows the system to refine its cash management recommendations over time, improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary audits while maintaining reliable cash availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If frequent audits and scheduled replenishments are performed, then cash management reliability is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecash management reliabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulation and prediction of cash needs before actual cash shortages occur. By analyzing historical transaction data and simulating future cash states, the system determines optimal replenishment timing and amounts in advance, avoiding both premature audits and cash shortages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors actual transaction data and compares it with simulated predictions. This feedback loop allows the system to refine its cash management recommendations over time, improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary audits while maintaining reliable cash availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If standardized replenishment schedules are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to varying demand patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability to demand patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static standardized schedules to dynamic adaptive recommendations. By continuously analyzing actual transaction data and simulating various demand scenarios, the system adjusts cash management recommendations to match actual demand patterns while maintaining ease of operation through automated analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters such as replenishment timing, amounts, and denominations based on simulated cash states and actual transaction patterns. This allows adaptive optimization of cash management for different devices and demand conditions while keeping the operational process simple through automated decision support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10223663B2Discrete-event simulation for transaction service point device cash servicing

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 NCR VOYIX CORP

AI summary

The various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for discrete-event simulation for transaction service point device cash servicing, such as SSTDs. Such embodiments provide a unique, completely different analytic approach, and predicts a more detailed set of intractable insights for efficient servicing cash needs of SSTDs. One example embodiment in the form of a method includes receiving cash state data from an SSTD into an SSTD cash state simulator and applying a set of simulated input demand sequence data to the cash state data to obtain outputs over a simulated period. This method, while executing tracks a simulated cash state of the SSTD from which the SSTD cash state data was received over the simulated period to identify SSTD servicing needs. The method then stores the identified SSTD servicing needs in an SSTD management module.