Branch Automation - Universal Cash Processing Model

Cash processing (cash handling) information may differ in content and format depending on the make, model and purpose of the equipment that delivers the information. Absence of internationally recognized standards complicates the integration of cash processing equipment of different breeds. In order to tackle with this real life problem, Solice Technologies developed the UCPM (Universal Cash Processing Model) which is a database that sits at the core of Maestro Cash Center & Branch Automation solution.

Maestro UCPM converts and standardizes any type of data that is delivered by different cash processing (cash handling) equipment, and makes them available for further processing by Maestro applications or by any third party application. This database categorizes data of varying depth and purpose that is produced by cash counters, discriminators, sorters, recyclers, and builds relations between these to achieve meaningful information structures.

Any management application that requires to make use of cash processing (cash handling) data (ie. Core banking systems, 3rd party business intelligence applications, as well as other Maestro applications such as Maestro Reporting or Maestro CiT), need to interact only with UCPM database instead of attempting to communicate and control each and every cash processing equipment in the bank. In other words, UCPM not only formats and streamlines data which is otherwise practically unusable, but also introduces a system architectural touch to a current problem of retail banking, bringing together information management realm and the jungle of cash processing equipments, in the most elegant and smart way possible.

Once Maestro UCPM is up and running in any banking system, introduction of new brands and models of cash processing equipment (banknote handling machine) is a breeze. There is no need to update or modify any of the management applications thanks to UCPM. The only revision that may be required will be to add new drivers to the Maestro Data Transfer Application which bridges the equipment and UCPM database. In most cases, a revision will not even be necessary, as Maestro Data Transfer Application will have the required libraries already ready and tested for the new equipment that is introduced.

Maestro UCPM also takes care of data lifecycles. in other words, it manages and decides which data should be stored for how long. As one can imagine, the sheer volume of cash processing data that a midsize bank produces, can flood terabytes of storage capacity if not managed smartly.

Although, it is theoretically possible to process and store each and every data produced by cash processing equipments; transferring and keeping track of redundant information is an unnecessary burden.

Maestro Data Transfer Application can selectively collect cash processing (cash handling) data according to data acquisition policies and rules which are set in UCPM. For instance, im most cases both denominations and serial numbers need to be acquired and stored for ATM replenishment, while it is generally adequate to track and record only the denominations at branches. In other words, Maestro UCPM database can be set to work at desired levels of detail for every type of data and user location.

Data lifecycles (storage periods) can be defined for different data categories. For example, denomination and serial number data of ATM replenishment cash will need to be stored over months, as an added security against counterfeit claims. But daily cash handling data produced by tellers may need to be stored only for a few workdays. Maestro UCPM allows cash management professionals to design policies & rules for lifecycles of different types and categories of cash processing information.

UCPM database is periodically backed up to preserve historical data for future use.