Banker S.A. April 2014 | Page 43

SECURITY Innovation to protect your money Secure management of cash is vital in order to reduce risk to banks and customers. W hen tackling a situation as complex as that of managing cash within the South African environment, each process within this cycle needs to be considered and carefully executed. Judging by the decline in the bank-related crime statistics – year on year since 2006 – the industry must be doing something right. The aggressive adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by the cash transportation industry has helped to drive cash in transit (CIT) and cash-related robberies down to their lowest rate in years. Incidents are expected to fall even further as companies invest more money in new technologies to protect their staff and their customers’ assets. ‘The decline in the number of incidents within our business sector speaks volumes for the successful implementation of technology within our operation and a collaborative approach to combating this type of crime,’ says Albert Erasmus, Managing Director of G4S South Africa. Broadly speaking, there are three areas to consider in the cash cycle: the on-site protection of cash, the protection of CIT, and the integrity of the systems used to process cash. ON-SITE PROTECTION OF CASH G4S Deposita is a recognised industry leader in the development of technology that facilitates the collection, handling, processing, safeguarding and dispensing of cash. Through access to international best practice and innovative, local product development, the on-site protection of cash has developed from the traditional physical storage of cash to sophisticated devices that secure notes and coins. This instantly validates deposits and, in some instances, allow funds to be available immediately. Similarly, the advantage of innovative technology, the latest hardware and software offerings together with tried and tested processes, ensure a robust and reliable network of ATMs in South Africa. This technology is aimed at reducing the risk of cash held in-store. PROTECTION OF CASH IN TRANSIT Transporting cash will always be risky because of the nature of the commodity. It needs to be performed within a secure framework and continually adapted to meet changing circumstances. G4S operates a fleet of fully armoured vehicles equipped with electromechanical interlocking and immobilising systems. These systems Edition 9 BANKER SA security_1.indd 41 41 2014/04/07 9:28 AM