Branch Transformation
What's the future of cash management?
Cash recycling, forecasting and AI tools are on the rise. Here's how they can transform cash management.
January 13, 2026 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator
Cash usage has hit an overall plateau, but the costs of managing cash have risen. Due to rising ATM crimes, inflation, security measures, and of course cash transit costs, it can be very expensive to keep an ATM running smoothly.
However, there are also more tools available than ever before to manage cash and its costs. These include cash recycling features, cash forecasting software and of course AI tools.
To learn more about trends in cash management, ATM Marketplace reached out to Gabrielle Widenor, VP of strategic innovation and channel partner manager at Cash Connect , in an email interview.
Q: The costs of cash management has gone up. Why has this occurred?
Widenor: After an extended period of historically low interest rates, recent increases have significantly affected the ability of Independent ATM Deployers (IADs) and retailers to manage their cash flow efficiently. These challenges are further compounded by rising armored carrier costs, performance pressures amid increasing operational expenses, and the absence of automated processes. Together, these factors emphasize the critical need for comprehensive cash management solutions, highlighting the value of cash automation and adherence to industry-leading practices to streamline operations and support financial stability.
Q: What are some of the security threats of cash management/logistics?
Widenor: Cash management and logistics are critical operations for many businesses, but they come with several security challenges that can pose significant risks if not addressed effectively, including theft and robbery, fraud and internal misconduct, poor operational controls and disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The ongoing combination of physical and logical attacks on cash management solutions underscores the importance of implementing robust security protocols and collaborating with trusted logistics providers, prioritizing compliance with industry security standards to ensure proper safeguarding of cash operations.
Q: What are some more efficient tools for handling cash?
Widenor: Retailers adopting cash automation tools — such as smart safes, cash recyclers, and kiosks — can significantly decrease the need for staff to handle cash, streamlining operations and addressing common friction points related to cash deposits and tracking.
In addition, working with a partner to perform cash forecasting and optimization leverages historical activity to determine optimal cash loads, enabling better budget management, mitigating risks and ensuring effective terminal loads and monitoring. This combination of automation and predictive insights supports improved efficiency and aligns with operational excellence goals.
By automating cash handling processes, businesses can streamline workflows, reduce human error, and free up valuable time for more critical tasks. The result is increased productivity and improved accuracy in financial management.
Q: We often hear we are getting close to smarter AI powered cash replenishment tools. How close are we?
Widenor:The cash industry continues to explore opportunities to integrate AI-driven tools for cash replenishment optimization. Developing a reliable model requires careful evaluation of regression analysis techniques and a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in cash management to ensure accurate and reliable outcomes.
Q: What role is cash recycling playing?
Widenor:Cash recycling automates the handling and redistribution of cash, reducing manual intervention. This streamlining minimizes errors, lowers processing time and ensures consistent cash availability, freeing up personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. The improved customer experience, coupled with the increased functionality available on the device, creates a virtuous cycle with the benefits of an ATM and an automated cash deposit solution.
Q: What do you see as the future of cash management/logistics?
Widenor:
- Just in time: ATM replenishment focused on when cash is needed — with improved cash residuals and dynamic routing with armored carriers.
- Cash automation and streamlined reconciliation: Continued focus on streamlined reconciliation and data to inform strategic decision making, propelled by the implementation of cash automation solutions and enhanced resource allocation.
Q: What sort of innovative tools/solutions does Cash Connect provide?
Widenor:
- ATM Vault Cash with cash forecasting and cash optimization.
- Armored carrier management: escalations, claims management, performance tracking and consolidation of vendors.
- Cash automation solutions with daily credit and streamlined reporting.
About Bradley Cooper
Included In This Story
Cash Connect
Cash Connect is the nation's premier and longest standing vault cash and logistics provider to the ATM industry and now allows you to generate growing new revenue streams with Smart Safes, Recyclers and Kiosks.
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