Logicpath Insights

Financial institutions use limits to manage their cash supply chain and inventory, however there are “do’s” and “don’ts” of setting limits that can drastically affect your success. Today, we will discuss best practices your bank or credit union can use to set limits appropriately.

Another one of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the partial closure of the economy. Due to this partial closure, a nationwide coin shortage has developed because consumers are unable to spend their coins at local businesses that were temporarily closed or cut back on their operations. In addition, the U.S. Mint’s coin production also decreased at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep employees safe. Additionally, we’ve seen an increase in online purchasing which yet again, leave coins out of the mix. All of these factors mean there are less coins now in circulation.

If we’ve learned anything over the last few months, it is that the least expected can easily become reality and everything can change in an instant. In our previous post we talked a lot about the trends that should be evaluated when reviewing your cash supply chain and the processes surrounding your branch, ATM and vault cash inventory, but as we adjust to a “new normal” we are beginning to see that the previous trends may not always apply.

This week, our smart tip focuses on awareness of trends in the demand for cash. While we have all witnessed the unexpected over the last few months and recognize the importance of being prepared for the unknown, it is even more critical to be aware of ongoing and predictable trends that impact your cash flow. Here are five tips to help your financial institution optimize their cash supply chain and inventory.

A good inventory system is important to any business' growth. For most industries, inventory ties up cash figuratively in products sitting on a shelf or in a warehouse. But for financial institutions, branch, ATM, vault and device cash is a financial institution’s inventory.

Every responsible branch manager strives to satisfy his/her customers’ banking needs, especially when it comes to their demands for cash. Not being able to fulfill a customer’s request for cash at a bank or credit union branch is probably every head teller’s nightmare!

Make running out of cash a thing of the past, address the problems of denomination shortfall, its consequences, and possible solutions.

Simply reducing cash by a flat dollar-amount does not give you optimal cash levels. Cash management is more than a cash reduction.

Depository institutions, such as banks and credit unions, can significantly reduce their reserve requirements and eliminate balances held at the Fed.

Most financial institutions “think” they manage cash efficiently. Cash is often managed up - to limits, not down - to usage-driven levels.