Banking Agencies

If a pharmacy takes on a banking agency or ATM, the following should be in place...

• excellent external, physical, access control
• monitored alarms, reed switches and vibration sensors, silent duress alarms (used in the event of a hold-up)
• CCTV throughout the pharmacy
• time delay drop safe for cash storage during the day
• cash rated overnight cash safe
• use of professional money carriers for banking (note that some will not insure cash and if this is the case you will have an exposure).

The best ATM solution is where the bank installs and maintains the device and is completely responsible. When considering an ATM, check the following:

• who is responsible for the cash
• who is responsible for maintenance
• quality and cash rating of the ATM's safe (some are not rated so you may be exposed after a break-in)
• operation of the ATM (some require new notes)
• hidden costs in the proposed benefit.