
Payments can be made with notes and coins or by card. When configured to do so, the machine can also give change in notes and coins.
If the transaction is cancelled, all notes inserted during the transaction are returned. The system uses the barcode generated by the operating organisation either to identify the user (event) or as an access code to permit payment. The actual mode of functioning depends strictly on the architecture adopted for the system.
The automatic cash machine can operate in two modes, depends strictly on the architecture adopted for the system:
STAND ALONE: The barcode issued to the user (e.g. on a tax bill etc.) contains more or less the following data: • Amount due • Event ID (fine or payment for service, depending on the organisation’s procedures) • Expiry date • Control characters (checksum digits). At the end of the day, the appliance generates a file and sends it to the organisation’s server via Ethernet or modem line, using FTP protocol. This file allows the operating organisation to identify missed payments and register completed transactions in its accounting database.
ON LINE: This functioning mode requires continuous use of a network, as the barcode permits access to the operating organisation’s payments database. When the user inserts his/her bill or pre-printed form bearing the barcode, the self-service machine interrogates the server and obtains all the information needed for the payment, and in particular: • The amount due • Type of payment • Relevant user details. On completion of the payment, the machine updates the server database in real time. The software installed on the machine has been entirely developed by DATA 4, and can be customised on request and interfaced with whatever enterprise management system the operating organisation uses.