SuperValu Fermoy
In-Store Cash Automation Unlocks Time and Accuracy at SuperValu Fermoy
SuperValu Fermoy modernized its in-store cash operations with automated recycling, reducing manual handling, improving accuracy, and freeing staff to stay focused on customers instead of back-office tasks. The added efficiency has strengthened day-to-day operations and improved overall store performance.
Business Objectives
SuperValu Fermoy, part of the Musgrave Group and operated by the Riordan family, sought to modernize their in-store cash operations. Their goal was to enhance operational efficiency, reduce the time and labor involved in handling cash, and allow staff to focus more on customer service, all while maintaining the store’s high standards for reliability and community-centered service.
Challenges
With 20 till points and high footfall, SuperValu Fermoy faced complex cash handling demands. Prior to automation, staff manually prepared till floats, balanced cash drawers, and managed ATM lodgements, often resulting in human error, time loss, and security risks. The cash office became a bottleneck, especially during peak hours, limiting managers’ and staff’s ability to focus on core retail tasks.
Solutions
In partnership with Money Point, Sesami implemented an integrated cash automation solution featuring the Arca CM18 banknote recycler and CC3R coin recycler. Together, these systems eliminated manual counting, accelerated float preparation, and gave management full visibility and control over every cash movement across all 20 tills.
Results
Major Reduction in Manual Work
Weekly cash-office time dropped by around 30%, while ATM preparation time decreased by nearly two-thirds, freeing staff from late evening reconciliation tasks.
Faster Till Operations
Till float preparation is now completed in less than one-third of the time, and float balancing is over 60% faster than before.
More Time for Customers
Staff now spend more time on the shop floor, improving service and overall store experience. Management enjoys full visibility, traceability, and improved confidence in cash processes.
Background
SuperValu Fermoy, operated by the Riordan family and part of the Musgrave Group, is a busy, community-focused supermarket with consistently high footfall and 20 till points in operation each day. Like many modern retailers, the store faced increasing pressure to streamline back-office processes, improve accuracy, and reinvest staff time on the shop floor. With growing operational demands and a strong commitment to customer service, the store identified cash automation as a critical priority for improving efficiency and reducing manual workload.
The Challenge
Before automation, SuperValu Fermoy relied heavily on manual cash handling. Staff spent long hours preparing till floats, balancing drawers, counting notes and coins, and managing ATM lodgements. These processes often extended the cash-office workday to 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., creating bottlenecks during peak trading hours. The repetitive workload increased the risk of human error, caused delays in reconciliation, and limited the time staff and managers could spend supporting customers and store operations.
“We used to have people in the cash office until 6:30 or 7 o’clock at night. It took time away from the shopfloor and from customers.”
Michael Riordan
Owner, SuperValu Fermoy
The Solution
In partnership with Money Point, Sesami implemented a fully automated cash-management solution tailored to the store’s high-volume environment. The deployment included the Arca CM18 banknote recycler and the Arca CC3R coin recycler, transforming how cash is handled across all 20 tills.
The solution provided complete end-to-end control of the cash lifecycle, improved accuracy, accelerated daily routines, and gave store management real-time visibility into cash operations.
“The CM18 gave them end-to-end control of the cash lifecycle. It’s more than a device, it’s a solution that empowers the whole team.”
Tony Farrell
CEO, Money Point
- The CM18 automates manual note handling, reducing errors and freeing up cashier time.
- It enables batch deposits of up to 200 banknotes, and holds up to 500 banknotes per recycling module.
- Built-in sensors authenticate and validate banknotes under visible light, UV, IR, and magnetic detection.
- Available in Short and Tall models to suit space and user needs; scalable up to 12 recycling modules.
- The CC3R automates coin handling for all registers in use each day.
- It counts and dispenses exact floats at the start of each shift and quickly accepts coins for sorting and storage at shift end.
- With a touchscreen interface and a back-office monitoring software, coin inventory and operations are fully visible and manageable.
- The device significantly reduces the need for frequent coin orders and ensures each cashier has the right denominations when needed.
The Results
The combined CM18 and CC3R solution delivered dramatic improvements in efficiency and staff productivity at SuperValu Fermoy.
1. Major Reduction in Manual Work
Weekly cash-office time dropped by around 30%, while ATM preparation time decreased by nearly two-thirds, freeing staff from late evening reconciliation tasks.
2. Faster Till Operations
Till float preparation is now completed in less than one-third of the time, and float balancing is over 60% faster than before.
3. More Time for Customers
Staff now spend more time on the shop floor, improving service and overall store experience. Management enjoys full visibility, traceability, and improved confidence in cash processes.
“The staff are happier. They’re spending more time serving customers and less time dealing with cash.”
Michael Riordan
“It’s made life easier for management too. Everything is visible, traceable, and secure.”
Tony Farrell
Benefits & Conclusion
The collaboration between SuperValu Fermoy, Money Point, and Sesami showcases how tailored cash automation solutions can deliver meaningful improvements in operational efficiency. The combination of the CM18 and CC3R helped eliminate time consuming manual processes, empower staff, and enhance service delivery giving the SuperValu team the time, control, and confidence to focus on what they do best: serving their customers.
“It’s not just about automation, it’s about making life easier for everyone in the store.”
Michael Riordan
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