Abstract: A drop safe comprising a vault, a computing means within the vault, at least one bill validator, a code reader, and a currency compartment. The computing means is connected to the bill validator and a code reader. The currency compartment receives and stores paper currency from the bill validator. The computing means, initially in idle mode, switches to deposit mode when the code reader detects a deposit initiation code. While in the deposit mode, the computing means monitors the bill validator and the code reader for detection of a deposit of paper currency, deposit termination code, and a time-out condition. The deposit mode terminates when a deposit termination code or a time-out condition is detected, in which case the computing means switches back to idle mode. Methods of depositing cash into the drop safe, and removing cash the drop safe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of servicing a drop safe. Actual timing and amounts of deposits made to the drop safe are tracked over a predetermined number of historical days. Based on the tracked deposits, the timing and amounts of deposits to the drop safe are predicted for a predetermined number of future days. An optimal day for a carrier to pickup currency held in the drop safe is estimated from the predetermined number of future days. The optimal pickup day is based on: a) the predicted deposits spanning at least some of the predetermined number of future days; b) a currency holding capacity of said drop safe; c) a currency holding cost; d) a currency-in-transit cost; and e) a drop safe service cost. A pickup is arranged with the carrier on at least the one optimal pickup day. A system, and a computer readable medium carrying computer readable instructions for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drop safe comprising a vault, a computing means within the vault, at least one bill validator, a code reader, and a currency compartment. The computing means is connected to the bill validator and a code reader. The currency compartment receives and stores paper currency from the bill validator. The computing means, initially in idle mode, switches to deposit mode when the code reader detects a deposit initiation code. While in the deposit mode, the computing means monitors the bill validator and the code reader for detection of a deposit of paper currency, deposit termination code, and a time-out condition. The deposit mode terminates when a deposit termination code or a time-out condition is detected, in which case the computing means switches back to idle mode. Methods of depositing cash into the drop safe, and removing cash the drop safe are also disclosed.