Security drawers fall under one of Wittenbach’s foundational pillars, physical security, which encompasses a wide variety of conventional branch equipment. As our website mentions, “Even as more electronic and digital means of security become available, traditional physical security elements remain an essential part of securing both assets and your employees for financial institutions, retail establishments, pharmacies and more.”
Creative Industries explains the basic premise of the deal drawer, saying, “A bulletproof deal drawer extends the protection provided by the glass window between the customer and the employee. Made from durable stainless steel, these drawers ensure employees remain protected at all times from the person on the other side of the window. Depending on the size of the drawer, you can easily exchange payment and merchandise with customers throughout the day.”
Considerations when selecting your security drawer
Virtually all security drawers come standard with certain components such as bulletproof glass, a two-way drawer motion, an internal lock, and an extending tray to facilitate transactions. However, the availability of other defining features means that the right security drawer for your branch can be a recipe of several different factors.
- Are you retrofitting your existing branch with a new deal drawer, or installing it into a new building? Will you only need to put financial notes and documents through the drawer, prescriptions if you’re a pharmacy, or larger merchandise items? Drawer size and building construction are two connected considerations.
Total Security Solutions says, “While smaller models can be mounted in existing interior walls without much fuss, many of the larger package passers weigh over 140 pounds. Depending on the building’s design, this may necessitate additional reinforcement and blocking, or a reconsideration of the configuration of counter space and access points.”
- Employee comfort and efficiency are also top of mind. Will your teller be in a sitting position most of the time? Ergonomics and ease of use are important factors when choosing a deal drawer model for your institution.
- Will your deal drawer be walk-up or drive-thru? The model you choose will depend on the way your clients interact with you, whether via car or on foot.
- Will your drawer need to withstand the elements? Consider the environment around you; if your branch exists somewhere with harsh weather conditions, you’ll want to ensure that your security drawer is constructed with rugged durability in mind, made out of weather-resistant, bullet-resistant stainless steel. Many models also restrict airflow from outside to inside, providing further weatherproofing even when the drawer is open to the client.
- Is your branch in a high-traffic, noisy location? Consider the capability and quality of the intercom and speaker system of your security drawer, so that each client interaction is audible, clear, and efficient.
Security drawers Wittenbach recommends
As a trusted partner of Hamilton security products, we are the experts on the leading edge of branch security. Hamilton’s family of security drawer products includes four main models: the standard 400DD, the oversized DCD-18, the compact DD-8, and the 300WW walk-up drawer. Based outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton stands behind their security products with a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship. Below, we will cover the specifications of each model to better equip you to make your purchasing decision.
Hamilton Models 400DD & DCD-18
Per the Hamilton website, “Two unique features to Hamilton drawers include our patented suspension-free design which virtually eliminates mechanical maintenance problems common with other transaction drawers. Also, the standard-size 400DD and oversized DCD-18 provide the operator access to the drawer at the edge of the counter. There’s no reaching or straining to place or remove the contents within the drawer.”
Both models also include:
- Easy push button electric operation with manual override
- Drawer is sealed to outside air entering the building
- Drawer extension adjusts to various curb widths
- Audio system included
- Great for both new installations and replacements
The Hamilton DD-8 Compact Deal Drawer
The Hamilton DD-8 Compact is designed specifically to optimize operations with maximal use of space inside the pharmacy, capacity to fit the majority of large prescription containers, ease of servicing and customer convenience, while ensuring maximum security. The drawer and window are designed to be used together, but can also be installed separately to replace existing equipment in both drive-thru and walk-up applications.
Drawer features include:
- Drawer size: 6″h x 9.5″d x 13″w
- Stainless steel exterior finish, interior available in stainless steel, color matched steel or laminated wood to match the interior of the pharmacy
- Manual design provides easy option for technicians
- The drawer extends on a rotating arm which gets rotated back if hit by a car, virtually eliminating the risk of replacing drawers that have been knocked out of alignment
- Drawer can accommodate various curb widths and car placements by stopping wherever needed
- Sealed to outside air entering the building even when the drawer is extended to the customer
The Hamilton 300WW Walk-Up Drawer
The Hamilton 300WW Walk-Up Drawer is a manual rotary drawer option for high branch security and convenient customer walk-up service.
Drawer features include:
- Stainless steel exterior finish
- Simple, easy-to-use rotating design
- Hamilton 5500 Series audio included
- Manual design provides easy option for technicians
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Weather resistant and sealed to protect from the elements
Conclusion
The right deal drawer is out there; Wittenbach is here to help you choose the best one for your financial institution, pharmacy, or retail location. Get in touch with us anytime to discuss more about our available products, services, and recommendations custom to your physical security needs.
