1. AXIOM replaced error-prone paper tracking with GS1 Standards to modernize cash logistics.
Digital transactions dominate modern commerce. But cash remains vital for many consumers, businesses, institutions, and communities. In an industry where precision and security are paramount, AXIOM Armored Transport is helping redefine the cash supply chain. As a regional armored carrier serving financial institutions, ATMs, and commercial clients across the West Coast and Alaska, AXIOM saw firsthand the limitations of paper-based tracking. With the Federal Reserve signaling a shift toward electronic manifests, AXIOM stepped up as an early adopter, embracing GS1 Standards to digitize cash logistics and achieve new levels of visibility.
By integrating Global Location Numbers (GLNs) and Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCCs), the company has streamlined operations, reduced errors, and delivered greater transparency to its customers.
Key Takeaways
2. The shift boosted efficiency, cut errors, and sped up reconciliation.
3. Digitizing the process is simpler than expected—AXIOM suggests starting with a GS1 Company Prefix and partnering early.
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The Challenge: Complexity and Risk in the Cash Supply Chain
Before adopting GS1 Standards, AXIOM Armored Transport—like many in the cash logistics industry—relied on paper manifests and manual tracking. Each transaction, from Federal Reserve pickups to ATM replenishments and commercial deposits, was documented by hand. “When I started, it was all handwritten. Some people have great handwriting, some people not so much,” recalled Robert Skitt, Sr. Manager Business Services with AXIOM. “So then it’s like, OK, is that the actual [amount]?”
This manual process left room for human error, delayed reconciliation, and limited visibility into where cash was at any given moment. Billions of dollars move through the cash supply chain daily, and without real-time traceability, financial institutions and carriers face operational blind spots.
“It’s a very complex system out there when it comes to the dollar,” Robert explained. “Cash visibility is being able to track that workflow of where that money is, from start to finish.”
Recognizing these risks, the Federal Reserve began encouraging the industry to move toward electronic manifests. In a joint statement, members of the Cash Visibility Subcommittee and the Cash Advisory Council committed to “collaboration toward full adoption of the GS1 Standards for Cash Visibility.” AXIOM is among the first to act and is helping lead the way.
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The Turning Point: Why AXIOM Chose GS1 Standards
To modernize its operations and meet growing demands for transparency, AXIOM turned to GS1 Standards—specifically, GLNs and SSCCs. These identifiers serve as the backbone of traceability, enabling AXIOM to have a digital record of when and where cash bags are picked up or delivered.
When the Federal Reserve began piloting electronic manifests, AXIOM didn’t hesitate. Robert recalled, “I jumped at the chance for our company to volunteer.” Though not a tech specialist, he saw the opportunity to lead. “I want to know what’s out there, what’s trending, what’s going to help improve our processes for the customer experience ... make it a better workflow for our employees, better visibility of just the whole process,” he explained.
By stepping up early, AXIOM helped shape the rollout. “I’d rather be on the leading edge and help drive how it’s going to work,” Robert said. “We got to have a say and helped work out a lot of the kinks and bugs.”
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Implementation Journey: From Skepticism to Success
When the Federal Reserve introduced electronic manifests, many in the industry were skeptical. Robert recalled, “Everybody kind of scoffed— ‘Oh, what kind of magic are you talking about?’” But AXIOM saw an opportunity and volunteered to pilot the program.
The company began onboarding financial institutions and integrating GS1 Standards into its operations. Handheld scanners in armored vehicles now track each cash bag from pickup to delivery. “You can see that process—who signed for it, when we were there, when we left,” Robert explained.
With support from GS1 US® and the Federal Reserve, AXIOM helped shape a smooth rollout.
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When I started this, I [thought] this is going to be a massive undertaking. It’s going to take hours of time just to implement the onboarding.” But in reality, it “was actually pretty easy,” Robert said, likening the experience to smoking a brisket for the first time. He was nervous about ruining it, but after doing it, he recalled, “I don’t know what I was worried about. It’s not as difficult as I thought.”
Robert Skitt
Sr. Manager Business Services, AXIOM
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Business Impact: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Trust
AXIOM’s adoption of GS1 Standards has delivered clear operational gains. With handheld scanners tracking each cash bag, the company has reduced missed deliveries and made processing faster. “Thirty seconds, two minutes at each stop adds up,” said Robert. “That’s us being out on the road for less time, which means we’re not at risk as much.”
Digitization has also improved customer service. Real-time tracking and searchable records allow for faster reconciliation and fewer disputes. “You just pull up your program, type in a bag number and a date range. It makes for quicker reconciliation with the customer,” Robert explained.
These efficiencies have led to cost savings through reduced payroll hours and fewer errors. AXIOM’s leadership in piloting the program also helped bring other carriers and banks on board, which is accelerating adoption and setting a new standard for trust and transparency in cash logistics.
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Advice and Lessons Learned
For financial institutions and carriers considering digitization and the shift to GS1 Standards, Robert offers simple advice: “Don’t psych yourself out. It’s not as hard as it sounds.”
Robert encourages peers to stay open-minded and collaborative. “Be open-minded and work with GS1, work with your carrier or your financial institution,” he said. The first step is straightforward: license a GS1 Company Prefix to begin assigning standardized identifiers.
By embracing the change, AXIOM unlocked greater visibility, accuracy, and efficiency across its operations. The benefits—faster reconciliation, fewer errors, and improved customer trust—far outweigh the initial hesitation. As Robert put it, “In the grand scheme of things, it really is not that difficult.”
Now is the time to modernize and join a growing network committed to a more secure and transparent cash supply chain.
Learn how GS1 Standards can help you gain visibility, reduce risk, and stay ahead of industry change.
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