After Japan’s new banknotes entered circulation, financial institutions had to withdraw old notes and issue new ones at the same time. New security features and a different feel mean counters, sorters, and strapping machines needed recalibration.
Cash centers paid special attention to tightness and appearance of 1,000-note bundles, because new notes must stay flat before transport and ATM replenishment. Machines that can fine-tune pressure and binding position handle the changeover peak more easily.
The rollout is also a reminder that cash automation is more than counting: strapping and packaging decide final circulation quality.