How to Choose a Banknote Sorter: Pockets, Fitness Sorting, Serial Capture and Throughput

Short answer: Choose a banknote sorter by working backwards from the job. Count how many notes you process per day and how many separate outputs you need in a single pass, then decide whether you only need value counting and authentication or also FIT/UNFIT fitness sorting and serial-number capture. A compact two-pocket machine such as the Easy-Banker BS-8900 suits branches, exchange counters and retailers that mainly count mixed denominations. A fitness sorter with serial capture such as the BS-611, or a multi-pocket model such as the BS-631, suits banks and cash centres that must return clean, traceable bundles.

What is the difference between a money counter and a banknote sorter?

A money counter counts notes and checks them for counterfeits, usually one denomination at a time. A banknote sorter reads every note it feeds: its denomination, its face and orientation, and often its condition. It can then count a mixed stack by value and send notes that do not belong in the batch to a reject pocket. The extra sensors and image analysis are what you pay for. If your tellers only ever count single-denomination straps, a good counter may be enough. If you receive mixed deposits and must face, orient or grade notes before re-issuing them, you need a sorter.

How many pockets do you actually need?

Pockets decide how much work the machine finishes in one pass.

• 1 output + 1 reject (often called a two-pocket sorter). The machine counts the mixed stack by value and diverts suspect, unreadable or off-criteria notes to the reject pocket. The BS-8900 and BS-611 both use this layout. It is compact and fast to operate, and it covers most branch and retail work.
• 3 output + 1 reject. The BS-631 sorts three ways in a single pass, for example three denominations, or fit notes, unfit notes and a third category, while still rejecting suspects. Its feeder takes up to 1,000 notes, so it suits back-office and cash-centre volumes.
• More pockets. Larger multi-pocket sorters split even more categories at once. They make sense when you process large mixed volumes every day and want fewer re-runs.

A simple rule: if operators regularly run the same stack two or three times to separate it, extra pockets will pay back in labour.

Do you need fitness (FIT/UNFIT) sorting?

Fitness sorting checks whether a genuine note is still good enough to go back into circulation. Banks and cash centres that re-issue notes usually need it; shops and exchange counters usually do not. On the BS-611 and BS-631, fitness sorting uses a 200 dpi contact image sensor that reads both sides of the note by reflection and by transmission in visible and infrared light, UV and RGB sensors that check for washed notes, and mechanical thickness checking that catches tears, adhesive, tape and doubles. If your central bank or your bank customers publish fitness rules, ask the supplier which criteria the machine can be configured for before you buy.

How important is serial-number capture?

Serial-number capture turns a sorter into a record-keeping tool. The BS-611 and BS-631 can capture note serial numbers, print them and store them on a memory card, and both offer RS232, USB and LAN connections. This matters when you must trace a counterfeit back to a deposit, settle a dispute with a customer, or keep an audit trail for a cash-in-transit job. If you do not have to answer those questions, you can skip the feature and buy a simpler machine.

Which detection features should be on the checklist?

Look for several independent checks, not one. Typical combinations include:

• Infrared and magnetic sensing to authenticate inks and security threads. The BS-611 and BS-631 analyse both strong and weak magnetic patterns as well as the metal thread.
• Image sensing with a CIS or RGB/white-light sensors to recognise denomination and orientation.
• Feeding error detection for half notes, double notes and chain notes. The BS-8900 detects all three automatically.
• Mixed substrate handling if your market has both paper and polymer notes. The BS-8900 has a VER mode that automatically differentiates paper and plastic notes in a mixed batch.

Also confirm that the currencies you handle are supported in the configuration you order. The BS-611 and BS-631 currency lists include USD, EUR, GBP, CNY, JPY, KRW, RUB, INR and IDR, among others. For anything else, ask before ordering rather than assuming.

What throughput and capacity figures matter?

Rated speed is only part of the story. The BS-8900 runs at 800, 1,000 or 1,200 notes per minute, and the BS-611 and BS-631 run fitness sorting at 800 or 1,000 notes per minute. In practice, hopper size and pocket size often limit throughput more than speed does, because the operator must stop to refill and empty. The BS-631 feeder takes up to 1,000 notes and each of its three output pockets takes 100 notes, extendable to 200 by software. Small pockets are fine for counting at the counter; large feeders and pockets matter for back-office runs.

Where will the machine sit, and who will use it?

Size and weight differ a lot between classes. The BS-8900 measures 285 x 281 x 313 mm and weighs 7.9 kg, so it fits on a teller counter. The BS-631 measures 650 x 420 x 450 mm and weighs 58 kg, so it needs a dedicated desk in a back office. Think about the screen too: a larger colour touch screen with clear menus, as on the BS-631, shortens training for new staff. Accessories such as an external customer display and a printer help where customers watch the count or need a receipt.

A quick buying checklist

1. Daily volume and peak batch size.
2. Outputs needed in one pass: 1+1, 3+1 or more.
3. Value counting only, or fitness sorting as well.
4. Serial-number capture and the data connections you need.
5. Currencies, including any polymer notes.
6. Space, weight, power and operator training.
7. Spare parts, software updates and after-sales support from the supplier.

FAQ

Is a two-pocket sorter enough for a bank branch?
For many branches, yes. A 1+1 machine counts mixed deposits by value and rejects suspect notes. Choose a fitness model if the branch re-issues notes and must remove worn ones.

Can one sorter handle several currencies?
Yes, multi-currency sorters are common, but the supported list depends on the machine and its configuration. Always confirm your exact currencies with the supplier.

Does serial-number capture slow the machine down?
On machines designed for it, serial capture runs during normal sorting. Check the rated speed for the mode you will use.

How do I get a recommendation for my volume?
Send Easy-Banker your daily volume, currencies and the outputs you need, and we will suggest a suitable sorter model.