While 3Rivers had implemented some Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs) across select branches, the middleware wasn’t integrated with their Fiserv DNA core system, creating operational inefficiencies that conflicted with their vision of a modern member experience.

“We want the branch to be a service center, not just a transaction center,” explained Jennifer Schmidt, AVP Member Experience, Branch Operations at 3Rivers. “We didn’t want to be so tied to the traditional teller line. That’s why we partnered with Kinective.”

The credit union needed a solution that would not only address their new hardware requirements but also support their strategic transformation from traditional transaction-focused branches to dynamic service centers where universal associates could serve members anywhere in the branch.

Kinective’s Cash Automation suite, with its Fiserv DNA integration, was the solution 3Rivers needed. As the only true enterprise, web-based solution that integrates cash handling hardware directly with teller platforms and core banking systems, Kinective eliminates the dual-entry processes that held 3Rivers back from its desired efficiency gains.

The solution empowers staff to securely process transactions to cash handling hardware from any workstation in the branch, enabling the fluid retail experience 3Rivers envisioned.

By connecting its Teller Cash Recyclers directly to the Fiserv DNA platform, every transaction flows automatically between the teller application and the cash handling hardware, eliminating manual dual-entry and streamlining end-of-day reconciliation.

“The integration was a requirement. We didn’t want our team to keep dealing with the manual, dual-entry of transactions and balancing on multiple systems at the end of the day. A huge deciding factor with Kinective was their integration with Fiserv,” said Jennifer Schmidt, AVP Member Experience, Branch Operations

Throughout the implementation process, Kinective’s team was committed to 3Rivers’ success, including training. The team recognized the importance of getting everyone on board with the change early on, but once employees experienced the system firsthand, adoption accelerated rapidly.

Mary Kent, Retail Service Specialist and Trainer for 3Rivers, found the training process surprisingly straightforward. “It was really simple to train people. Everyone said it was a lot easier than they thought it was going to be.”

Within eight weeks, the implementation and training were complete—with all 24 of the credit union’s locations live on Kinective’s platform.

The transformation at 3Rivers has delivered measurable operational improvements while supporting their strategic vision of modern member service.

Substantial Time Savings

The most immediate impact has been on end-of-day balancing processes.

“We save 5-10 minutes each day on end-of-day balancing — per device,” Schmidt reports.

For locations with three TCRs, this translates to approximately 30 minutes saved daily or 2.5 hours per week for the staff members balancing all of the machines.

“We can balance throughout the day now and remediate any errors much quicker,” adds Schmidt. “We weren’t able to do that previously.”

This real-time visibility has eliminated the stress of discovering balancing issues at the end of busy days when our lighter-staffed crews are trying to close operations.

Enhanced Security & Cash Management

The integration has fundamentally improved how 3Rivers manages cash and protects team members.

“We don’t have tons of cash sitting in the drawers, which provides safety for team members,” Schmidt explains.

The credit union is now positioned to reduce drawer cash limits, significantly reducing security risks.

Maximize Benefits of New TCRs, Including Self-Auditing

The automated auditing capabilities have also transformed compliance processes. The new cash devices implemented by 3Rivers utilized cassette transactions and supported self-auditing. With the push of a button, the credit union can automatically audit one cassette or multiple cassettes in the TCR, without exposing notes outside of the device.

For 3Rivers, this process is more secure, as cash is no longer exposed during an audit, and saves the team time thanks to automation. Kinective’s integration with Fiserv DNA ensures 3Rivers benefits from the advanced audit features available as part of their TCR investment.

“Before, we had to pull all cassettes out to audit, but now we save so much time on auditing prep because it’s automated,” Schmidt notes.

Empowered Universal Associates

The Kinective solution has enabled 3Rivers to achieve their vision of universal associates who can serve members anywhere in the branch.

“It allows us to be flexible. We can meet someone and complete a transaction in the member service rooms and help with transactions during busy branch periods,” Schmidt explains.

This flexibility has eliminated interruptions that previously disrupted important member conversations.

“We’re not interrupting interactions between members and staff because someone needs a certain denomination, so it allows for better, more focused conversations with members.”

Strong Partnership & Support from Day One

The relationship with Kinective has proven to be as valuable as the technology itself.

“Kinective has been super supportive throughout the process, and we appreciate this,” Schmidt said. For other financial institutions considering similar technology investments, Schmidt offers clear guidance: “I wasn’t familiar with cash automation solutions on the market that were integrated with DNA. Anytime you can have an integration that works with your core, that’s a win for your team and your members.”