A cash drawer is a lockable metal tray with compartments for notes and coins, connected to a POS system. It opens on command at the point of a cash sale, a no-sale or a float adjustment, and stays locked otherwise.
Most drawers connect through the receipt printer using an RJ11 or RJ12 cable. When the POS sends a print job with a drawer-kick command, the printer sends a pulse that releases the lock. Some use USB or are triggered by the POS directly. A key lock lets managers secure the drawer.
Retailers and hospitality venues choose drawer size by how many note and coin slots they need. Cafes may want compact under-counter drawers, while busier stores may need wider ones. Because cash handling is logged, each open should be tied to a user and a reason.
Check compatibility with your printer and POS, as drawer-kick signals vary. Control no-sale openings with permissions, since unexplained openings are a common sign of misuse. Keep the key secure, and avoid leaving large amounts in the drawer; use drops to a safe.
A reliable drawer is a small part that causes big problems if it fails, such as stopping cash sales entirely. RetailCare supplies and supports POS hardware.