Cards

The card is the core of the system. Using the Add Value Center (AVC), users load money onto their cards and use them to start washer and dryer machines that are equipped with Mitech's Machine Card Units (MCUs). The system operator is provided with several administrative cards that are used for such tasks as initializing the system and setting cycle prices.

Proximity Card Technology
Mitech's cards use Proximity Card Technology. Much like Smart Cards (also known as “Chip Cards”), Proximity Cards contain electronic memory to store information. However, whereas Smart Cards must be carefully inserted into readers which make a physical contact with the card, Proximity Cards communicate with readers instantly and without contact, making the system more easy and fun to use! Proximity Cards also eliminate many of the maintenance hassles related to Smart Cards. Smart Card readers are both fragile and vulnerable to vandalism; reader heads need periodic cleaning and are generally more fragile due to their mechanical component. Furthermore, the card insertion slot can be easily jammed (e.g using gum). Proximity Card readers suffer from none of these drawbacks.

Add Value Center (AVC)

The AVC is used to transfer money value to the user card. Mitech offers several variations of the AVC depending on the options. The unit is available in front-access and rear-access configurations.

The money transfer process is trivial: Users simply place their cards into the card holder and insert cash (or perform a credit/debit operation). All instructions are displayed on the AVC's LCD and can additionally be labeled on the front panel of the AVC.

AVC Features:
-LCD with easy-to-follow messages
-Easy installation
-Armor type enclosure made out of 11GA cold roll steel
-Clever design that prevents penetration from even the most brutal attacks, rendering theft virtually impossible

AVC Options:
-Card Dispenser (also available as a seprate unit)
-Credit/Debit Card Acceptor (requires merchant account)
-Reciept Printer
-Medeco locking mechanism
-Battery-powered, sensor-activated alarm system

Machine Card Units (MCUs)

MCUs are used to start machines. Users simply place their cards into the card holder and follow an easy start procedure. All important messages are clearly displayed on the LCD.
The MCUs are available in forms that fit seamlessly into many different types of machines, including front loaders and top loaders from various manufacturers. The MCU installation process is very simple, requiring no drilling or physical modification to the target machine.
Our MCUs have been verified by Alliance Laundry Systems for use on
the majority of its product lines, including Huebsch and Speed Queen.
We additionally support models from Continental, Frigidaire and other manufacturers..

MCU Features:
-LCD with easy-to-follow messages
-Dryer top-off, Washer extra-vend support
-Metal enclosure
-Trivial installation

 

Administrative Tools

The admininstrative tools are comprised of a USB Proximity Card reader and PC software. The tools are used for various administrative tasks such as system initialization and price control.



 

Value Proposition

1. Reduce theft and vandalism

With our systems, cash would always be protected by the AVC unit. Through years of security improvements based on actual cases from the field, the AVC is at a design state where it is virtually unpenetratable.

Furthermore, any vandalism-related damage that results from break-in attempts is minor in comparison to the damage that would be suffered by coin based systems.

2. Reduce maintenance

The components of our system have far fewer mechanical parts than do coin-based systems and traditional Smart Card systems, and, as a result, require less maintainance.

3. Improve customer base

4. Eliminate coin collection

Coin collection is an expensive, manual process that is certainly more time consuming than the collecting of a stack of cash from the AVC.