One of the biggest challenges of bulletproof security is ensuring a seamless experience for employees and clients. Without the right tools, ballistic barriers can become literal barriers to staff routines and customer experiences, creating extra hassle and wasted time. One solution to smooth interactions is the bulletproof pass through box.
A pass through box (also called a package passer) allows personnel and customers to exchange larger or irregular-shaped packages quickly and easily, without compromising the safe side of the exchange. For example, a pharmacist might need to dispense medical supplies from a bulletproof environment, and a ballistic pass through box allows them to release the products without creating a potential line of fire. They’re an invaluable tool for anyone working in potentially risky situations.
The Mechanics of a Bulletproof Pass Through Box
Convenience stores, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, shipping stores, and even pizza places protect their staff with bulletproof barriers. What do these locations have in commons? They frequently need to complete an exchange such as passing products, collecting biological samples, and serving food. A bulletproof transaction box allows these types of packages to pass from one party to the other without creating a ballistic vulnerability. Here’s how it works.
Package passers are constructed from bulletproof material, typically either acrylic or stainless steel. Acrylic boxes can be completely transparent, which is particularly important in industries like banking, which require full visibility on any items being placed in the bulletproof passer box.
Standard boxes are created with one door on the “safe” side of the box and another door on the “threat” side of the box. They maintain transaction security through an interlocking mechanism that only allows one door to be open at a time.
One drawback is that this can increase transaction time, especially if there are multiple exchanges of money and items. For locations where busy periods can include a long queue of customers, increasing efficiency is critical. Not only do passers reduce the total transaction time, it also reduces crowd size and the amount of time people spend in a potentially unsafe area.
The most efficient type of transaction box is a “lazy Susan” style of rotating container. With this design, workers place items in an open bulletproof box that rotates within a larger bulletproof container. This allows the pass through box to remain open at all times but accessible from only one side. The drawback is that it is less spatially efficient, which means it takes up more counter space compared to the size of the package that fits in the box.
Bulletproof Package Passer Options
If you’re considering bulletproof transaction boxes for your facility, there are several options that may meet your needs.
We offer a wide variety of bulletproof package passer options; here are some questions that can help narrow down which options will work for you:
- What level of bulletproof protection do you need?
- What size products need to pass through?
- Is this for an interior or exterior application?
- Do you require full visibility on the contents of the box?
- Does the product need to be durable enough for heavy use?
- Do you experience busy periods where efficiency is critical?
- How much counter space is available for a pass through box?
TSS bulletproof package passer options cover an array of scenarios. View the product spec sheets for the full set of standard sizes and protection levels available.
The Steel Bullet-Resistant Package Passer is great for high-level protection, covering UL752 levels 1-8. It is weather-resistant for both interior and exterior use. It is durable and requires very little maintenance. This can be used as a thru-wall passer for drive-throughs or businesses with extended hours.
The PE Acrylic Package Passer is a similar product that is for interior use only. It comes in a variety of sizes and offers full visibility for both customers and employees. It is also very durable, with very little maintenance.
The PE Pizza Passer is an interior-use acrylic box made for passing two large pizza boxes or standard 2-liters of soda. It offers a door on the secure side and is open on the threat side of the box. This makes it ideal for distributing items like food, but it does not work well for receiving packages. This is typically used in conjunction with a currency tray for payments.
The Rotary Package Passer is a lazy Susan-style box. It has a stainless steel shell that can withstand exterior elements, but the vision window on the rotary portion allows for high visibility.
The Lazy Susan Package Passer is a similar product designed for heavy use interior applications. This offers efficiency and full visibility, and can be readily made to different height requirements.
Bulletproof transaction drawers can be a great option if counter space is limited. Bullet-resistant drawers that fit under the counter can pass most large items just as easily as pass through boxes. They can be made with a viewing window for improved visibility, and often work well for exterior applications.
Deciding on the right product for your needs is not always easy. Talk to a security expert for help determining the most cost-effective product that fits your application. Because every business has different needs, TSS is always happy to help you create custom solutions as well. If the standard sizing doesn’t work for your products, or you’d like to modify another aspect of a pass through box, talk to us about creating exactly what you need.
TSS Can Help You Find the Right Bulletproof Pass Through Box
Pass through boxes often function within a more comprehensive ballistic barrier solution. If you’ve already started your bulletproofing project and need guidance on how to fit a package passer into your structure, we’ve got you covered. We can also help design and create your entire ballistic barrier from start to finish, so no matter where you are in your physical security project, let us know.
Our dedication to robust bulletproof solutions has made us industry experts. We’ve earned our clients' trust with our proven products and commitment to the customer experience. Let us put our knowledge to work for you. If you have any questions about our bullet-resistant products or a customized solution for your needs, please don't hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help you find the perfect product to keep your most important assets safe.