“2011 has been a very successful year for MEI”

What is the balance of this 2011?
2011 has been a very successful year for MEI. We finished strong and there are many pending opportunities in 2012 that we are excited about.

How was the general gaming industry in a year with an economic crisis that affected many markets?
Although 2011 did not bring as many openings as in years past, our continued success reflects the importance global operators, especially in South America, are placing on high acceptance rates, unrivalled security, best jam performance and lowest cost of ownership in the industry. The payback operators receive from specifying MEI results in an improved player experience, ultimately leading to increased revenues. MEI is committed to offering industry-leading products with customer service to match. 

In your opinion, what was the most outstanding news of the year?
MEI is proud of our penetration into Panama, the fastest growing Latin American market. The feedback we have received on our first EASITRAX Soft Count installation with Cirsa has exceeded expectations. Integrating products like EASITRAX Soft Count enables MEI to continue to evolve from a component supplier to a cash management partner. 

In your opinion, what was the most innovative product or service launched this year?
SC Advance, the next generation of the CASHFLOW SC, applies new technology and market knowledge to make a great product even better. SC Advance further raises the bar for performance features that directly impact operator profitability including acceptance, jam rate, security and cost of operation.

Because the enhancements are localized to the acceptor head, SC Advance can work hand-in-hand with legacy CASHFLOW SC units already in the field.  This capability is facilitated by CASHFLOW STS, intelligent support tools, which are able to sense the product version and provide the appropriate software.  CASHFLOW STS supports a full range of configuration and software update functions with easy-to-use software and handheld tools, performance management and reporting and modular product repair.  Additional benefits include fast and easy updates for currency data, configuration data and software.

SC Advance not only is compatible with previous versions, but also with product extensions that have expanded the reach of bill acceptors from the slot machine to the entire cash management process. 

What are the company's plans for 2012?
MEI promises to deliver products and services that continue to redefine the role of automated payment systems in the industry.  Our product, CASHFLOW SC, has shown the value of a note validator by proving the importance of its three main purposes: to accept, to validate and to secure notes.  Focusing on the basics provides clarity. 

How will be the 2012 for the gaming industry in general? Will it be similar to 2011? Do you think that we will see a growth in the activity?
We expect the Gaming industry to be relatively flat in 2012 compared to 2011. As an industry, technology has been used as a vehicle for progress, and, in doing so, has created demand from a sophisticated audience that understands how to best serve its customer base. The levels in growth we have seen may be an accurate representation of the industry; however, MEI has faith in the gaming industry’s ability to move forward knowing that there will be plenty of growth for innovators that continue to add value.