Background:
The STS algorithm is undergoing its first major update since it was created back in the mid-1990s. To differentiate, the legacy algorithm is referred to as STS4 and the new algorithm is STS6. The STS4 algorithm uses a fixed "based date" of 1993 for time calculations. Given space limits within the token technology (20-digits), the maximum date that can be encoded is November 2024. For this reason, the STS Association has been working for the last several years to create a new algorithm that allows for a floating base date. This new version, called STS6, is now available and our Juice software interface code has been certified to use the new hardware.
Why change now if the issues doesn't present until 2024?
STS meters have a register that holds the base date. The only difference at the meter level between STS4 and STS6 is whether this base date is 1993 or 2014. However, changing the base date in a meter requires a "key change" which is done by entering two tokens. Every meter with a 1993 base date will require key change tokens be entered before 2024. Therefore, it is prudent to go ahead and update vending systems so that meters procured going forward can be programmed at the factory with the 2014 base date and avoid the need to do a manual key change. Given the logistical challenges of doing a key change at each meter, we strongly recommend updating to STS6 to minimize the challenges.
What changes are required to update to STS6?
STS6 requires new hardware encryption modules using the STS6 firmware, or for older modules to be returned to the factory for re-flashing. Our policy is to replace the hardware rather than re-flash old modules given improvements in throughput speed and to ensure reliability. In conjunction with the new hardware, Utiliflex will update the production Juice vending system code to use the STS6 compliant connectors for the new hardware.
Advantages to STS6?
While the update will be largely seamless aside from the need to do the key changes on STS4 meters, there are enhancements on the Juice side that improve performance, scalability, and resiliency, especially with cloud deployments and our SaaS product given changes in the underlying hardware technology and software architecture. But most importantly, upgrading will allow legacy STS meters to work for decades into the future.
The STS algorithm is undergoing its first major update since it was created back in the mid-1990s. To differentiate, the legacy algorithm is referred to as STS4 and the new algorithm is STS6. The STS4 algorithm uses a fixed "based date" of 1993 for time calculations. Given space limits within the token technology (20-digits), the maximum date that can be encoded is November 2024. For this reason, the STS Association has been working for the last several years to create a new algorithm that allows for a floating base date. This new version, called STS6, is now available and our Juice software interface code has been certified to use the new hardware.
Why change now if the issues doesn't present until 2024?
STS meters have a register that holds the base date. The only difference at the meter level between STS4 and STS6 is whether this base date is 1993 or 2014. However, changing the base date in a meter requires a "key change" which is done by entering two tokens. Every meter with a 1993 base date will require key change tokens be entered before 2024. Therefore, it is prudent to go ahead and update vending systems so that meters procured going forward can be programmed at the factory with the 2014 base date and avoid the need to do a manual key change. Given the logistical challenges of doing a key change at each meter, we strongly recommend updating to STS6 to minimize the challenges.
What changes are required to update to STS6?
STS6 requires new hardware encryption modules using the STS6 firmware, or for older modules to be returned to the factory for re-flashing. Our policy is to replace the hardware rather than re-flash old modules given improvements in throughput speed and to ensure reliability. In conjunction with the new hardware, Utiliflex will update the production Juice vending system code to use the STS6 compliant connectors for the new hardware.
Advantages to STS6?
While the update will be largely seamless aside from the need to do the key changes on STS4 meters, there are enhancements on the Juice side that improve performance, scalability, and resiliency, especially with cloud deployments and our SaaS product given changes in the underlying hardware technology and software architecture. But most importantly, upgrading will allow legacy STS meters to work for decades into the future.
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