The invention relates to the combination of a balance and a cash register with a customer display device shared by both, customary cash register software being used for this purpose. Initially, a secure communication mode of communication is enabled at a first computer without a user entering any cryptographic information for establishing the secure communication mode of communication. The cover substantially covers the base in a closed position. The cladding layer is machined to promote mating of the faying surfaces, after which the faying surfaces are mated and the articles welded together. The device is provided with one or several beads clipped between the section and the wall so as to close the gap in the zones where air diffusion should be blocked. A distribution database system maintains records of cards sold at the retail locations.