# 1. Seven or eight years ago, when we enter a Bank for any transaction, we have to stand before a particular counter where our account is managed. Normally in the beginning of a month all the counters would be crowded. If and when the counter clerk accepts our pro-offered passbook+cheque (for withdrawal of cash - there were no ATMs those days), he would give us a metal (brass?) token.
As there will be more than one counter, the tokens will not be in serial order. We may get token No 217, next man would get 62! The passbook+cheque will be passing hands, from this desk to that, finally to the Branch Accountant who will "approve" the transaction, and pass it on to the cashier for payment.
As there will be more than one cashier to disburse the cash, our passbook will land on any of these cashiers randomly; and he would call out the token numbers again randomly. Thus, there are very good chances that we may be delayed for hours!!
Now, as you enter the Bank, you press a button and you get a paper token, and yes these are in serial order. So no queue-jumping. And the transactions are all single-window. The token numbers are called strictly in serial order ( a machine does that!) along with the Counter number. You go to that counter, complete your transaction in a jiffy and walk out. What a convenience!!
# 2. A decade ago, if you want to fill petrol in your vehicle, you have to state the quantity of fuel you need to fill (1, 2, 3 or 10 litres etc). The fuel price may be Rs. 23.45 per litre or 31.77. The attendant will calculate the amount to be paid by you (164.15 or maybe 254.56) and you will have to pay the exact amount or risk losing the change.
Now, you have the option of stating the amount for which you want to fill fuel. The attendant set the counter to your chosen amount (say Rs 500 or Rs 1000 etc) and the fuel is filled to that amount only (amount / fuel-rate-per-litre). Even if the fuel quantity is in three decimals (23.567 litres) that much only is filled and then the pump stops automatically. You pay the amount and drive off - no hassles.
Another convenience.
Rajappa
8:15PM on 3-2-2009
As there will be more than one counter, the tokens will not be in serial order. We may get token No 217, next man would get 62! The passbook+cheque will be passing hands, from this desk to that, finally to the Branch Accountant who will "approve" the transaction, and pass it on to the cashier for payment.
As there will be more than one cashier to disburse the cash, our passbook will land on any of these cashiers randomly; and he would call out the token numbers again randomly. Thus, there are very good chances that we may be delayed for hours!!
Now, as you enter the Bank, you press a button and you get a paper token, and yes these are in serial order. So no queue-jumping. And the transactions are all single-window. The token numbers are called strictly in serial order ( a machine does that!) along with the Counter number. You go to that counter, complete your transaction in a jiffy and walk out. What a convenience!!
# 2. A decade ago, if you want to fill petrol in your vehicle, you have to state the quantity of fuel you need to fill (1, 2, 3 or 10 litres etc). The fuel price may be Rs. 23.45 per litre or 31.77. The attendant will calculate the amount to be paid by you (164.15 or maybe 254.56) and you will have to pay the exact amount or risk losing the change.
Now, you have the option of stating the amount for which you want to fill fuel. The attendant set the counter to your chosen amount (say Rs 500 or Rs 1000 etc) and the fuel is filled to that amount only (amount / fuel-rate-per-litre). Even if the fuel quantity is in three decimals (23.567 litres) that much only is filled and then the pump stops automatically. You pay the amount and drive off - no hassles.
Another convenience.
Rajappa
8:15PM on 3-2-2009
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