Automation

It’s time to set up a bank account in Sweden where most payments are done through internet banking. With each bank account, there is one ATM card reader issued for online payment. This is useful for security purpose.

In my view, this is quite an advanced country with a lot of automation and wired information processing. So for those EE people doing this specialization, Sweden might be the country for you.

The supermarkets have self-service payment kiosks, where leaving customers scan the items and pay the balance themselves. The group of kiosks is manned by a single staff. It is quite an efficient way to save manpower. These kiosk machines are quite easy to use. ATM payment, notes payment, and coins payment are made all-in-in.

Besides having many automated machines to mitigate the manpower issue, Swedes are adopting a rather environmentally friendly way of life. Everyone uses his/her own shopping bag to bring groceries home. Unlike Singapore, where plastic bags are given generously to the shoppers.

Another thing that impressed me is the manifestation of independence in the Swedish culture. When alighting from the newer bus, the commuter needs to press the exit button. On the bus, the middle section is reserved for mothers/fathers with a pram or commuters with big luggage. The door at this section has an opening button at the exterior to facilitate these people from boarding the bus. Very neat idea.

I’ll be observing more of the interesting things and update soon.