A local company, WorldQueues has partnered with the Department of Road Transport and Safety (DRTS) under the Ministry of Transport and Communications to manage and reduce queuing by service seekers.
WorldQueues, a start-up client of Botswana Innovation Hub’s technology entrepreneurship development programme, First Steps Venture Centre (FSVC) has developed a cloud based queue management service, which saves time and cuts costs for customers.
The product was launched yesterday at the FSVC offices in Gaborone. WorldQueues chief Nerd Justice William said they have already installed the system in three branches as a pilot project.
He said after transforming from Smart Queue in 2012, they thought of bringing a service that will save customers time and reduce queuing at service rendering points. William said they have signed an open-ended contract with DRTS. He said they would also enroll their services at the First National Bank Kgale Branch in the next few weeks.
He said their service was highly appreciated in Kenya as they signed a deal with Kenyan Postal services, Kenya Revenue Authority and Co-operative Bank.
William stated that they have since signed another deal to extend their services to 20 more branches with the Corporate Bank in Kenya.
“We hope after the success in Kenya, Batswana will now appreciate their own and use home bred services. “We have the strategy to penetrate the local market. As a young innovator with vision, we hope for adoption by local organisations. So far DRTS are happy about our services,” he said. Asked how the system is going to work, William said customers would get customised templates based on the problem the client has.
The customers would then be able to get into the system and get a ticket and feedback on the time one would get assisted. The template would also be designed to show the management how many tellers are idling and reflect the mood of customers so that they can be engaged immediately. He said with support, his company could create employment for more youth. “There has been a lot of lip service without implementation. We are challenging our leaders to support local.”
Botswana Innovation Hub public relations and communications manager Tigele Mokobi said they have about 15 clients housed under the FSVC that they intend to nurture until they are able to stand on their own.
