The Times of India               12.06.2013

Now, a bar code embedded token to buy food at Amma canteens

COIMBATORE: Soon customers at the Amma budget canteens will be handed bar code embedded tokens for each serving of idli, sambhar rice and curd rice. The civic body has decided to introduce computerised billing with token system on a pilot basis at the low budget canteen in Flower Market on a trial basis. Initially, there was a suggestion to use Radio Frequency Indentification (RFID) method but it was dropped. "The token system will be introduced by next week," said S Sivarasu, deputy commissioner, Coimbatore municipal corporation.

Each card will have a code signifiying location, centre name and name of the item ordered. Two computers and two bar code scanners will also be allotted to the canteen. One at the cash counter while the remaining two will be at the delivery counter. The canteens are meant to serve 1200 idlis, 300 servings of sambhar rice and curd rice.

"There will be separate tokens for each items and technically we require 900 tokens as each idli plate will have four idlis. About 100 additional cards will also be kept," Sivarasu added.

The computerised billing system will enable the corporation to keep a close tab on the functioning of the canteens. Technical support for the program is being provided through National Informatics Centre (NIC) and will be introduced in the remaining nine Amma Unaivagams in the coming months. "When compared to the RFID method, bar code-enabled reading system is more economical and user-friendlyto maintain the record of the transactions in this system," said K Venkatesh, additional district information officer, NIC, Coimbatore.

An estimate of Rs70,000 to Rs80,000 has been prepared for the project which will also enable corporation to maintain transparency in monitoring the day to day activities at the centre. A final log of daily transactions will be automatically sent to the corporation's server for assessment. The canteens are being operated by various women self-help group and there is a huge demand for their low priced food items.