The Branch of the future is doomed

I went to Nedbank Cavendish Square on Friday with my 87 year old father to have another account linked to his Internet profile. For 45 minutes we heard about technology on the self- promoting clips that play on the TV's. For 45 minutes we looked at the desktops, the phone lines ostensibly to assist customers. For 45 minutes we heard other people moan about the delay, watched people walk out in frustration.<br> <br> My message....understand the market, know your customers, care more for face to face customers than the bottom line.<br> <br> I was shocked that not ONCE did we see a \manager on the floor. Not once did someone apologise. PATHETIC"<br> <br> Tragically I believe the fantastic Branch at Canal Walk is next in line for a BRANCH OF THE FUTURE upgrade. From my perspective this is retrogressive as customers will be pushed further and further away from a relationship with staff to a relationship with a computer screen. By all means use technology...but jack up the service for those transactions which cannot be done on-line."""