Our technology

Using technology and data to build better businesses

We believe in the power of tech to build better businesses and transform industries

Like the partners we support, our technology is always evolving. We innovate to overcome the new challenges that retailers face – informing better decision making, driving category profitability and improving efficiency.

Our technology timeline

1980s
‘Firm sale’ for all news and magazines.
1990s
Sale or return, with manual claims.
2004
rascal was formed and introduced magazine return scanning, product checks and automated claims. The results: shrink reduction in missed returns credits, improved fixture management and, with the removal of manual returns claims, labour saving.
2007
We introduced newspaper returns scanning and automated claims. By standardising the returns model across the entire N&M category, we reduced shrink and improved efficiency.
2008
Smiths News invested in rascal.
2008
We added stocktake functionality, app and reporting improvements to our offering. This greatly improved fixture management, enhanced the user experience and increased visibility and control for head offices.
2009
We introduced N&M delivery scanning and automated claims. With the removal of all manual claims, we reduced losses caused by missed shortages, simplified N&M store operating procedure and saved on labour.
2012
rascal acquires Open Projects.
2015
We launched our lottery solution.
2017
We launched our Android app to enhance user experiences and create the opportunity for handset cost rationalisation.
2018
We enhanced our data capabilities and launched our customer portal. We’re now able to give customers one, clear version of the truth and improved supply chain visibility.
2020
We launched EBR: simplifying category management, creating significant labour savings and eradicating the systemic risk of shrink and waste.

Our solutions

rascal creates solutions designed to make retail life as easy and hassle-free as possible. Connecting all data for total transparency and accuracy.

We’re experts in combining multi-source data with cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s instore app-based tech, data cleansing, insights and advice, or our team of retail experts – whatever the challenge, we have a solution.

Data

Our platform connects data systems, processes and people to empower meaningful insights. Insights that solve data-management challenges with less friction and more material results.

News & mags

Our solutions simplify a complex category. We currently support over 6,000 stores, achieving a minimum 3:1 ROI and an average of 34 minutes per day labour saving. That’s a £92m saving to our customers since 2006.

Lottery

As an exclusive provider, authorised under agreement by Camelot, we supply a Lottery Scratchcard solution to over 2,000 stores.