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.

rascal’s technology and service is beyond everyone else.

Amy Jones
Operations Manager

Our technology timeline

Scroll along the timeline to discover rascal’s history and commitment to retail-tech innovation.

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 to become Joint Venture partners with 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 procedures and saved on labour.
2012
We acquired Open Projects.
2015
We launched our lottery scratch card solution under exclusive licence with the National Lottery
2017
We launched our Android app to enhance the users' experience and created a cost-saving opportunity for retailers by integrating our app onto their multifunctional devices.
2018
We enhanced our data capabilities and launched our supplier portal. With the exceptional quality and depth of data rascal now holds we can produce and distribute the most complete and current industry product and price files available.
2020
We launched EBR: simplifying category management, creating significant labour savings and eradicating the systemic risk of shrink and waste.
2022
Power BI adopted for a step-change in data visualisation and enhanced insight generation.
2023
Started offering data 'Health Checks' to retail partners to help assess their data and tech' maturity and advise on how processes could be modernised.
2023
Started providing tech support enabling our supply chain partners to diversify into provision of books and games in Morrisons.
2024
We went live in February 2024 providing a full end-to-end data and tech management solution for books in Waitrose.
2024
Migrated to the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, providing increased computing power and capacity.

What our customers' say

rascal has been able to help Asda achieve a 64% reduction in data shrink by the strength of their relationships across the supply chain, as well as their approach to continuous development and technology-led innovation.

Hazel Sykes
Asset Protection MI Manager