It’s simple: smart technology and meaningful innovation don’t just drive sales growth and customer satisfaction—they also empower us to launch exciting promotions and respond rapidly to change.
That’s why it’s a core focus for us.
Here are just a few key examples of how technology and innovation can help our customers:
NovoPOS
Our EPOS system, powered by Novo Onboard Retail’s NovoPOS suite, is purpose-built for the rail industry, delivering seamless in-transit sales and service—regardless of connectivity. With intuitive software and future-proof hardware, our crew can process transactions quickly, order stock in real-time, and personalise the passenger experience. Integrated with NovoHub for back-office reporting, our solution ensures operational efficiency, and accurate reconciliation. Whether it’s food, beverages, or duty-free, our EPOS system is ready to support every journey.
Microsoft Power Platform
We leverage the Microsoft Power Platform—Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Apps—to deliver dynamic, data-driven reporting tailored to our customers’ needs. With real-time dashboards, automated workflows, and custom interfaces, we transform raw data into actionable insights that enhance transparency and decision-making. Whether it’s sales performance, inventory trends, or operational metrics, our reporting tools ensure customers receive clear, timely, and interactive updates that support smarter business outcomes.
App-Based ‘At-Seat’ Ordering
Our research showed that passengers prefer the flexibility of an ‘at-seat’ ordering system over a traditional pre-order model. In response, our technical innovation working group identified the core functionality required to deliver a successful app-based at-seat ordering experience. They also mapped out the necessary technology and fulfilment processes to overcome the common practical barriers to implementation.
Thanks to the messaging capabilities of RailPOS, we have a quick-to-market opportunity to pilot or concept-test this solution by pairing a customer-facing app with our EPoS system. Customers will be able to place orders directly from their seat using the app. The on-board team will receive the order in real-time and fulfil it, taking payment by card or cash upon delivery.
This straightforward, efficient solution will allow us to test customer preferences, demand levels, service delivery effectiveness, and connectivity—all of which will provide valuable insight to support the broader business case for a fully integrated ordering app.
The app will be promoted at-seat and throughout the train using a mix of marketing materials and onboard announcements.
Left On Board/Found On Board
In addition to the innovative new EPoS system we mentioned earlier, RG has introduced a new way of working: the ‘Left on Board/Found on Board’ buffet operation.
As the name suggests, stock is left on board the train at the end of service and then picked up by the next host when they board. This simple shift brings significant benefits: it saves time while the train is in station, reduces the labour required to move trolleys, and ultimately leads to a smoother, safer, and more efficient service.
Insights
As part of the global SSP group, RG can draw on unparalleled insights from our markets, from our suppliers and from third party intel providers that we subscribe to. This enables us to provide our clients with the data, research and analysis that will support their decision-making, whether that be in terms of broad strategic catering direction or more specific ranging of their offerings.
Our passenger surveys can draw on the experiences of our worldwide customer base of around 1 million people per day, whose views and comments are canvassed regularly and shared with clients. What’s more, we have a direct feedback platform “Reputation” that passengers use to provide instant, on-the-spot feedback on their experiences. Various aspects of the customer interactions are evaluated, and feedback is provided to offer a comprehensive overview of the outlet. Once compiled, these evaluations are reviewed daily by our teams to ensure continuous monitoring of the customer experience. This platform can be made available to clients for their use in their own markets.
Intel providers that we subscribe to include MarketForce, Passenger Focus and Mintel.
We typically tailor a package of data, insights, and analysis for each client, delivered on a regular basis, regardless of whether any immediate changes are planned, in order to ensure they remain fully informed about innovations, developments, and other key changes in their marketplace.