The above are all terms we'll be hearing regularly over the next six weeks or so. For once it will not be in relation to business but rather the Rugby World Cup being staged in Japan. The competition is probably the most open ever, with at least six countries having a genuine chance of winning. I'm certainly not going to make any predictions as the disappointment of the 2015 version is still a salutary lesson. What I will say is that for any team to prove successful it will have to abide by the five principles in our headline - recycling, swift distribution, eliminating errors, tight defence and 'getting the basics right'. And these 'principles ' have a certain familiarity about them.

Recycling

In rugby the term 'recycling' refers to retaining the ball or 'going through the phases'. It's about building pressure and, of course the opposition can't score without the ball (unless you give away a penalty, but we'll get to that later).

In retailing recycling has a slightly different meaning in that it refers to making the best use of cash paid in but again it's down to performing in an efficient and effective manner - ensuring cost savings and limiting the need for unnecessary activity such as too many CIT trips

Swift distribution

One of the major problems for a team wishing to attack and score tries is when the link between the backs and the forwards is slow as the opposition defence has time to get into position.

In cash processing we always stress the importance of keeping the cash moving and not lying idle. Here too, speed is important.

Eliminating errors

How many times have we seen tries go begging because of dropped passes or games turn on an intercepted pass? There is no such thing as a perfect game, but teams will try to eliminate any unnecessary risks. 

In the retail sector it is important to eliminate shrinkage and automation has a key role to play in reducing errors. 

Tight Defence

Every team at the world cup will have a specialist defence coach who will devise various strategies to prevent the opposition scoring. I'll admit the term 'blitz defence ' is the sum of my knowledge here. I come from an era when tackling was 'optional' in school rugby.

Security and fraud prevention are at the core of our cash processing solutions.

Getting the basics right 

Though it may not always seem so, rugby is quite a simple game. It's about securing possession of the ball and then using it well. Forwards will tell you that they win the game. Backs simply determine by how many points. It may not be glamorous, but to win any game you need a solid scrum and an effective line out.

Again there is an analogy with retail. It is frequently behind the scenes activities that will determine the level of profitability - and the payments chain is an important part of this.

So there you have it, our ' beginner's guide to the Rugby world cup'. Before you complain, I know we've over-simplified things but surely the challenges teams face aren't that different from those in retail, except, of course, we can find solutions from behind a desk. And if, while watching the tournament you are reminded of the 'five principles' then please don't hesitate to give Glory a call to talk about how we can help you.