Scanntech

About Scanntech

Founded in 1992 by Raul Polakof, Benny Szylkowski, and Soledad Fernandez, Scanntech operates as a pivotal technology and data intelligence platform for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail sectors in Latin America. The company was established in Uruguay with the initial goal of providing technology solutions to improve retail operations, starting with the development of software for personal computers to function as points of sale (POS). This early focus on empowering small and medium-sized retailers with technologies comparable to large chains set the stage for its future growth.

The company's business model centers on creating a network connecting independent stores, CPG companies, and service providers. For retailers, Scanntech provides a proprietary SaaS platform that includes POS software, enabling them to manage sales, inventory, and promotions more effectively. This allows smaller stores to access special promotions and offer additional services like mobile top-ups, which helps increase their sales and customer traffic. For CPG companies and distributors, Scanntech offers a comprehensive suite of data analytics products. Revenue is generated by providing these CPG clients with actionable, real-time data and insights on sales performance, market share, and pricing strategies, derived from the vast network of connected retailers. This data is highly valuable as it covers a segment of the market—independent stores—that was previously difficult to track.

Scanntech's product portfolio includes "Scanntech Analytics," a platform with interactive dashboards for analyzing sell-out data at a granular, store, and SKU level, delivered with a two-day delay. In Brazil, the "Clube de Promoções" (Promotions Club) connects retailers directly with manufacturers for special, reimbursed offers. Other tools like Scann View, Scann Market, and Scann Share provide detailed insights into pricing, market trends, and competitive performance. A key milestone was the 2011 investment from Sequoia Capital, one of its first in Latin America, which marked a period of international consolidation and expansion. The company has since expanded its operations from Uruguay to Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and other countries, connecting over 40,000 points of sale.