.svg)
.svg)
Overview
The Toto-TKT project involved developing an automated ticket creation system to replace manual formatting and production processes for branded lottery and raffle tickets. This project was created to read Excel data and generate structured, print-ready tickets with precise layouts, essentially functioning like an automated ticket machine for high-volume output.
The goal was to turn digital inputs into high-quality physical materials, making it easier to produce tickets for campaigns, sweepstakes, and other large-scale events.
Client Background
The client works in promotional events, where ticket-based systems are an important part of operations.
Whether running a sweepstake, community giveaway, or corporate campaign, the client frequently has to produce a large volume of tickets with custom layouts and branding elements.
Previously, these tickets were created manually by editing data in Excel and mapping it onto physical templates. This was not only labour-intensive but also inconsistent, especially at higher volumes. Small layout mistakes, printing issues, and the risk of duplication led to operational setbacks. They needed a solution that would eliminate these problems while saving time. We endeavoured to set up an automated ticket creation system.
Challenges & Objectives
The following were some challenges that the auto lottery processor faced and the resultant objectives that were formulated:
Challenges
- The manual formatting process was error-prone, especially for high-ticket volumes.
- Inconsistencies in layout often led to misalignment during printing.
- Physical ticket templates required precise mark placement to remain legible and usable.
- The ticket generation process had to accommodate varied ticket lengths and structures, depending on the campaign.
Objectives
- Develop a tool that could convert structured Excel rows into printable tickets.
- Maintain strict grid alignment for marks and numbers to match physical layouts.
- Output professional-quality PDFs that require no additional editing.
- Build a process that could be reused for future campaigns with minimal setup.
Approach & Implementation
Relu Consultancy created a Python-based automated ticket generation system capable of reading Excel files and converting them into layout-specific, high-resolution PDFs. The system was built to handle variations in ticket structure, support branding requirements, and generate outputs ready for printing on standard A4 paper. To support adoption, the final solution included walkthrough documentation and a screen recording for internal training.
Key Features
- The script reads six-number combinations from a designated "Combination" column in Excel.
- It supports multiple formats: 10, 12, or 13 values per combination mapped precisely on a grid.
- Each ticket displays either dots or crosses based on client preference.
- Ticket numbers are rendered upside-down to suit the physical layout's readability.
- Outputs are saved as A4-sized PDFs at 300 DPI for high-quality print compatibility.
- Error handling, validation checks, and auto-foldered output directories help maintain order during large batch generation.
Common Use Cases
The Toto-TKT Project’s functionality made it suitable for a variety of event and campaign needs. Some of the most frequent applications included:
- Lottery Tickets: Generates unique combinations for official lottery draws, laid out for immediate printing.
- Raffle Entries: Creates hundreds or thousands of entries for community or commercial raffles, all formatted consistently.
- Event Entry Passes: Custom tickets with individual identifiers and formatting tailored to specific event themes.
- Survey or Exam Sheets: Marked layouts aligned with answer sheets or feedback forms, where precise placement is crucial for scanning or review.
Results & Outcomes
The automated ticket generation system delivered significant improvements across multiple areas:
- Faster Turnaround: The manual formatting process that once took hours was reduced to just minutes.
- Accuracy at Scale: Mark placements were accurate to the millimetre, helping avoid printing misalignment and formatting problems.
- Consistent Branding: Branded tickets followed a standard design across batches, improving presentation at events.
- Scalable Outputs: The client could generate large quantities of tickets in one run without worrying about duplication or formatting breakdowns.
By delivering consistent, professional tickets that could be printed and distributed immediately, the client gained greater control over promotional materials. The tool also opened opportunities for new use cases, such as interactive surveys and educational events.
Key Takeaways
Several important lessons emerged from the Toto -TKT Project:
- Automating layout-based tasks significantly reduced the risk of human mistakes and the time spent on repetitive formatting.
- Using a grid-based logic system helped maintain precise alignment across ticket designs and batches.
- Including a screen recording and walkthrough documentation made onboarding internal users simpler and more effective.
- The solution bridged digital inputs (Excel) and physical outputs (printed tickets), giving the client a reliable way to manage ticketing for events and campaigns of any size.
Conclusion
Relu Consultancy built an auto lottery processor that solved a clear operational pain point for the client. The Toto-TKT Project turned spreadsheet data into clean, event-ready tickets with speed and accuracy.
The system’s modular design made it easy to reuse across different types of events, including raffles, lotteries, and entry passes. The combination of precision formatting, batch processing, and user-friendly documentation made it easy for the client to adopt and scale.
Overall, the project made high-volume ticket creation faster and more consistent, helping the client deliver professional, branded materials for their campaigns.
