How do you create a better visitor experience with data?

Connecting the systems behind the experience

“In March last year, we decided to bring in external expertise to ensure the app would be ready for the reopening of Plopsaland Deutschland at the end of June 2025,” continues Jannes Labaere.

Plopsa Group already had several digital systems in place, including an ERP system for accounting and specific applications supporting different parts of the organization. What was missing was a central, structured way to bring these data sources together and connect them with new digital experiences.

“Our aim was to invest in a digital customer experience and to increase visitor engagement,” the CIO explains. “We started by mapping out exactly which data capabilities we needed. Setting up a central data warehouse to consolidate multiple data sources in a structured way and automate reporting was a top priority. We also needed the right architecture to integrate applications smoothly; for example, linking the ticketing system with the customer app, or connecting the app to operational processes such as in-store point-of-sale systems.”

From app backend to scalable platform

Plopsa Group brought in Proximus NXT who immediately involved their experts at Codit to build the app’s backend, while the internal Digital & Technology team and digital agency IO developed the frontend.

“We were already in discussions with CoditNew window about integrating certain applications. When we presented them with the challenge for the app’s backend, we immediately found we were all on the same wavelength. The team committed to delivering a first version within a very tight deadline, with a limited number of functionalities and a basic set of data that could be exchanged via an API between the app and our data systems. This gave us a lot of confidence,” explains Jannes Labaere.

The first version focused deliberately on the essentials. With the reopening of Plopsaland Deutschland approaching, the priority was to get a working backend in place quickly, while establishing the foundations for further development.

That approach paid off. Proximus NXT delivered the first version in time for the reopening at the end of June 2025. Development then continued, with the app rolling out to the Belgian Plopsa parks in September 2025.

The initial solution was only the beginning. Behind the scenes, Proximus NXT built a platform capable of bringing together data from different sources. A landing zone established consistent governance across the Plopsa ecosystem, while a hub-and-spoke networking solution and cloud-native workloads provided the architecture needed to unify and exchange data.

The API-ready data platform made it possible to expand the app and add new functionalities that improve the visitor experience for Plopsa Group’s guests.

Turning data into better insights

The new platform doesn't just support the visitor experience. It also changes how Plopsa Group works with its data internally.

One example is operational reporting. Daily and weekly reports previously required information from multiple sources to be integrated manually, making the process time-consuming. “Now with our data warehouse, we can use Microsoft Fabric and Power BI to generate reports automatically: saving time, reducing errors, and increasing visualization possibilities,” says Jannes Labaere.

This illustrates the broader value of the platform. What began as a need to connect data to an app is now helping Plopsa Group make better use of data across the organization while fueling smarter business decisions.

Staying within the Microsoft ecosystem also means that the new developments align with the business applications Plopsa Group already uses. At the same time, the scalable architecture gives the group the flexibility to add new applications and integrations as its needs evolve.

“Thanks to the foundation and processes we have built, we can gradually increase what we do with data. In Germany, we have already developed a program for partner hotels that is handled digitally. A B2C CRM system will make it possible to engage visitors in a more targeted way. And we want to automate subscription renewals and offer services to hotel guests through self-service options, so they can avoid queues at reception and free up the hotel front desk staff,” says Jannes Labaere.

Jannes Labaere, CIO at Plopsa

The people behind the platform

Technology alone is not enough to turn that ambition into reality. For Plopsa Group, the expertise and collaboration behind the project have been just as important as it has helped the group move more quickly. Therefore, the CIO is keen to continue the collaboration with Proximus NXT.

“Not only because of their technical expertise, but also their talent. At every level, account managers, tech leads, and operational staff, they have the right people in place. I greatly appreciate their drive and solution-oriented approach, as well as their know-how in infrastructure, data, and integration. With this combination, I am confident that we can gain additional speed in setting up new projects,” concludes Jannes Labaere.