One App, One Data Platform: Plopsa Group Combines Visitor Experience and Insights
Plopsa Group enhances the visitor experience through its app, powered by a central data platform. With Codit’s expertise, the backend connects systems and enables data-driven value for both visitors and the business.
Plopsa Group set out to strengthen visitor engagement by expanding its app and building a robust digital foundation. Together with Codit, the company implemented a scalable, cloud-based data and integration platform that connects multiple systems, enables real-time data exchange via APIs, and supports a seamless customer journey. With a future focus on AI, automation, and personalized engagement, Plopsa is well positioned to further evolve into a data-driven organization.
A visit to Plopsaland offers families a day full of entertainment, attractions, and shows. To further enhance this experience, Plopsa Group has gradually been expanding its app. A complete data platform powers the digital customer journey behind the scenes, and the company relies on the expertise of Codit to ensure that every step delivers added value for both the visitors and the business.
Features such as an interactive park map, updated wait times for attractions, the schedule of shows and meet-and-greets, and a digital Express Pass have made the Plopsaland Resort app a helpful tool for families visiting one of the parks. CIO Jannes Labaere explains: “We have big ambitions and plenty of creative ideas. But to build the app properly and move towards better, data-driven processes, we had to start development from a blank slate. And it had to happen quickly. So 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.”
Plopsa Group was already using several digital systems, including an ERP system for accounting and specific support applications for the organisation. However, extending the park experience into an app required more. “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.”
Plopsa Group brought in Codit to build that backend, while the internal Digital & Technology team and digital agency IO focussed on developing the app’s frontend. “We were already in discussions with Codit 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,” says Jannes Labaere.
Error-free from the first version
Plopsa was also able to draw on Codit’s expertise. “Internally, we had not yet established an architecture, and we had little experience with data exchange via APIs. But we quickly noticed how experienced Codit’s engineers were: from the very first version, the app’s backend worked flawlessly. We were able to launch in Germany at the end of June and then continued development to roll out an app for the Belgian Plopsa parks in September 2025.”
Behind the scenes, Codit’s development team built a platform capable of bringing together data from different sources. On the technical side, a landing zone was established to ensure consistent governance within the Plopsa ecosystem, combined with a hub-and-spoke networking solution. Within this framework, cloud-native workloads were developed to unify all data. This new way of working made it possible to build out the app and add new functionalities that improve the visitor experience for Plopsa Group’s guests, while also supporting smarter business decisions internally. The technical implementation focused on maximizing efficiency and compatibility, resulting in a highly scalable and API-ready platform.
This marked the first step in a new journey that will enable the company to extract more value from its data. “After launching the app, we continued to work on our data and integration infrastructure,” says Labaere. “For operational reporting, for example, we use daily and weekly reports. In the past, creating these reports was a time-consuming task because multiple sources had to be integrated manually. Now with our data warehouse, we can use Microsoft Fabric and Power BI to generate reports automatically: saving time, reducing errors, and increasing visualisation possibilities.”
Staying within the Microsoft ecosystem ensures all new developments align with the business applications that Plopsa Group is already using. Furthermore, from the beginning, Codit always kept in mind that the end goal was to work in a more data-driven way and to be able to leverage AI. In the next phase, the CIO aims to further develop use cases around reporting, automation, and the integration of AI applications.
“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 programme 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.”
People make the difference
The CIO remains ambitious and is keen to continue the collaboration with Codit. “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.
A word from the client
“The Codit 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.”
Jannes Labaere CIO at Plopsa