Customer stories
From shop floor to global sales: how Vlisco connects and simplifies its core processes with Magic Software
Vlisco, based in Helmond (Netherlands), designs and produces premium textiles (wax prints) primarily for West and Central Africa, with sales offices in Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Congo. In addition to wholesale, Vlisco operates its own webshop, a factory outlet in the Netherlands and high-end retail stores in Africa.
The brand dates back to 1846 and is known for top quality, European production and the rapid introduction of new designs. Next year, the company proudly celebrates its 180th anniversary.
Challenges faced by Vlisco
- Fragmented systems and screens on the shop floor (SCADA, ERP JD Edwards, reporting tools, DAM/PIM, e-commerce, PLM/PDM and Retail)
- High efficiency pressure, operators had to navigate multiple screens for the same task, production confirmations required extensive manual actions
- Reliable integrations and governance, need for controlled, repeatable interfaces with clear error handling and monitoring
- Scalable application landscape, quickly add new integrations (including AFAS, Shopify, machines, internal and external APIs) without custom-code barriers
- Roadmap and continuity, continuous development and regular upgrades (migration to the newest Magic xpa and modernization of the XPI stack due to Gigaspaces end of life) without production downtime
Solution with Magic XPI
Vlisco has partnered with Magic Software for decades. Today, a combination of Magic XPA and Magic XPI forms the beating heart of the integration and application layer.
Operator dashboards in Magic XPA
One usable screen replaces “five applications with five actions”.
Operators complete production steps in just a few clicks while all business rules and JD Edwards validations run in the background.
Enterprise Service Bus with Magic XPI, orchestration and monitoring in XPA
Magic XPI provides robust, controlled interfaces between JD Edwards (Oracle), Shopify, AFAS, DAM/PIM and factory machines.
Magic XPA delivers orchestration and monitoring, central visibility of flows, statuses and throughput times.
Standardized error handling
A reusable error-handling block automatically routes notifications to the right owner, for example pricing issues directly to the pricing manager. Incidents are resolved at the source without noise for IT or operations.
API strategy
Vlisco publishes its own APIs, such as article validation for external parties. Magic XPI orchestrates verification and feedback loops — “article valid, yes or no” — including tracking and governance.
Media distribution from DAM/PIM
Magic XPI distributes assets and imagery from DAM to reporting tools, ERP and Magic applications. One source of truth across all channels.
Hybrid freedom with an on-premise core
The core intentionally runs on-premise for performance, cost and reliability, while Magic XPI connects to cloud services such as AFAS and Shopify. Hybrid without complexity.
Results
- Faster floor-to-ERP workflows, confirmations and transactions handled in a few clicks instead of multiple screens and manual entry
- Fewer errors and fewer tickets thanks to domain-based standardized error handling (for example missing price automatically routed to pricing)
- Higher operational control with real-time monitoring and orchestration across all interfaces, one place for insight and action
- Faster time to change, new integrations and adjustments implemented via low-code, reusable building blocks accelerate delivery
- Consistent data and assets, a single distribution stream for images and product data prevents inconsistencies in reporting, ERP and applications
- Future-proof roadmap, phased upgrade approach with additional OTAP environment, interface-by-interface migration ensures continuity without production stops
Collaboration
Vlisco works closely with Magic Software consultants, including a fixed weekly collaboration day. Questions are clustered and handled efficiently, with escalation to the broader Magic team when needed.
The relationship is long-term and strategic, from the DOS era and Magic 8.x to today’s XPA/XPI stack.
“We especially value the direct collaboration and practical solutions. No marketing talk, but thinking along, building and safeguarding. We’ve looked around as well, but nobody can deliver what Magic Software delivers and promises us. For us, Magic Software is therefore an important strategic business and software partner, even after 30+ years.” Arjan Cortooms — Manager Business Applications
Technical highlights
- Magic XPI as integration layer using ESB pattern
- Magic XPA for applications, dashboards and interface orchestration
- Integrations with JD Edwards, Oracle, Shopify, AFAS, DAM/PIM, VDAM, factory machines and SCADA, reporting tools, internal and external APIs
- Standardized error handling with domain-specific notifications
- Hybrid architecture with on-prem core and cloud integrations
Next steps
- Upgrade to the newest Magic XPA and modernization of the XPI stack due to Gigaspaces end of life, using a phased OTAP approach, parallel environment, interface-by-interface migration with rollback capability
- Further development of dashboards and reporting, expansion of APIs and further standardization of integration building blocks
Discover in 5 steps how Magic Software makes your IT processes simpler, faster, and smarter!
Which business processes shall we automate today?
Magic XPI
Effortlessly integrate all your business applications with Magic XPI and optimize your processes for maximum efficiency and productivity.
Magic XPA
Quickly develop platform-independent business applications with Magic XPA and effectively automate your business processes.
Magic Managed Cloud Services
Transform your production with FactoryEye: real-time insights and data analysis for smart, data-driven decisions.
MagicTouch
Imagine: one central solution that connects all your systems, streamlines your data, and provides real-time insights.
Magic Promis
Efficiently manage all your files with Promis: the solution for effective and clear file management.
Magic Trade
Optimize your trade processes and increase your profitability with our advanced Trade solutions.
Magic custom Software
Receive tailor-made software solutions that perfectly align with the unique needs of your organization.
More than 3000+ companies worldwide already trust Magic Software. Take a look at our customer stories over here.
✔ 40 years of proven IT expertise
✔ Affordable through efficiency
✔ Active in over 50 countries
The industries where we make a difference
Manufacturing
Optimize your production processes with real-time data, automation, and smart integrations. Magic Software connects your ERP, MES, and IoT for maximum efficiency and flexibility.
Retail
Connect your e-commerce, inventory management, and customer data with smart automation. Magic Software ensures efficient processes, real-time insights, and a personalized customer experience.
Consumer goods
Magic Software assists manufacturers and suppliers of consumer goods with automated processes, seamless integrations, and real-time data for optimal product distribution and customer-focused innovations.
Health care
Improve patient care and operational efficiency with seamless integration of EHRs, automation, and secure data exchange. Magic Software makes healthcare processes faster, safer, and more efficient.
Finance
Automate processes, integrate systems, and improve compliance with real-time data and secure cloud solutions. Magic Software helps financial institutions work smarter and more scalable.
Faster integration.
Data-intelligence
One platform for dynamic, borderless connectivity. Code-free and low-maintenance.
Get started with Magic Software Benelux & Nordics
Want to know how Magic Software Benelux & Nordics can help your organization work more efficiently and accelerate digital transformation? Contact us for a demo or request non-binding advice from one of our experts.
Let's make IT simple.
Contact us directly.
Peter Vos
CEO Magic Software Benelux & Nordics