Modernization of Publisher IT-Infrastructure Completed

We have reached an important technological milestone in its Publisher division (VVA): After more than three decades, the last mainframe-based systems have been replaced with modern, future-proof IT solutions. This concludes a two-year transition phase and creates a new technological foundation for the publishing business.

Historically grown system retired

The Vereinigte Verlagsauslieferung (VVA) within Arvato was one of the first companies in the group to implement a proprietary IT system in the 1980s. Over the years, this system was continuously expanded — initially with the in-house VVA-90, later with TLOG for logistics and FIAS for finance and billing processes. While these mainframe systems were powerful and offered a broad range of functions, they became increasingly complex to maintain and further develop.

In early 2025, following extensive project work, we replaced the FIAS system with SAP S/4HANA. During the process, we iteratively enhanced the SAP standard to meet all regulatory and functional requirements.
“As a regulated financial services provider, our publishing business must comply with strict requirements, which made this project particularly challenging,” explains Stephan Schierke, Managing Director Publisher at Arvato.

TLOG replacement: Tailor-made solution ensures long-term viability

The next step was the gradual replacement of the TLOG logistics system after more than 30 years in operation. Due to the high complexity and specific needs of the publishing business, we deliberately chose not to implement a standard software solution. Instead, we developed TALOS, a modern in-house system based on current technologies (Linux, MySQL, Java).

The rollout took place sequentially at the sites in Gütersloh, Munich, and Verl — completed in time for the seasonally sensitive holiday peak in the toy business.
“We were able to implement the project within the planned scope and even stay well below budget,” Schierke adds.

With the successful replacement of FIAS and TLOG, all historically grown host systems in the Publisher division have now been retired. The modernized system landscape provides greater stability, improved scalability, and a future-proof foundation for evolving requirements in publishing logistics.