The Value of Penelope CAD Within TSG: Data-Driven Design and Seamless ERP Integration for the Textile Industry

Interview with Marga Busqui Llorens, Penelope CEO  

Penelope is a leading textile CAD company based in Barcelona, with over 30 years of experience and a global presence. Its mission: to deliver the best graphic software for fabric design. In this interview, CEO Marga Busqui Llorens shares the key strengths of Penelope CAD, its integration with NOW ERP, and the strategic value of joining the TSG network.

What are the key features and strengths that make Penelope CAD a leading product, highly appreciated by textile companies around the world?

Penelope CAD stands out as a leading solution in the textile industry thanks to its unique database-driven architecture, hyper-realistic digital sampling, and commitment to user-centered development and support.

• Database-Driven Structure: Penelope is the only CAD software in the textile sector built around a centralized, secure database. This allows for:
  • Data Security through role-based permissions and the elimination of local file storage.
  • Data Intelligence, enabling users to extract valuable insights (e.g., identify underused yarns and replace them with similar in-stock options).
  • Data Sharing, thanks to seamless integration with ERP systems and other tools in production, sales, and marketing.
• Hyper-Realistic Digital Sampling: With digital approvals replacing up to 80% of physical samples, Penelope helps companies:
  • Minimize material waste
  • Lower their carbon footprint
  • Accelerate decision-making
• Global Technical Support: Rated 4.5/5 by users worldwide, Penelope’s support team is fast, multilingual, and deeply familiar with the realities of textile production.
• Continuous Development: Penelope evolves constantly, with new features added based directly on customer feedback—ensuring that the software keeps pace with the real-world needs of textile designers and manufacturers.

How does Penelope CAD integrate with NOW ERP by Datatex, the globally leading vertical ERP for the textile industry? What added value does Penelope CAD offer to customers who use NOW?

Penelope CAD offers a fully automated integration with NOW ERP by Datatex, ensuring a seamless data flow between design and production. This integration eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and saving valuable time.

For customers using NOW, Penelope provides significant added value:

• Real-Time Synchronization: Design data (yarns, weaves, colorways, costs, etc.) is automatically shared with NOW, ensuring that all departments work with accurate, up-to-date information.
• Faster Time-to-Market: By connecting the creative process with production planning and inventory in real time, companies can move from design to manufacturing more efficiently.
• Improved Traceability and Cost Control: Centralized data makes it easier to track material usage, analyze costs, and manage resources more effectively.
• Stronger Collaboration: With Penelope and NOW working together, design, production, sales, and logistics teams are all aligned—leading to better coordination and faster decisions.

What opportunities led you to join the TSG – Textile Solutions Group network? What technical and commercial advantages can this synergy among specialized companies bring in today’s complex market?

Joining the TSG – Textile Solutions Group was a strategic decision driven by a shared vision: to offer the textile industry an integrated, future-ready ecosystem built by experts.

In today’s complex and fast-changing market, no company can meet all needs alone. By joining TSG, Penelope gains access to a powerful network of complementary, specialized companies, allowing us to:

• Offer end-to-end solutions that connect design, production, planning, and business management.
• Accelerate innovation through collaboration with partners who deeply understand the textile value chain.
• Simplify implementation for customers by providing pre-integrated tools that work seamlessly together (e.g., CAD + ERP).
• Enhance technical support by sharing expertise and best practices across companies with a strong textile background.
• Open new markets through a unified commercial approach and broader global presence.

This synergy creates real value for customers—reducing complexity, improving efficiency, and helping them stay competitive in a demanding, data-driven industry.

Penelope CAD is used by textile companies worldwide. In your opinion, which textile districts or regions currently offer the most potential for further expansion of the product?

1. The United States: the U.S. fashion and apparel industry is a natural fit for Penelope Dobby Studio. With an increasing focus on digital workflows, creative freedom, and faster product development, many brands are seeking tools like Penelope to improve their design process. Thanks to the presence of our group’s offices in the U.S., we’re in a strong position to offer local support and grow in this market.
2. India: as one of the world’s largest textile manufacturing hubs, India offers great potential — especially in the woven fabric sector. Our upcoming trip to India, in collaboration with Datatex, is aimed at strengthening relationships and identifying new clients who can benefit from our integrated design tools.
3. The United Kingdom: we are growing stronger in the UK market every day, but we still see significant room for expansion.
4. The Jacquard Market for Home Décor: this is a highly strategic segment where we are currently in discussions with a few key clients.