DRIVE 2026

A First-Time-Right Dynamics 365 Roll Out: The Zeppelin-Cat Approach

Why do so many Dynamics 365 implementations turn into IT‑led projects that business teams struggle to adopt?

Key takeaways of this session:
  • ✔ Learn how to bridge the gap between business needs and technical execution by defining "what good looks like" before touching any software.  
  • ✔ Discover how to use a standard industry process catalog to prevent scope creep, minimize costly customizations, and maintain project timelines.  
  • ✔ Understand how to transform your documentation into a "digital twin" that supports user adoption and prepares your organization for AI-driven optimizations. 
duration 24 minutes
who is this webinar for ERP Project Sponsors & Business Leaders, IT & Transformation Leaders, Functional Consultants & Solution Architects
Summary
Zeppelin-Cat faced growing inflexibility from legacy systems, inconsistent customer experiences across countries, and difficulty adopting OEM requirements. In this session, Ben explains how a process‑first approach shaped preparation, scope decisions, implementation, and adoption of Dynamics 365. A stable, standardized foundation enabled faster rollout, reduced risk, consistent data, and readiness for AI‑driven improvement after go‑live.
 
Ben van der Werff Product Owner NAXT365, Zeppelin-Cat
Video Chapters
01:50 Why legacy landscapes became a bottleneck
03:30 Designing processes before software decisions
06:49 Avoiding customization and controlling scope
13:10 Adoption, AI, and continuous improvement after go-live
In partnership with zeppelin-cat-logo-bordered

From Legacy Complexity to a Stable, Process-Driven ERP Foundation

An overview of how Zeppelin-Cat structured its Dynamics 365 rollout by using processes as the primary control mechanism across preparation, implementation, and adoption.


solutions
Legacy Systems Blocked Standardization

Years of accumulated legacy software created inflexibility, inconsistent customer experiences, and slow adoption of OEM requirements. Different countries and branches worked in different ways, making alignment difficult. Previous implementations relied heavily on software‑led discussions, manual effort, and local variations, which increased risk and made change expensive and slow.

problem-solving
Standardization Could No Longer Wait

Zeppelin-Cat needed to support multiple countries, legal entities, and frequent release cycles of Dynamics 365. With six to ten releases per year, static documentation and paper‑based communication were no longer viable. Staying on legacy platforms would limit data value, slow improvement, and reduce the organization’s ability to adopt new functionality.


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Processes Became The Primary Language

Instead of designing from screens and features, Zeppelin-Cat designed from end‑to‑end business processes. A process catalog created a shared framework to decide scope, assess gaps, and connect processes to configuration, data objects, interfaces, testing, and training. This shifted decision‑making from personal preference to business value.

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Structure Enabled Speed Without Rework

By starting from industry standard processes already used in the Caterpillar dealer community, Zeppelin-Cat avoided a “blank check” implementation. The project was delivered within budget and without a dip in financial performance. A small, experienced team with a clear mandate accelerated decisions and prevented unnecessary customization.

“The challenge is not lack of technology. We need people who are able to turn that into value”

FAQ's

What is Zeppelin-Cat and in what context does it operate as a Caterpillar dealer?

Zeppelin-Cat is part of the Zeppelin Group and operates as a Caterpillar dealer. The company supports multiple legal entities across different countries, including the Netherlands and Norway, with plans to roll out further to Denmark and Sweden. With more than 75 years of history, Zeppelin combines long‑standing industry experience with a strong focus on standardization, process consistency, and scalable IT foundations within the Caterpillar dealer community.

Why did Zeppelin-Cat choose a process‑driven approach before implementing Dynamics 365?

Because discussing software screens made alignment difficult for business users. Processes provided a shared language that people already understood from daily work. This made it easier to agree on scope, priorities, and what really mattered before any configuration started.

How did Zeppelin-Cat control scope and avoid customization?

Zeppelin-Cat started from industry‑standard processes already delivered by the supplier. Every deviation required a proven business case. If a deviation resulted in a customization Zeppelin would own itself, it was rejected by default. Only changes accepted into the supplier’s standard product were allowed.

How did Zeppelin-Cat support training and adoption after go‑live?

Processes were used to build “day‑in‑the‑life” scenarios for roles such as technicians, dispatchers, and credit & collections clerks. These scenarios were reused for training, regression testing, and release validation, creating consistency for end users.

How does AI fit into Zeppelin-Cat’s next steps?

After stabilizing the environment, Zeppelin started experimenting with AI to improve adoption and communication. Structured and moderated process content enables AI agents to give better, context‑aware answers and support users through frequent Dynamics 365 releases.

How did Mavim support scope control and governance during the Dynamics 365 rollout?

By using Mavim as a central process platform, Zeppelin-Cat could structure scope decisions around processes rather than features. The process catalog was connected to configuration, testing, and documentation activities, making it easier to track deviations, avoid rework, and keep implementation aligned with the agreed process standards.