Client case
Gaining control over workplace migration in a complex decentralized organization
Problem
Dura Vermeer faced a pressing challenge: replacing all 2,750 workplace environments across 23 divisions and numerous sub-divisions. Roughly 35% of these workplaces were still running on outdated Citrix thin clients. Simultaneously, the company needed to migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11 before October 1, 2025, when Microsoft ends support for Windows 10.
Although the urgency was clear, earlier attempts to kick off the project had failed. Over a period of 18 months, three different project managers had unsuccessfully tried to get it off the ground. The complexity was not just technical—it stemmed mainly from decentralised governance: each division manages its own P&L and independently decides when and how to allocate budget.
Approach
Ron was brought in by the CIO to get the project moving. His assignment: deliver a realistic, organization-wide plan that would work across all divisions—both in terms of timing and cost.
Ron started with a comprehensive assessment, conducting interviews with 53 stakeholders from across the organization. Each contact represented a key link in the eventual migration plan. This process required not only strong analytical skills but also a high degree of adaptability. Ron tailored his communication style to the down-to-earth culture of a Dutch construction company—very different from the international corporate environments he had previously worked in.
Based on these conversations, Ron developed a clear, widely supported roadmap that outlined both the big picture and the details—phasing, costs, and dependencies. He combined his eye for detail with robust Excel modeling and proven planning techniques.
Results
Within three months, a realistic, fully aligned migration plan was in place. More importantly, it had the full support of all stakeholders. The workplace replacement is now on track for completion well before the summer of 2025, eliminating any risk of disruption due to the end of Windows 10 support.
Moreover, the new Windows 11 workplace environment is a crucial foundation for Dura Vermeer’s broader cloud migration program. Without this step, the larger transformation initiative would likely have been delayed—or even stalled again. A strategic bonus: by phasing out legacy systems in time, Dura Vermeer avoids costly investments in outdated technologies. This not only ensures future-readiness but also prevents unnecessary waste of resources.
Decisive factors during this project
The project’s success hinged on a combination of sharp analytical thinking, structured planning, meticulous documentation, and the ability to communicate effectively within a complex, decentralized organization.
Crucially, Ron was able to build support across all levels—from IT to facilities to division leadership—bridging the gap between technical urgency and organizational reality. Clear communication, flexibility, and a results-driven mindset were key to reviving a long-stalled initiative and laying the groundwork for broader digital transformation at Dura Vermeer.