Vincent Bellefroid: “The AI era has begun, and we help people take the leap”

When Vincent Bellefroid started with Navision in the 1990s

When Vincent Bellefroid started with Navision in the 1990s, ERP software was already complex, but the world around it was much simpler. AI barely existed outside research labs, and most training still took place in classrooms. Today, that is completely different.

“If you look at the past 25 years, there has always been innovation,” says Vincent. “But in the last five years, we’ve seen more technology change than in the twenty years before that.”

Vincent is one of the founders of Plataan, a training center focused on ERP and CRM software in the Microsoft ecosystem. Since 2021, Plataan has been part of the Novature group. From this position, Vincent works daily with partners and consultants worldwide, with a strong focus on Europe.

From Navision to Business Central

Vincent has been working in the Dynamics ecosystem for over 25 years. He started in the 1990s with Navision, the ERP software later acquired by Microsoft.

“I was working in one of the first solution centers in the Benelux,” he says. “We implemented Navision for clients. That product later evolved into Dynamics NAV and ultimately into Business Central.”

Alongside implementations, Vincent quickly began providing training on the software. When Microsoft acquired Navision and changed the entire training program, he, Koen Stox and Steven Renders decided to start their own training center.

“In 2005 we founded Plataan. We saw that ERP software was becoming increasingly complex and that people really needed training to work with it.”

Four technological eras

From Vincent’s personal experience, Microsoft’s evolution can be seen in four phases.

“First came the Navision era. Then the shift to Microsoft’s own on-premise ecosystem. After that came the cloud era. And now, we’re clearly in the AI era.”

This last phase feels different from earlier innovations. “AI is a massive change. At the same time, there is still a lot of uncertainty. It will have a big impact, but the question is: when exactly and at what pace?”

Learning as the key to technology

Vincent’s view on training partly stems from his own early years.

“When I started, you basically got no training,” he laughs. “You had to figure it out. If you can do it, you can stay. Otherwise, find another job.”

According to him, that approach didn’t work in a world of complex business software. “ERP and CRM are complicated systems. People need training and deserve training. What I often see in organizations is that employees’ potential is underestimated.”

Plataan therefore trains two key profiles within the Dynamics ecosystem: developers who customize and extend the software, and functional consultants who translate business processes into software configurations.

“These consultants talk to clients about processes like accounting, inventory, or procurement. That requires both technical knowledge and understanding of how companies work.”

From classrooms to video learning

Over the years, not only the technology has changed, but also the way people learn. Around 2013, Plataan began using video training, long before online learning became mainstream.

“We built studios and developed an online curriculum. At that time, almost no one was doing this.”

This early step into online learning proved a big advantage during COVID.

“We already had a fully digital training program. At the same time, many Microsoft partners suddenly had more time to train. As a result, our collaboration with QBS, the predecessor of Companial, became much more intensive.”

The new demand for AI training

The biggest change Vincent sees now is the growing demand for AI knowledge.

“A year ago, companies weren’t explicitly asking for AI training. Now that’s happening more and more.”

Many organizations start with the basics. “They first want to understand what AI is, how it works, and what it means for their work. Then come trainings on tools like Microsoft Copilot and AI features in Business Central and CRM.”

Developers are also increasingly using AI in their daily work.

“In the Dynamics world, you see developers using AI to write better code faster.”

AI also helps create trainings

AI is changing not only the content of trainings but also the process behind it.

“We look closely at how AI can help us develop trainings faster and make them more engaging and effective,” says Vincent.

The team uses AI, for example, to improve text or support translations. Yet the human role remains essential.

“If you let AI run completely on its own, you don’t yet get the quality we want. For now, we see AI mainly as assistants that help us work more efficiently.”

The training of the future

Vincent believes learners’ expectations will also change.

“People want faster answers and more guidance while learning.”

In the future, online training will therefore likely contain AI integrations more often.

“You already see trainings with chat functions that ask questions, provide explanations, or suggest additional material. AI can become a kind of digital coach in the learning process.”

Will AI replace juniors?

A common concern in the IT sector is that AI will replace junior roles. Vincent looks at this with nuance.

“In the past 25 years, I’ve seen multiple economic cycles. In downturns, it’s always been harder for juniors to get a first job.”

He doubts that AI is already the cause. “AI is not yet applied broadly enough to see such major effects now. Sometimes I wonder if companies use AI as an excuse for reorganizations.”

He is certain, however, that changes are coming: “Some roles will change, and entirely new roles will emerge. Exactly who will be affected and when is still hard to predict.”

Collaboration within the Novature group

Since Plataan became part of the Novature group, Vincent has also been working with other companies within the ecosystem.

He sees the collaboration with Digital Bricks, which specializes in AI adoption, as very valuable.

“Digital Bricks has a lot of knowledge about AI use cases and adoption programs. We have in-depth knowledge of ERP software. Together, we can develop training around AI in business software.”

According to Vincent, training is an essential part of technological change. “That was true for ERP and CRM, and it will be no different for AI. Without explanation and guidance, technology simply won’t be used.”

Helping people grow

What Vincent still enjoys most after all these years is the impact on people.

“I love the variety. But above all, the idea that you help people in their careers.”

Over the years, thousands of consultants and developers across Europe have followed our trainings.

“Even twenty years later, I still meet people at events who tell me, ‘I once attended one of your trainings.’ That’s always special.”

The way of working has changed, but the goal remains the same.

“Seeing people grow through our training which enables them to do their work better, is the reason I do this work.”