Pete,
To have those systems in place requires centralizing maybe the textures, to begin with, so everyone will access the same files. Since Cinema 4D will ask when a new texture is loaded, where to place it, some care needs to be taken; otherwise, a copy is easily created.
https://help.maxon.net/us/index.html#PREFSPATHS-PREFS_PATHS_MAIN_GROUP
https://help.maxon.net/us/index.html#68600
Secondly, the XRef system should be explored, as it access objects from any place, but has as well an option to set proxies/originals
https://help.maxon.net/us/index.html#45148
Since you studying this right now, I know you will explore how much it will fit into your next project architecture.
I’m not sure if that fits into the theme, but my intuition told me to include it:
https://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/use_fbx_to_export_lods_from_cinema_4d_to_unreal
Besides all of that, to have as much of the animation already given to a parent object (or null rig) holding the visible object, might be worth considering. Those Nulls or parent objects can hold User Data, which can be animate and easily connected to child objects. Note that the specific parameter of an XRef object might be locked by default, but check XRef> options. So there is a limitation eventually. Again, it needs to be explored according to your ideas and needs.
In the hope that my little reply lead to some workflow ideas, but let me add one more thing
https://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/animation_techniques_for_teams_part_01_course
It is a course that I had created a while ago. It takes a character animation system and turns it into a more general animation system. It relies on an exact hierarchy, but it can have some extra parts as standard, to have enough options later on. This allows us to store even complex animations while given the opportunity to work in a team. However, the animations, even complex and detailed, will then be edited like we edit a movie. Since you asked a while back about ghosting, I know you have already looked into this system (Since I write in a forum, I sometimes overshare, to be more complete.)
I tried not to send a torrent of information (too late I guess), I’m happier to answer specific questions.
Enjoy.