atriga project manager Pia Merbach:
World-class IT development and more

How does agile project management work at atriga and how do you define your role as a project manager?

“That’s a good and important question, because in my experience there is no ‘standardised approach’ in agile project management. A hybrid model has crystallised in our company, in which we take a classic approach to requirements management and stakeholder relations based on a requirements and functional specification, but work in an agile way internally and operate with Scrum cycles, albeit without a dedicated Scrum master.

I have therefore defined my own role, so to speak, in which I combine three approaches in project management: as a product owner, I define and monitor KPIs, coordinate deadlines and take on the role of moderator. I also manage and control optimisations. The entire team at atriga Lab also sees itself as a service provider for its own company and we ensure the highest possible functionality and transparency for all departments.”

atriga project manager Pia Merbach: “One of the most exciting and pioneering projects at the moment is the use of generative AI in the form of large language models such as ChatGPT, which atriga is using to fundamentally transform future customer communication in receivables management.”

What are your current projects?

“We are currently optimising and modernising the atriga DebitManager™, the web-based real-time information system for atriga clients, and the atriga InfoCenter™, the web-based real-time information and (self) service portal for our clients’ customers in arrears, as well as the BOSS (Back Office Support System) portal for all atriga employees. atriga wants to make the applications and systems even more efficient and intelligent, which will benefit both clients and employees.

One of the most exciting and pioneering projects is currently the use of generative AI in the form of large language models such as ChatGPT, with which atriga is fundamentally transforming future customer communication in receivables management. We have just released a voice and chatbot in the atriga GenAI showroom, which we are using to impressively demonstrate how customers can agree a final instalment payment, for example, in a human-like dialogue 24/7 in self-service.”

Where do you find the energy for these highly complex tasks?

“On the one hand, my psychology degree and training as a sports mentor, which I’m currently completing part-time, help me with resource management. However, this knowledge is not only an advantage in my job, but also in my competitive sport of table football, from which I draw strength and which I have been playing for over ten years, including twice-weekly training.”

Ms Merbach, thank you very much for the interview and good luck with the exciting transformation of receivables management.