Episode 24: How to Manage IT Technical Debt with Marcel Mersie

Inside The Outer Loop

Welcome to episode 24 of Inside The Outer Loop. In this episode, Rich Jordan and Huw Price are joined by Marcel Mersie, Technical Lead - Test, and Executive Advisor to the Dutch Tax Administration. Together, they discuss how effective communication and collaboration are crucial for managing knowledge transfer. Organisations face significant challenges when employees retire, as this often leads to knowledge leakage. To mitigate this, modelling and documentation can effectively capture and transfer critical knowledge before it’s lost. Effective communication and collaboration between teams are also crucial for seamless knowledge sharing and addressing these challenges systematically is essential. In government organisations, implementing AI and modernising technology can be particularly difficult due to the fear of making large decisions and the complexity of legacy systems. Additionally, a lack of resources and skilled personnel often poses significant obstacles. Resistance to change and comfort with existing processes further hinder progress. Therefore, improving communication and collaboration between teams is vital for the successful implementation of new technologies. Also, refactoring and addressing technical debt are important strategies to maintain efficiency and prevent future problems. Intelligent use of technology can enhance testing processes and overall organisational efficiency. At which point it's the visionary leaders who can drive essential changes for successful transformation. By adopting a systematic approach and fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration, organisations can better manage knowledge transfer and technological advancement. This ensures that critical knowledge is retained, efficiency is maintained, and future challenges are proactively addressed. Listen to the full episode to learn more! Inside the outer loop – brought to you by the Curiosity Software team! Together with industry leaders and experts, we uncover actionable strategies to navigate the outer loop of software delivery, streamline test data management, and elevate software quality. Tune in to transform the way you think about software delivery, quality, and productivity!