How we manage global projects in distributed teams
18 December 2025Global projects don’t wait, and we need to synchronize the actions of distributed teams so that every step matters just as much as the coffee we’re drinking. This is what everyday life looks like at METRO Global Solution Center – a place where accounting stops being a dull spreadsheet and becomes a tool for strategic transformation! Our motto “We make it count” is not an empty slogan; it’s a promise that every project, every analysis, and every decision truly matters.
Project Management – how to manage distributed teams in a remote environment?
Managing projects in a world where the team can be spread across five different countries requires not only precise organization but also flexibility and a great deal of patience. At METRO GSC, we learn every day that the key lies in setting clear goals, defining roles and responsibilities, and synchronizing activities in real time. It’s not enough to just schedule a Teams meeting; it’s also about anticipating who will be available at what time, how time zone differences will affect communication, and where potential bottlenecks may occur. Most importantly, it’s about building trust within the team - because even if a team member sits hundreds of kilometers away, their contribution is just as crucial as one’s own, often becoming visible only when the entire process is viewed from a broader perspective.
Working in an international environment at METRO GSC
Our work environment resembles a small, well-organized global village. Languages, cultures, and experiences blend together every day, and we constantly learn from one another. Nearly 40% of our team speaks at least two foreign languages, and cross-departmental conversations naturally switch between German, English, French, and Hungarian. Working in such an environment requires flexibility and openness, but in return, it offers remarkable opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Every day we see that diversity is not an obstacle but a source of inspiration, enabling us to create solutions that wouldn’t emerge in less complex structures.
What global projects does METRO GSC undertake?
Our projects are as diverse as the countries in which we operate. From automating accounting processes and implementing SAP S/4HANA systems to developing AI-driven solutions that learn to classify emails or leasing invoices – each project impacts the daily work of our partners in METRO and MAKRO stores across Europe. The implementation of the M|PRESS tool, which automatically updates customer credit limits, is a great example, as it enables payments to be processed instantly and allows stores to continue transactions without unnecessary delays. The global scope of our projects means that our work has a real impact on the efficiency of the entire organization, with each success felt simultaneously in multiple countries.
Distributed teams – what are the biggest challenges in this type of work?
Working in distributed teams has its charm, but also its challenges. We often deal with time zone differences, language barriers, and the constant need to adapt quickly to evolving project requirements. Additionally, maintaining a consistent work culture and motivation across a hybrid setup - with some team members in the office and others remote - demands flexibility, task prioritization, and constant attention to clear communication, ensuring no one feels left behind. The most challenging moments come when a seemingly minor change triggers a domino effect across several countries. That’s when both experience and the ability to make quick, informed decisions are crucial.
Project management – what tools support effective global project execution?
There’s no room for improvisation here. With modern tools like SAP S/4HANA, Teams, SharePoint, and automation and reporting solutions, we can coordinate activities globally with the precision of a Swiss watch. Automation helps us eliminate repetitive tasks, while AI-based systems accelerate document and message classification. We also use data analytics daily to monitor project progress and respond before potential issues arise. These tools aren’t an end in themselves - they’re a way to empower teams, enabling faster decisions, smoother processes, and instantly visible results.
International collaboration and communication – how does it work in practice?
Communication is the cornerstone of every global project. Online meetings, video conferences, real-time reports, and informal chats where we share ideas and jokes - all of this builds a sense of team closeness despite the distances between us. At METRO GSC, we emphasize transparency and openness, so everyone can contribute suggestions, corrections, or innovative ideas, and our role as a business partner allows us to put them into action right away.
