Project management is more or less the art of making things happen, or moving a project forward to completion. Sounds simple enough, right? We all wish that were the case anyway! Even simple projects can quickly turn complex with delays in supplier shipments, installing a system during a customer’s operating hours, sourcing miscellaneous hardware in an unfamiliar area, handling issues with working dynamics between multiple sub-contractors, etc.

I have been involved in multiple projects, which I felt would go smoothly, only to quickly find out that the proverbial “Murphy” decided to step in, mix things up, and make things more interesting. It’s during times like these that one’s project management skills are put to the test.

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There has been much discussion lately within the project management community on the “value” of project management certification – i.e. becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.

Several years ago, having a PMP was a distinguishing mark usually obtained and held by the most senior project managers. Recently however, PMI has realized the fruits of its successful marketing campaign to push the PMP credential – to the point where the credential no longer makes the PM stand out more than the next.

So what’s more important in implementing complex material handling systems – PMP certification or experience?