End users… can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em. We love our customers. They keep us in business. More importantly, they make the world go round. BUT, we do need to talk.

In this day and age, it’s absolutely crucial to develop a sound request for proposal, or RFP. There are several key advantages to taking the time and effort to do so, but this isn’t a how-to on on RFPs. Instead, it is key information that you should think about as it relates to your projects.

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I spent the last year helping some middle school students start a robotics club. We had a ton of fun, some challenges, very little money and in the end … a very big success. There were quite a few lessons I learned as a professional project manager that, as it turns out, it takes a child to teach (or at least reinforce)…

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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?

Having been in the trenches executing complex automated material handling systems for the last 23 years certain “lessons learned” become etched into my mind. The difference between a great project manager and a mediocre project manager directly impacts: the ability to complete the project on time, overall profitability, and most important customer goodwill… which translates to the future revenue stream with that customer. I would offer the following 10 characteristics of a perfect project manager for your consideration…