One of the most important considerations when selecting an integrator to supply a material handling system should be the quality and engagement of the integrator’s project management. A PM who is focused and driven to supply the best possible solution within the parameters of your company’s investment goes a long way toward ensuring project success.

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills and techniques to execute projects effectively and efficiently. The primary challenge and objective of every project manager is to achieve project goals while adhering to the mutually defined project constraints of scope, budget and schedule. Given the ever-changing landscape of a project, from budget cuts, scope creep, project team changes or external schedule changes, solid project definition and strong project management is a consistent area of need to ensure project constraints are maintained.

Recognizing the need for quality project management to drive the project from initial sales through installation and implementation, Bastian Robotics is dedicated to ensuring that each project manager possesses the knowledge and tools to successfully perform the required tasks. In order to demonstrate this dedication, starting in 2015, it will be a corporate strategic objective that all project managers shall obtain and maintain

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. PMP Certification, which is offered by the globally recognized Project Management Institute, requires and ensures that the certified individual has obtained the necessary competency to manage projects at a consistently high level.

In order to become PMP Certified, an individual must first apply for and pass the PMP exam. The eligibility requirements to apply for the certification exam include the following:

1. A four-year degree (bachelor’s degree)
2. At least three (3) years of project management experience, consisting of a minimum of 4,500 documented hours of leading and directing projects
3. Thirty-five (35) hours of formal project management education.
4. Once obtained, in order to maintain PMP Certification, a PMP Credential holder must earn 60 PDUs (Professional Development Units) per three-year cycle.

Each of the Bastian Robotics PMs has completed the PMI approved, intensive training course and has amassed the required number of project management hours. Through the accumulation of the large sum of experience required to obtain a PMP certification, each of the Bastian PMs has continued to earn knowledge. We are able to draw upon this knowledge to quickly respond to the multitude of challenges that may be presented during the average material handling project.

Furthermore, through the associated membership to the PMI organization, Bastian PMs are provided access to the industry standard tools and templates as well as various knowledge resources, such as ongoing training, peer-written articles, and books. All of these allow for a continual improvement of our management processes and life cycle to more efficiently and effectively meet our customers’ needs. Moving forward in 2015 and beyond, each of our customers can be assured that whomever may be managing their project, it will be done with the focus and skill level associated with the credentials of a Project Management Professional.

Author: Sam Morris