Five Reasons Project Managers Are Essential For Building Successful Material Handling Systems

Material handling systems are essential for optimizing efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and industrial operations, and their complexity requires expert oversight. At Magnum Systems, our highly skilled project managers are indispensable in ensuring these sophisticated systems are thoughtfully designed, carefully implemented, and effectively maintained.

Project managers guarantee seamless coordination of resources, timelines, and stakeholder expectations, resulting in optimized performance and reduced downtime. Magnum’s project managers, Pat Hammett and Angie Szczesny, demonstrate the tremendous value they bring to every stage of the process. Their organizational skills, technical know-how, and customer collaboration are the cornerstone to creating standout material handling systems for our customers.

Here are just a handful of reasons why skilled project managers are integral for producing the industry’s leading material handling systems:

1. Defining the Scope and Objectives

The earliest and most crucial task for a project manager is to clarify the project scope and objectives. According to Angie, project managers take over after the sales team has acquired the purchase order (PO). They immediately begin addressing discrepancies between what the salesperson has sold and what the client ultimately needs.

Angie explains, “We start having project meetings to discuss the scope and involve designers so that drawings can be sent to customers for approval.”

This ensures that the customer’s requirements are accurately gathered and documented before proceeding. Meticulously managing this initial step avoids future miscommunication, setting the project up for success.

Internal collaboration is crucial from this stage forward. Project managers must regularly coordinate and communicate between engineers, designers, and other internal stakeholders to align efforts to meet the project’s goals. Without this oversight, it is easy for teams to veer off track.

2. Steering Design and Customization

Material handling systems often require heavy customization to meet client-specific needs. Pneumatic systems, for instance, might involve complex designs unique to each application. Pat notes that project managers are instrumental in managing these intricate designs, ensuring that electrical and mechanical aspects work harmoniously together.

“We have seen electrical and mechanical designs go off in two different directions,” Pat explains. “We have to steer the project in the right direction, bringing together the right resources to address design issues or decisions.”

Additionally, with many clients uncertain about the exact requirements they need, we rely on our project managers to work with the customer and refine their requests, turning them into actionable plans. This client collaboration adds significant value, especially when transitioning from initial concepts to final implementation.

3. Managing Communication and Stakeholder Expectations

Project managers are the central point of communication between clients and internal teams. Angie emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear paper trail and following up on discussions.

"Most of my communication with clients is through emails to keep everything documented,” Angie says. “If I make a call, I follow up with an email to ensure there's a record.” These records become indispensable when tackling issues or managing changes later in the process.

Additionally, Angie highlights that project managers organize resources and decision-makers as needed to troubleshoot issues or adjust the project course. From initiating team meetings with stakeholders to carefully reviewing proposals, they maintain momentum and ensure all parties remain on the same page. This proactive communication not only drives efficiency but also results in increased customer satisfaction.

4. Overseeing Timelines and Resource Management

Another critical responsibility of project managers is timeline management, with lead times for materials and approvals often dictating project duration. Managing the critical path ensures that long lead items, like silos, align with the overall schedule.

Pat underscores the importance of identifying these elements early. "Critical path items dictate how long the project takes, and we organize workflows accordingly to meet deadlines.”

Even after approvals, project managers continue monitoring fabrication processes and addressing unexpected issues in real-time, which maintains efficiency and guarantees timely delivery.

5. Driving Quality Control and Post-Execution Support

Quality control remains a top priority even after a project is handed over for fabrication or installation. Project managers like Angie and Pat make sure every system meets design standards and client expectations. For instance, if a customer requests operational manuals for complex systems integrated with third-party components, project managers coordinate with vendors and internal teams to deliver them.

Skilled project managers remain engaged up until and often beyond system startup.

“There could be fabrication or site assembly issues, so we continue troubleshooting with the right experts until the system runs seamlessly,” Pat says.

Our project managers’ dedication throughout a system’s lifecycle illustrates Magnum Systems' responsiveness and commitment to quality. By staying engaged from concept to completion, project managers guarantee each aspect of the material handling system meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

The importance of project managers in material handling systems cannot be overstated. They bring clarity, organization, and customer focus to complex projects, ensuring tailored solutions and streamlined processes. Whether navigating intricate designs, improving team communication, or addressing unforeseen challenges, their impact drives success from start to finish.

By staying engaged from concept to completion, project managers guarantee each aspect of the material handling system meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Contact us today to discuss how our project management expertise can benefit your next material handling project.