Standards Comparison

    PMBOK

    Voluntary
    2021

    Global standard for project management principles and practices

    VS

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    EU standard for execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Quick Verdict

    PMBOK provides voluntary project management principles for global teams, while EN 1090 mandates structural steel/aluminium execution for EU compliance. Companies adopt PMBOK for delivery excellence; EN 1090 for legal market access and CE marking.

    Project Management

    PMBOK

    Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • 5 Process Groups organizing project lifecycle governance
    • 10 Knowledge Areas covering core management disciplines
    • ITTO framework enabling process traceability and integration
    • Tailoring guidance for predictive, agile, hybrid approaches
    • Principles and performance domains focusing value delivery
    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4)
    • Factory Production Control (FPC) certification
    • Mandatory CE marking under CPR
    • Welding quality via ISO 3834 integration
    • Material traceability and NDT inspection

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    PMBOK Details

    What It Is

    PMBOK® Guide, officially A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is a global framework and standard from PMI for effective project governance and delivery. It provides principles, performance domains, and processes applicable across industries, evolving from process-based (6th ed.) to principle/outcome-focused (7th/8th eds.) with tailoring emphasis.

    Key Components

    • **5 Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, Closing.
    • **10 Knowledge AreasIntegration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
    • ITTOs for processes; 12 principles and 8 performance domains in modern editions.
    • Voluntary adoption with PMP certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives predictability, risk reduction, value delivery; embeds compliance via controls; boosts performance (3x higher in standardized orgs.); enhances stakeholder trust, competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased rollout: assess gaps, tailor processes, train/certify, pilot, scale via PMO. Suits all sizes/industries; 12-24 months typical; focuses governance, tools, change management.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is the European harmonized standard family for execution and conformity assessment of steel and aluminium structural components. It implements CPR requirements, enabling CE marking for load-bearing elements in construction. Adopts a risk-based methodology via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) linking consequence, service, and production categories to controls.

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC), Declaration of Performance (DoP).
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, NDT). Built on ISO 3834 welding quality; requires Notified Body FPC certification and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU/EEA market access and CE marking.
    • Mitigates liability, ensures safety via traceability and inspection.
    • Cuts rework, boosts efficiency; signals quality to stakeholders.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, welding quals, NB certification, surveillance. Targets fabricators; suits medium-large firms in construction; 3-12 months typical.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    PMBOK
    Project management processes, principles, domains
    EN 1090
    Steel/aluminium structural execution, conformity

    Industry

    PMBOK
    All industries worldwide, any project type
    EN 1090
    Construction/metal fabrication, EU/EEA market

    Nature

    PMBOK
    Voluntary global standard/framework
    EN 1090
    Mandatory harmonized standard for CE marking

    Testing

    PMBOK
    Internal audits, tailoring, no certification
    EN 1090
    FPC certification, NB audits, surveillance

    Penalties

    PMBOK
    No legal penalties, performance risks
    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, fines, legal liability

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about PMBOK and EN 1090

    PMBOK FAQ

    EN 1090 FAQ

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