Plant-based projects (or small projects managed by the plant) are largely unpredictable, and appear to management that they are inefficiently managed. Rarely does a plant-based project system satisfy all its direct and indirect customers. Many owner companies either neglect their plant-based project systems, or apply large project processes and metrics to manage them. Both positions result in frustrating inefficiencies at best, and at worst - significant operational risks. This paper describes the challenges facing plant-based projects and how they are distinct from those of large projects, and hence they require different metrics and a fit-for-purpose approach to effectively manage them.