AWP in a nutshell. Explained from a 4D simulation
Jose Gabriel Rosas
Simplifier of Complexity - Converts Strategy into Action - Construction Project Management - Advanced Work Packaging AWP - Data Analyst - Gigaprojects
Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) is a project management and delivery framework that guides the construction process from project concept to completion. According to the Construction Industry Institute (CII) and the Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA), AWP involves the development of work packages that are aligned and connected from the earliest phases of project planning through detailed engineering and construction execution.
Find below an outline of the AWP framework:
1. Project Definition and Alignment
??- All stakeholders agree on project objectives and deliverables.?
??- Sequence of High-level work packages (CWPs), called "Path of Construction" is defined.
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2. Front-End Planning
AWP Strategy Development: Detailed plans for the execution of the work packages are created.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): The project is broken down into smaller, manageable units or work packages. This structure is built as a hierarchy from top to bottom with the CWAs on the top-most layer, the CWPs as the middle layer, and the IWPs as the lowest layer.
Construction Work Areas (CWAs): Geographical areas where construction work will occur are defined.
Construction Work Packages (CWPs): These are packages grouped by trade (civil, electrical, structural, mechanical, etc.) within the defined geographical area (CWA). CWPs are created as trailing packages following the development of EWPs and PWPs. CWPs serve as the foundation for activities in the Level 3 schedule.
The way how the packages are broken down, distributed and the number of them to be defined, can be found in this article Mastering the Magic Number 7: Simplifying Construction Management with a Hierarchy Structure
How the CWPs are defined, is an initial exercise done by the Construction team, but shared later with Engineering and Procurement, to be aligned across the whole project lifecycle. The pulling exercise from Construction, breaking down the CWPs, has to be followed by the rest of the teams.
Engineering Work Packages (EWPs): These include detailed engineering designs for each work package. Must be aligned, as far as possible, into a 1:1 relationship with the CWPs
Procurement Work Packages (PWPs): These include all materials required for each work package. These require a further explanation because they can't maintain the 1:1 relationship required between EWPs and CWPs. The following article, details how the PWPs can be defined by material by supplier, instead of maintaining this 1:1 relationship.
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3. Workface Planning:
Installation Work Packages (IWPs): These are the further breakdown of the CWPs during execution. These packages are handed over to the crews and are estimated to be executed in a period of around two weeks.
?4. Detailed Engineering and Procurement:
??- Execution of EWPs and PWPs: Detailed engineering designs are completed, and all necessary materials are procured.
5. Construction Execution:
??- IWPs are executed according to the agreed-upon schedule and quality standards. Detailed construction plans for each work package are created.
??- Workface Planners coordinate the daily work for crews on the job site.
6. Continuous Improvement:
??- After-action reviews and lessons-learned sessions are held to improve future work packages.
??- Adjustments are made in real-time to improve performance and mitigate issues.
The AWP framework is designed to improve predictability and accountability, decrease risk, reduce waste, and increase productivity by aligning planning and execution activities across all project phases and all involved disciplines. The main objective is to deliver projects faster, safer, and within budget while meeting all quality specifications.
How to leverage the benefits of the AWP framework in the AI era?
The next step is to implement a Digital Transformation Strategy, as outlined in the article Digital Transformation for Construction Industry: A Systematic Approach to Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Improved Communication
Do you want to learn more?
Check this book in amazon, Precision Planning: Construction Excellence through Advanced Work Packaging.
**Disclaimer**
Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own, and not those of my employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual, including my current company. My statements are my personal views and do not represent official statements or stances of my employer. The concept of AWP, is based on the CII and COAA organizations. The content produced here, including the images, the simulation concept and its application, are a product of my own research and ideation and are not related to any proprietary or confidential information owned by my employer or any other third party. The demonstration of this concept does not use or reflect any specific project data or intellectual property from my current or previous companies.
This article is intended to inspire and promote innovative thinking in project management, and all information presented should be independently verified and used responsibly by those who engage with it. The usage of this information is the sole responsibility of the user. I am not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes that arise from the use of this information.
Engenheiro - Coordena??o de projetos de Engenharia
1 周The AWP methodology stands out to me for its structured approach to optimizing project planning and execution. The way it integrates critical stages, promotes collaboration across disciplines, and prioritizes risk anticipation demonstrates clear alignment with best practices in efficiency and scope management. Even though I haven’t personally applied it, I recognize its potential to reduce rework and ensure more predictable outcomes, especially in complex projects where phased detailing is crucial.