Elevating Constructability with Advanced Work Packages

AWP is More than a Buzzword

How EXCEL Redefines Project Management

In an industry where project overruns can easily reach 30% of the total project cost, the necessity of a comprehensive constructability program cannot be overstated. According to the Construction Industry Institute (CII), effective constructability can lead to a 6.1% cost and a 7.1% improvement in project performance (CII, 2019). At EXCEL Group, we’ve taken these principles to heart and developed an approach that addresses common pitfalls and enhances every project lifecycle phase through the strategic use of Advanced Work Packages (AWP).

At EXCEL, our approach to front-end services is rooted in defining success early on and setting clear directions to ensure cost-effective and timely project delivery. One of our key strategies is the ‘construction in heaven’ schedule. This concept represents our ideal vision for the fastest and most economical project outcome. It’s a metaphorical term that signifies our commitment to achieving the best possible project outcome. We establish this ideal schedule and then align it with the engineering and procurement timelines. We collaborate with these teams through interactive planning sessions to identify gaps and explore opportunities to accelerate their schedules.

When we get involved in the preliminary engineering stage, the impact on cost savings can be significant, potentially reducing overruns by 30%1. This assurance of substantial cost savings should instill confidence in the financial benefits of AWP.

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Changing the Way Projects are Run

At EXCEL, AWP is not just a buzzword—it’s a transformative methodology that redefines project planning and execution. “Our industry has a misnomer that AWP means installation work packages (IWP) during construction, but it is so much more. AWP has to be the planning, scheduling, tracking, and forecasting basis for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction activities, and structured during the early FEED phase,” shares John Foster, EXCEL’s Director of EPC Front-End Services.

We recognize the shortcomings of the traditional approach, where engineering and procurement schedules often clash with construction needs, leading to delays, change orders, and cost overruns. To counter this, we’ve established key metrics based on our “lessons learned” experience, identified key project influences, and leveraged Advanced Work Packaging prior to IFC issuance of Engineering and Procurement Deliverables. This approach enables us to deliver the fastest and most cost-effective projects for our clients without compromising quality or safety.

Our process typically begins 12 to 18 months before construction mobilization by aligning the engineering and procurement schedules with the construction plan. We detect scheduling gaps in the early stages by engaging in interactive planning sessions. During these sessions, we work closely with the engineering team to influence and align real-world construction schedules with E&P schedules to reduce inefficiencies. By shortening the overall project duration, we significantly reduce the burn rate on time-sensitive costs, which can result in significant savings for project T.I.C. This collaborative approach ensures that you are part of the solution, not just a bystander.

Leveraging AWP During the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Phase

At EXCEL, we believe in unlocking the actual value of AWP during the FEED phase. This is where we fully leverage AWP, ensuring that the project’s foundational elements—engineering, procurement, and construction—are perfectly aligned before any drawings are issued. This proactive approach allows us to anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they escalate into costly delays, providing you with a sense of reassurance.

Our team at EXCEL insists on early engagement with engineering and procurement teams to establish Required On-Site (ROS) dates for all critical deliverables. These ROS dates are the deadlines for when critical deliverables need to be on-site for construction. By establishing these dates early on, we can influence faster turnaround times on drawings and equipment, which can significantly compress the overall project schedule. For instance, if a project is scheduled to be completed in 12 months, our leading conversations can save anywhere from one to three months in backend construction. This strategic scheduling meets and exceeds client expectations, providing significant cost improvements.

While some may find this process challenging, its benefits are undeniable, making it a critical factor in your project’s success. By integrating advanced work packaging into our planning process, we align all project phases, delivering on our commitment to efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely completion.

“The earlier we get involved, the more we can contribute to the beneficial influence on the project,” shares John Foster, Director – EPC Front End Services at EXCEL.