> Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) <

> Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) FAQ

• Is there a return on investment using AWP in brownfield settings?

  Absolutely. It doesn’t matter whether you’re applying AWP to large-scale new-builds or refurbs, to greenfield or brownfield, constraint-free work packages enhance productivity and eliminate non-value-added activities.

  AWP methods and tools can ensure that resources are ready to go as and when. So, no matter what the project type or size, AWP improves construction efficiencies and improves the project’s bottom line.

• Does AWP require a lot of resources?

  Mick gave a well-suited metaphor to answer this in simple terms. Here it goes: Suppose you have a soccer team. You’d have 11 people on the pitch, with more people on the bench. But, it remains that you only have 11 people in the game. Even in the most efficiently played game, you still need 11 people on the field.

  AWP does require upfront training, yes. But, ultimately, there’s no need for additional people. So, with AWP, you can get rid of the backup players waiting on the bench, consuming time, money and other resources in a non-value-added way. It’d be possible, or maybe even likely, that updating your business process to accommodate AWP might require additional people. But, this wouldn’t be in equal measure to additional personnel required at baseline before AWP.

  So: with AWP, following the first 6-month to 1-year investment, you need fewer people to implement projects versus without. Fewer people means fewer resources. After a bit of activation energy upfont, AWP projects will consume far fewer resources.

• We understand that Construction Work Packs (CWPs) can be broken down by area, but what is the best strategy to create CWPs like for the installation of cable trays, for example?

  AWP provides several ways to solve this very issue. You can hierarchically define construction work areas. For example, steel structures or a type of equipment can be placed in one area, but moving up one level higher you can cover more area. So, cables or pipes can go through one work area, but you can define it as well into a higher level. That’s one solution.

  The other solution is that you don’t necessarily have to break work down into physical areas. Instead, you can break your work into systems, such as utility lines, for example. This enables you to define the work for the planned system. Or, even better, you can even mix these solutions together. Take the higher construction work area hierarchy and link it to the system, then you can control the piping/cabling cross areas.

• How do AWP tools help create a Path of Construction (PoC)?

  Following AWP, you can, firstly, break the construction plan into areas, and then break it down further into functionality. Then, we group tags. This enables an understanding of which parts of the plan are interconnected so that a PoC can be developed.

  These tags are then grouped into construction work packages. Then, we can start to assemble installation work packages and build the PoC as well as look at critical areas, assigning predecessor and successor activities. Finally, bringing in the schedule, we can integrate engineering and procurement, focusing on the areas of work on which to deliver the project.

• How quickly can AWP be set up for brownfield projects?

  This depends on where you are with your business processes and data maturity. MODS have the tools at the ready. If the data is there, we can get your AWP brownfield project up and running very quickly, in around 1-to-2 weeks.

  If your business processes need to adapt, or data cleansing is required, that will take longer. If that’s the case, digital consultancy services can accelerate your progress. Ultimately, AWP deployment comes down to where you are and your willingness to change.

• How can AWP benefit your organization?

  • Owner: Prescribing the application of AWP in the contractual requirements reduces exposure to safety hazards and leads to improved efficiencies.  
  • Project Management Team: With AWP, everyone can see all information presented in an agnostic fashion and in real-time.  AWP helps to easily identify – and, hence, mitigate – constraints. 
  • Project Control: AWP enables better control and communication between the control and fabrication teams, in part because all constraints highlighted by fabrication in the “war rooms” are made known to the other project departments, such materials/procurement and quality control. This shortens the lead-times needed for the various entities to close out outstanding activities and release the work front to fabrication.  
  • Construction: Implementing AWP improves the visibility of the scope of work to be executed. It also provides a better idea as to workload. This improved visibility enables more accurate understanding of the required labor and other resources, ensuring that the planned resources are enough to cover all activities for each work package.  

• How does AWP help your organization collaborate with other teams?

  • Owner: The role of the owners’ team is to assure delivery in line with the contractual obligations. With AWP, this is integral to all collaborations required for the project across all domains, helping to quality assure the project delivery. 
  • Project Management Team: Setting up AWP is s significant effort and one that requires ongoing effort to sustain. These efforts, however, reduce work needed to coordinate during the actual execution, which helps projects run smoother. 
  • Project Control: With AWP, there is increased synergy with other teams in our organization during the implementation phase. This increases cooperation and alignment, positively feeding back to the deployment of the AWP process. Once the AWP process is established, the project continuously feeds back with results, inputs and real-time status. 
  • Construction: AWP significantly improves project organization and coordination. The construction team are fully supported and connected with the planning team and work face planners. This ensures that all constraints are monitored and cleared as per schedule for the submission of work packs for execution. 

• How to communicate AWP to your organization?

  • Owner:Collate AWP contractual requirements with the AWP procedures developed by the Contractor. This comprehensive guidance can be distributed to raise awareness, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are understood and fulfilled. 
  • Project Management Team: Check the project dashboard daily, clarifying any details in real time.  
  • Project Control: Promote AWP training on the processes, workflows and use of the AWP tool. Customize relevant sections of any presentation materials for the different audiences. Consider launching an AWP campaign for the upcoming project, communicating how AWP can improve the project’s efficiency and safety.  
  • Construction: Reinforce the AWP program during all regular internal meetings with subcontractors.