Advanced Work Packaging breaks down large scopes of work into smaller work packages optimized around the Path of Construction for easy organization in order to improve project performance and reduce friction between stakeholders.
First, what is a work package?
A work package is a collection of related tasks within a project. They are frequently considered sub-projects within a larger overall project. Tasks are usually divided into work packages based on their location, engineering discipline, technology, or completion time.
In comparison, work packages in Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) are organized purely around the Path of Construction. This creates a collaboration system focused on supporting the execution of workface planning to develop a constraint-free work environment. AWP relies on a previously existing construction execution plan, an exact path of construction, and sound integration between stakeholders involved in the construction process.
In summation, Advanced Work Packaging breaks down large scopes of work into smaller work packages for easy organization in order to improve project performance and ease the relationships between all project stakeholders.
Advanced Work Packaging is divided into three main stages:
- Preliminary Planning/Design
- Detailed Engineering
- Construction
Stage One: Preliminary Planning/Design
The main objective of this phase is to establish a coordinated planning sequence for all the construction, engineering, and procurement specifications. It starts with the division of the construction scope of the project into several Construction Tasks Packages (CWPs), which determine the logical and manageable division of work. The project execution plan and engineering deliverables, or engineering work packages, are aligned with CWPs (EWPs).
Stage Two: Detailed Engineering
This phase includes a comprehensive specification of EWPs. The implementation of In-depth resource loading aims to load estimates, which are then further improved and prepared for engineering (by discipline), procurement (by commodity delivery date), and construction (by area).
Stage Three: Construction
This stage entails creating a collection of Installation Work Packages (IWPs) that comprise the necessary paperwork to facilitate the secure and productive installation of a specific managed system component. Before fieldwork begins, sending each IWP out into the field with all the essential equipment is mandatory. IWPs are created and authorized by accountable superintendents or supervisors to promote responsibility and empowerment among frontline staff.
What’s the Difference Between AWP and Work Packaging?
The main difference between AWP and standard work packaging is that the latter is not influenced by construction. Construction leaders typically participate right before breaking ground, but AWP mandates that they must play a role in the planning process from the beginning. Unlike AWP, which demands that work packages be arranged entirely around the Path of Construction, standard systems typically organize work packages around engineering, design, or various other factors.