Case Study: How Teams Cut Weeks Off Their Schedule with AWP

In construction, every day counts. Lost hours turn into lost weeks — and lost weeks can derail a project. But when teams adopt Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) and WorkFace Planning (WFP), the results are tangible: projects flow more smoothly, delays shrink, and schedules tighten.

This isn’t theory. Independent research, including multiple studies by the Construction Industry Institute (CII), has shown that AWP and WFP can deliver 10–25% improvements in field productivity. On large capital projects, that often translates to weeks or even months saved.

Here’s how it works in practice.

The Challenge

Construction teams face familiar pain points:

  • Drawings arrive too late to support the field.

  • Materials are delivered out of sequence.

  • Crews start shifts only to find prerequisites aren’t ready.

These inefficiencies add up, draining productivity and morale. Research published by COAA (Construction Owners Association of Alberta) points out that without structured planning, crews often spend less than 40% of their time on actual tools-in-hand work. The rest is lost to waiting, searching, or rework.

The Approach: Advanced Work Packaging in Action

Teams that turn to AWP begin by building a Path of Construction (PoC) – the high-level roadmap that defines the logical sequence of the project. From there:

  • Engineering deliverables are sequenced to match construction needs.

  • Procurement schedules are aligned with upcoming Construction Work Packages (CWPs).

  • Installation Work Packages (IWPs) are released fully resourced, so crews have the drawings, tools, and materials they need on day one.

This shift creates predictable flow, replacing chaos with clarity.

Real-World Results

CII case studies have documented projects where AWP led to:

  • Weeks saved on schedule through reduced idle time.

  • Lower labor costs by cutting overtime and unproductive hours.

  • Improved morale and safety as crews worked to achievable, clearly defined scopes.

One CII study noted that when WFP was implemented rigorously, crews spent nearly 55% more time on direct work compared to similar projects without WFP. That difference alone explains how entire weeks can be clawed back on a major project.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about one success story. It’s about a repeatable, proven framework. When organizations embrace AWP, they don’t just create pretty schedules, they create an AWP roadmap that connects planning to execution.

The key takeaway? WorkFace Planning isn’t about working harder. It’s about working smarter – sequencing work so crews stay productive, safe, and on track.

Taking the Next Step

If your projects struggle with delays, idle crews, or missed milestones, AWP can help. The lessons from industry case studies are clear: when implemented consistently, AWP and WFP save time, cut costs, and improve outcomes.

Here’s how to get started:

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