The Path of Construction: A Simple Breakdown

The Path of Construction (PoC) is the tool that brings order to that chaos. It’s a cornerstone of Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), but at its heart, the PoC is simply a roadmap: a clear sequence of work that ensures every package supports the next.

Let’s break it down.

The PoC aligns with the core principles of AWP. If you’re just starting, the Beginner’s Guide to AWP provides an accessible overview

What is the Path of Construction?

The Path of Construction (PoC) is a high-level project execution plan that defines the logical order of work. Instead of guessing or reacting as problems arise, the PoC lays out a proactive sequence that drives engineering, procurement, and construction deliverables from the very beginning.

Think of it as the backbone of a project: everything else – work packages, materials, labor, and schedules – aligns to this sequence.

PoC sequencing is the backbone of effective WFP. See it in practice in Why WorkFace Planning Works in the Real World.

Key Principles of the PoC

1. Start with the End in Mind

The PoC begins by defining the ultimate goal – project completion – and then works backward to identify major milestones. This reverse engineering ensures that every step along the way is essential, not wasted motion.

2. Construction-Driven, Not Engineering-Driven

In traditional planning, engineering often dictates what’s delivered and when. The PoC flips this model. Engineering deliverables are sequenced to match construction priorities, ensuring that drawings and data support field needs instead of slowing them down.

3. Alignment Across Teams

Because the PoC is developed early and collaboratively, it brings owners, engineers, procurement specialists, and constructors onto the same page. Everyone is working from the same roadmap, which reduces confusion and bottlenecks later on.

4. Visual Flow for Easy Understanding

A strong PoC isn’t buried in a spreadsheet, it’s often visualized in a chart or map that makes the flow obvious. Each Construction Work Package (CWP) and Installation Work Package (IWP) is a waypoint, and the sequence shows exactly how crews will progress through the project.

Why the Path of Construction Matters

Without a PoC, projects often face:

• Crews arriving before foundations or steel are ready.

• Procurement scrambling to catch up with missing materials.

• Engineering issuing drawings too late to support field execution.

With a PoC, these clashes are avoided. Instead, work proceeds in a logical, optimized order that reduces downtime, improves safety, and accelerates schedules.

In fact, organizations using AWP and PoC consistently report:

• Improved productivity (10–25% gains are common).

• Fewer change orders driven by late deliverables.

• Stronger morale as crews see steady progress and predictable workflows.

A Practical Example

Imagine you’re building a processing plant. Without a PoC, the piping crew might show up ready to install long before structural steel is complete, leaving them idle and frustrated.

With a PoC in place, the sequence makes sense:

1. Structural steel is installed and inspected.

2. Pipe supports are set in place.

3. Piping crews arrive with drawings and materials aligned.

4. Electrical teams follow in sequence without interference.

This doesn’t just save time – it eliminates the stop-start chaos that erodes both productivity and safety.

The Path of Construction in Action

The PoC ties directly into the other elements of AWP:

• Construction Work Packages (CWPs): Large deliverables organized around the PoC.

• Installation Work Packages (IWPs): Smaller, field-ready scopes aligned to each step of the PoC.

• Execution in the Field: Crews working in a steady, predictable sequence with resources ready.

It’s this connection, from high-level roadmap to boots-on-the-ground execution, that makes the PoC so powerful.

Taking the Next Step

The Path of Construction isn’t about adding another layer of paperwork. It’s about clarity, predictability, and momentum. By defining the logical sequence upfront, teams set themselves up for success: fewer delays, stronger collaboration, and measurable savings.

If you want to learn how to develop a Path of Construction for your next project, here are two ways to get started:

• Enroll in our Key Principles of AWP course — a focused introduction to the methodologies behind PoC and AWP.

• Contact our team to discuss how the Path of Construction can be applied to your project’s unique needs.

• PoC provides the structure that supports modern delivery approaches. Learn more in Advanced Project Delivery: The Next Frontier