Advanced Work Packages
Mohammed Karam
DBA Candidate | MBA | PMP | PMI-RMP | P3O | Mechanical Engineer | EPC & Construction Management | Site & Project Leadership | Power, Energy, Oil & Gas, Hydropower
What Are Advanced Work Packages (AWPs)?
Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) is a project planning and execution methodology specifically developed for large-scale capital projects, especially in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) environments. It organizes the entire project lifecycle into structured and sequenced packages of work that are aligned across engineering, procurement, and construction.
The idea is to start planning from the end (construction) and work backwards, ensuring that everything needed to perform the work is ready before the team goes to the site.
Structure of Advanced Work Packaging
AWP is typically divided into the following levels of work packages:
1. Project Work Package (PWP):
The highest level, representing a large section of the project (e.g., a process unit or a large system).
2. Construction Work Package (CWP):
A portion of the PWP, usually organized by discipline (civil, structural, piping, electrical). It defines a constructible scope that can be planned and scheduled.
3. Engineering Work Package (EWP):
Linked to the CWP and represents the engineering deliverables (e.g., drawings, specs) needed to support the construction.
4. Procurement Work Package (PWP):
Includes the materials and equipment necessary for the CWP.
5. Installation Work Package (IWP):
The most detailed level—a crew-level package that includes drawings, materials, tools, and permits required for 1–2 weeks of work by a specific team.
Purpose and Benefits of AWP in EPC
Workface Planning: AWP enables better workface planning, ensuring that the field crew always has ready-to-execute, constraint-free work.
Alignment: Aligns engineering, procurement, and construction schedules to avoid delays and rework.
Improved Productivity: Ensures teams work efficiently by avoiding idle time caused by missing materials or incomplete designs.
Better Progress Tracking: Work packages are traceable, allowing for better tracking, forecasting, and control of progress.
Reduced Rework: Since IWPs are prepared with complete data, the likelihood of errors or missing information is minimized.
In Short:
AWP is a structured, forward-looking approach that ensures the right information, materials, and tools are in place before the work begins. It improves safety, productivity, and predictability in EPC projects by reducing delays, improving communication, and enhancing execution planning.