Don’t Wait for the Avocado to Turn: Why Timing Defines Project Success
Anyone who has ever opened an avocado knows the truth: timing is everything. Too soon and it isn’t ready; too late and the window starts to close. That simple idea— knowing when to act—became the opening metaphor of our latest AWP CBA session, setting the tone for a discussion centered on one essential message: early implementation of AWP principles is the difference between shaping a project and chasing it.
Across perspectives and even across industries, the group emphasized that delaying early-phase decisions comes at a cost. The earlier construction thinking enters the conversation, the more predictable and aligned the project becomes.
Early Planning: Setting the Direction Before the Plot Plan Stops Moving
Participants revisited the core principles of AWP: starting with the end in mind, collaborating as one team, sequencing construction logically, packaging the work effectively, and ensuring information flows across all functions. These practices aren’t meant for later stages; they are designed to guide decisions before the project fully takes shape.
However, in the early stages, the plot plan is still evolving. That fluidity makes sequencing and constructability development challenging, but it also makes them indispensable. Early decisions influence engineering maturity, procurement strategy, and the feasibility of downstream construction.
Data Preparedness: The Digital Thread Begins on Day One
A strong theme of the session was the importance of establishing a robust data strategy early in the project lifecycle. This includes defining digital threads, naming conventions, codification structures, and accurate baselines. These elements form the backbone of transparency and allow teams to identify risks before they manifest in the field.
When engineering accuracy and data foundations are established early, the downstream benefits ripple through procurement, fabrication, project controls, and field execution—reducing rework, revisions, and unexpected impacts to schedule or cost.
AWP as an Organizational Standard, Not an Optional Tool
Another key insight was the difficulty many organizations face when AWP is treated as an “extra” rather than a built‑in operating standard. Without embedding AWP into standard operating procedures, particularly within engineering and procurement teams, early-phase deliverables become unpredictable or inconsistent.
Several voices emphasized the critical need for cultural alignment, updated processes, and active participation from project managers, engineering managers, contracts teams, and project controls—not just construction. This is exactly why the CBA continues to promote broader cross‑functional involvement.
A Cross‑Industry Lens Reinforces Universal Principles
A case study from the sustainable aviation fuel sector brought fresh, relevant insights. Despite being outside the traditional oil & gas or data center markets, the project highlighted lessons that deeply align with AWP:
This example confirmed that AWP principles are industry‑agnostic: they’re structural principles for good project execution, not tied to a single market.
During the discussion, one point stood out clearly: optimizing the order of activities has a greater impact on project success than optimizing each activity individually—a project planning principle referenced during the session that aligns strongly with AWP thinking.
What the Survey Revealed About Early-Phase Challenges
A live poll conducted during the session showed the top difficulties practitioners face in early project phases:
Conclusion: Act Early, Before the Window Starts to Close
The session concluded with a clear, shared understanding:
AWP creates the most value when introduced early, intentionally, and collaboratively. Delay it, and the opportunity to shape the project begins to narrow—just like waiting too long with an avocado.
As the AWP CBA continues advancing research, guidance, and cross‑industry alignment, the call to action remains simple:
Bring new voices into the conversation—and bring them early.
Across perspectives and even across industries, the group emphasized that delaying early-phase decisions comes at a cost. The earlier construction thinking enters the conversation, the more predictable and aligned the project becomes.
Early Planning: Setting the Direction Before the Plot Plan Stops Moving
Participants revisited the core principles of AWP: starting with the end in mind, collaborating as one team, sequencing construction logically, packaging the work effectively, and ensuring information flows across all functions. These practices aren’t meant for later stages; they are designed to guide decisions before the project fully takes shape.
However, in the early stages, the plot plan is still evolving. That fluidity makes sequencing and constructability development challenging, but it also makes them indispensable. Early decisions influence engineering maturity, procurement strategy, and the feasibility of downstream construction.
Data Preparedness: The Digital Thread Begins on Day One
A strong theme of the session was the importance of establishing a robust data strategy early in the project lifecycle. This includes defining digital threads, naming conventions, codification structures, and accurate baselines. These elements form the backbone of transparency and allow teams to identify risks before they manifest in the field.
When engineering accuracy and data foundations are established early, the downstream benefits ripple through procurement, fabrication, project controls, and field execution—reducing rework, revisions, and unexpected impacts to schedule or cost.
AWP as an Organizational Standard, Not an Optional Tool
Another key insight was the difficulty many organizations face when AWP is treated as an “extra” rather than a built‑in operating standard. Without embedding AWP into standard operating procedures, particularly within engineering and procurement teams, early-phase deliverables become unpredictable or inconsistent.
Several voices emphasized the critical need for cultural alignment, updated processes, and active participation from project managers, engineering managers, contracts teams, and project controls—not just construction. This is exactly why the CBA continues to promote broader cross‑functional involvement.
A Cross‑Industry Lens Reinforces Universal Principles
A case study from the sustainable aviation fuel sector brought fresh, relevant insights. Despite being outside the traditional oil & gas or data center markets, the project highlighted lessons that deeply align with AWP:
- Invest time early— “think slow, act fast” once construction begins. Avoid optimism bias by grounding expectations in real benchmarks.
- Focus on sequencing and construction-driven logic.
- Manage interfaces early, especially when integrating with existing infrastructure.
This example confirmed that AWP principles are industry‑agnostic: they’re structural principles for good project execution, not tied to a single market.
During the discussion, one point stood out clearly: optimizing the order of activities has a greater impact on project success than optimizing each activity individually—a project planning principle referenced during the session that aligns strongly with AWP thinking.
What the Survey Revealed About Early-Phase Challenges
A live poll conducted during the session showed the top difficulties practitioners face in early project phases:
- Constructability strategy reviews
- Path of construction development
- Engineering deliverable sequencing
- Schedule alignment and baselining
- Developing CWPs
Conclusion: Act Early, Before the Window Starts to Close
The session concluded with a clear, shared understanding:
AWP creates the most value when introduced early, intentionally, and collaboratively. Delay it, and the opportunity to shape the project begins to narrow—just like waiting too long with an avocado.
As the AWP CBA continues advancing research, guidance, and cross‑industry alignment, the call to action remains simple:
Bring new voices into the conversation—and bring them early.
