How implementing Construction Industry Institute (CII) best practices helps improve project delivery

The Construction Industry Institute (CII) has identified Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) and Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) as key tools to improve integrated digital project delivery and capital efficiency.

With projects increasing in size and complexity and cost being top of mind, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the technology and data available today to improve efficiency, decrease risk, and increase assurance over successful project delivery.

As a member of the Construction Industry Institute (CII), Oracle Construction and Engineering is excited to share how you can benefit from CII best practices in integrated, digital project delivery.

Construction Industry Institute

CII is a consortium of over 140 leading owner, engineering-contractor, and supplier firms from the public and private arenas that have united to enhance the business effectiveness and sustainability of the capital facility lifecycle through research, related initiatives, and industry alliances. Established in 1983 at the University of Texas at Austin, CII is embraced by many of the largest capital-investing companies around the world.

CII continually delivers tools and publications to help its members tangibly improve business outcomes, including CII's 17 Best Practices. In this post we are highlighting a couple of these best practices.

The Project Definition Rating Index

The Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) is a simple yet powerful tool that enables project teams to identify and describe each critical element in a scope definition package. Users can choose from many PDRI versions to find the best fit for specific project types.

All versions have “scripted,” weighted elements to guide project teams as they evaluate the impact of scope elements on project outcomes. 

The PDRI provides a quantified measure of a project’s scope definition, which helps identify which components require further definition to increase the likelihood of safer, faster, less costly execution. This measuring tool helps project teams proactively assess and communicate the risk(s).

The PDRI can also improve traceability of scope development, reduce requests for information (RFI’s) during execution, and streamline approvals due to the consistent assessment and communication the rating index delivers. The PDRI was recognized by the Project Management Institute for its role in project risk management.

This rating index can be invaluable in measuring the maturity level of project definition deliverables to accurately align estimates with the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering’s cost estimate classification system.

Advanced Work Packaging

Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) is a project delivery method that begins with front-end planning through to commissioning. The method aligns engineering and procurement deliverables with the construction sequence.

AWP, a disciplined approach to improving project delivery, provides a structure for focused execution planning and production control directed at the construction work front. AWP has become an increasingly popular way to deliver large capital projects.

Oracle Construction and Engineering solutions successfully support the AWP methodology in addition to other forms of delivery.

Both PDRI and AWP support an organization’s capital efficiency by maximizing value and achieving strategic alignment delivery, one of the most important topics in project delivery today.

Results show that projects that are aligned to strategy are “57% more likely to deliver their business benefit. They are also 50% more likely to finish on time and 45% more likely to stay within budget.”

Projects that are aligned to strategy are 57% more likely to deliver their business benefit. They are also 50% more likely to finish on time and 45% more likely to stay within budget.

Oracle Construction and Engineering Smart Construction Platform

While we often focus on project execution (“do the project right”), capital efficiency demands excellence in capital planning and allocation (“do the right projects”) at the portfolio level. Oracle Construction and Engineering’s Smart Construction Platform supports this full lifecycle model for capital efficiency.

Oracle Construction and Engineering has worked with leaders across industries to help them achieve capital efficiency, using CII best practices and Oracle’s suite of offerings—including portfolio management, planning and scheduling, capital program management, and payment solutions.

CII members

We look forward to helping current and prospective CII members connect and empower their project data and teams by leveraging CII’s best practices. CII best practices can be that “secret ingredient” to creating the perfect “people-process-technology” recipe for success. 

If you are a fellow CII member, we would be glad to discuss best practice implementation and help you understand how your company can benefit from CII resources. If you are not a CII member and would like to learn more about the value of CII, we would be happy to share our perspective and connect you with CII’s team to help start your journey.

Watch for future posts, which will focus on individual CII best practices and how to implement them to maximize your capital efficiency and drive success in project delivery.

Discover more about how to maximize your capital project budgets using Oracle Construction and Engineering.

Oracle Construction and Engineering, the global leader in construction management software and project portfolio management solutions, helps you connect your teams, processes, and data across the project and asset lifecycle. Drive efficiency and control in project delivery with proven solutions for project controls, construction scheduling, portfolio management, BIM/CDE, construction payment management, and more.