The APOST Times Newsletter - June 2024

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June 2024


See How Far We’ve Come

Crowd of People

We’ve come a long way in 4 years! Maybe it feels like we’ve been working hard to implement AWP forever. Did you know that some states take up to 10 years to implement 1 module? ODOT is the first state transportation agency to implement 2 major modules, and at the same time at that. That’s a LOT of hard work and a lot of change. Your expertise and commitment in this process shines.

We’re working together to improve ODOT’s ability to innovate and utilize the power of data. We’re making a world of data available for better reporting. We’re also replacing many of our agency’s end-of-life systems. Each person’s effort in this journey has been awesome and has motivated others.

You’ve been through immense change from a global level to an individual level, and everything in between. You’ve persevered and built a system that will help hundreds of Oregonians both internal to ODOT and external. You’ve recognized that what got us here is great, but it won’t get us “there”! You’ve contributed so much of your experience, wisdom, creativity, time, and frankly, of yourselves. There aren’t words for what you’ve inspired in the entire project team, and also to your co-workers, partners, and customers.

So, how are you feeling? Proud and energized? Nervous? Anxious? Tired? Ready to go? Hesitant? All of these at the same time? Being one month away from ODOT’s first project going live in AWP is exciting! Feelings of excitement to begin our better future and feelings of hesitation can exist in the same space and both are completely normal.

If you have concerns about the system, upcoming training, or your capacity to adapt, please reach out to your management staff and share your thoughts. If you’d benefit from doing a “brain dump” or just someone to chat through some concerns, feel free to reach out to the e-Construction team or to your managers. We’re all here to support a smooth transition for everyone.

And the good news? We’re implementing AWP slowly, one project at a time for the first four projects. We will all learn a lot during these next few months. That will make the system and our processes even better! Your managers are super excited. They are proud of all you’ve accomplished and ready to see this in action. ODOT’s customers report they’re ready to go!

Thanks for being a part of it!

 


AWP logo on a tablet

Sneak Peak of the AASHTOWare Directory

Many people have asked, “How will I know where to put documents or enter data in AWP?” Your e-Construction team has been working hard on a new tool to assist you, the AASHTOWare Directory (AWD).

AASHTOWare Project Directory image

Internal and external customers will access the AWD on the ODOT e-Construction website. It is a Power BI report for projects worked in AWP, loaded with all our current forms and Doc Express Directory information. You’ll be able to search using several data types to see if you still need to submit a form into Doc Express, or where you enter the data into AASHTOWare.

The AWD will be a live resource, continually updated. We’ll include change comments located on each entry, as well as the date any changes have been made. You will be able search by all changes from a specific date. This ensures that you will always have the most current information available.

 


Your Friendly Neighborhood Super Users

Snoopy, flying ace

We’re calling them Super Users, but you can consider this the role of AWP ambassador or Ace AWP user. Super users work within an RE or Consultant office to be the first to assist internal and external users with AWP processes. Super users know the contract and how to work in AWP because they do it every day.

Here’s a selection of our first Super Users. If you are in one of these offices, save the name of your local super user to get answers to your AWP questions. Of course, you’ll also be able to reach out to the new AWP Sys Admin team as well!

ODOT Offices

Charlie Rufener, Inspector (R1-Sylvan)

Jodi Wagner, CAS (R1-Portland)

Len Saltekoff, CAS (R2-Corvallis)

Melissa Wiseman (R2-Corvallis)

Teresa Walenta, CAS (R2-Astoria)

Lori Bankes, CAS (R3-Coquille)

Trisha Hayrynen, CAS (R5-La Grande)

Consulting Offices

Heidi Ramos, Consor

Rebecca Craven, DEA

Clarice Law, DEA

Rachel Parks, DOWL

Kirby Maxson, HHPR

 

We Need You

Super users are confident, early adopters who are enthusiastic system users. If you thrive teaching others new techniques or software, this may be a great way to use those skills.

We’re recruiting more Super Users! If this feels like a perfect fit for you or someone you know, contact us at odoteconstruction@odot.oregon.gov.

 


Hey, What's My Role in AWP?

Here’s a preview of the roles we’ll use in AWP. Look them over and consider what responsibilities you and your team members have.

Civil Rights & Labor

OCR – Data Admin
OCR – Workforce
OCR – Contract Review (Field Coordinator)

Contractors

CM – Prime
CM – Subcontractor
CM – Contractor Lab QC Manager
CM – Prime Contractor Mat Test Reviewer
CM – Contractor Sample Tester
CM – Contractor Mix Design Entry

Consultants

CM – CPM
Other roles share internal ODOT roles

Construction & Materials

CM – CAS
CM – Inspector
CM – TPM
CM – CAU
CM – CAE
CM – AM
CM – RE
CM – ARE
CM – RE CP
CM – QCCS
CM – Materials Administrator
CM – Lab Administrator
CM – Region QA
CM – Sample Tester
CM – Materials Lab Crew Leader
CM – QPL Administrator
CM – Receiving Technician
CM – Structure Services Lead
CM – Mix Design Review & Approve

 

Working within a role is one of the great parts of AWP. You select your role from a pulldown menu and then you have the access that you need to complete your work. You don’t have to look through “unnecessary” components and fields to complete your job. You see what you need.

Roles are not specific to a module. Your role allows you to move between modules if your job requires it. For instance, if you work as a CAS, you will work in Construction & Materials (CM) module for your role. You will also have some responsibilities in the Civil Rights & Labor (OCR) module as well, but your CAS role will work there, too.

Every user working in AWP will have a role. Some may have several roles depending on their responsibilities. You will be assigned your role(s) by your crew leader. We’ll set you up in AWP. And, if your responsibilities change or grow, we’ll get you into the role that will give you the proper access.

 


Anyone Can Get Ready for Training

AWP Initial Projects

Are you in one of the first projects selected to be managed in AWP from the list here? Once the contract has been awarded to the Contractor, training will be coordinated with the appropriate ODOT Resident Engineer’s office and/or Consultants’ office.

What if you’re not in the first 4? Even if you do not have a project in this list, there are things that you can still do to prepare yourself or your office staff. This is what’s needed before training.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions,
contact us at odoteconstruction@odot.oregon.gov.

Contractors (Primes and Subs) & Consultants

  • Each individual needs to create a Workday account.
  • Each individual MUST complete Getting Started training on Workday. (This is a prerequisite to all other required AWP training in Workday for your role!)
  • Company needs to complete OregonBuys registration.
  • Company needs to identify AWP users and their roles.
  • Company needs to confirm that their payroll system is ready to work with AWP (contractors only).

Internal ODOT Crews – Watch for communications regarding training for your first AWP project!​ (Each individual needs to complete Getting Started training on Workday.)

 


Questions? Comments? Interested in becoming a team member?

Contact us and let us know.

Check out our website at
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Construction/Pages/AW-Construction.aspx

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