HomeResourcesLearning CenterStreamlining Pipeline Construction with Trunk Tools: A Conversation with Jamie (Charps Project Manager)

Streamlining Pipeline Construction with Trunk Tools: A Conversation with Jamie (Charps Project Manager)

In the fast-paced world of pipeline construction, efficiency and accuracy are key. We sat down with Jamie, a Project Manager at Charps, to discuss how Trunk Tools has become an indispensable part of his daily workflow, helping him manage the complexities of his projects with greater ease and precision.

Q: Jamie, can you tell us about your role at Charps and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

Jamie: As a Project Manager at Charps, my main responsibility is to estimate and manage pipeline construction jobs. This involves a variety of tasks including managing schedules and costs, organizing subcontractors, and ensuring client expectations are met. On a typical day, I’m bidding for jobs while also running multiple projects. This means I’m constantly approving crew and equipment costs, managing RFI (Request for Information) and Change Order requests, coordinating subcontractors, and updating key performance indicators (KPIs) and schedules. It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s all part of ensuring our projects run smoothly.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role?

Jamie: The biggest challenge is ensuring compliance with our customer specifications. We work with several different pipeline operators, each with their own set of specifications, which can vary widely. Keeping track of these and ensuring our work aligns with them is crucial, but it can also be incredibly time-consuming.

 

Q: How has Trunk Tools helped you tackle these challenges?

Jamie: Trunk Tools has been a game-changer for us. I use it almost daily to look up specifications, which is crucial when you’re dealing with different client requirements. It’s also incredibly useful for challenging inspectors on site or clarifying points raised by Project Managers or Construction Coordinators during meetings. With Trunk Tools, I can get accurate answers quickly, which keeps our crews moving forward and ensures we’re always in compliance.

Q: Can you share a specific example of how Trunk Tools has saved you time or money?

Jamie: Absolutely. Recently, we had an issue where the drawings for a new Block Valve we were installing didn’t include rest blocks or thrust blocks. The engineer simply told us to follow the specification, but finding the relevant information in the customer’s database would have been a nightmare—it has a poor search function and doesn’t return results unless you have the exact language. Before Trunk Tools, this would have taken me at least two hours of searching. But with Trunk Tools, I found the specification in seconds, got the materials ordered, and kept the crew moving forward. Over three months, I’ve saved nearly three full workdays thanks to Trunk Tools. That’s also saved our crew time on site, preventing delays and potential rework.

Q: How was the process of implementing Trunk Tools into your workflow?

Jamie: The implementation was very smooth. Kevin and the team made it easy for us to get started. They set everything up, demonstrated how to use the tool, and ensured we were comfortable with it before we went live. The transition from demonstration to actual use was seamless.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the construction industry, particularly regarding technology?

Jamie: With all the new technology emerging, I hope the construction industry will be more open to implementing these innovations. There’s often resistance to change, with people saying, “this is how we’ve always done it,” which is one of my biggest pet peeves. I’d also like to see customers start using tools like Trunk Tools, not just contractors. It would help them manage their specifications better, answer RFI’s more efficiently, and ensure compliance during plan reviews. My biggest hope is that technology like this will continue to free up time for Project Managers, Foremen, and Superintendents, allowing them to focus on doing their jobs correctly, efficiently, and safely.

 

Jamie’s experience with Trunk Tools highlights the platform’s impact on streamlining workflows, reducing time spent on compliance and improving overall project efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, AI tools like Trunk Tools are paving the way for a more efficient and effective construction industry.