How Woodruff Construction Strengthened Field Schedules and Alignment with Outbuild

Woodruff Construction is a general contractor that self-performs concrete, steel, and carpentry while relying on a wide range of subcontractors for the rest of its project scope. As Field Operations Manager, Tim Sarver oversees field execution and led the rollout of Outbuild across the company.
Location
Iowa
Construction type
Commercial & Retail
the challenge

Lean Planning the Tools Couldn't Keep Up With

Woodruff had tried to put lean planning concepts into practice, but their tools made it difficult to keep everything aligned. Lookahead schedules often drifted away from the master schedule, creating communication gaps between superintendents and project managers. Short-term planning was happening, but not always in a way that stayed connected to overall project goals.

20
20
%
More projects on or ahead of schedule
5
5
%
Ease of transition (out of 5)
80
80
%
Team satisfaction with Outbuild
the Solution

A Field-Focused Plan Tied to the Master

Tim chose Outbuild to create a truly field-focused short-term schedule and weekly work plan that stay tied directly to the master schedule.

  • Forced alignment: Outbuild's structure "forced communication" between superintendents and project managers, keeping look-ahead and master schedules in sync.
  • Field buy-in: Superintendents quickly saw Outbuild as a tool that made their jobs easier rather than just another system to update.
  • Fast support: Responsive in-app chat resolved questions within minutes, making for a smooth implementation.

"Outbuild has increased communication between subcontractors and improved overall teamwork among all contractors on the projects. It is simple and easy to use and implement."

Field Operations Manager
Field Operations Manager
the results

More Buy-In, Better Coordination

Today, Outbuild is driving more buy-in to the schedule and helping Woodruff identify and remove roadblocks earlier.

  • Stronger schedule buy-in: Superintendents engage with the schedule as a tool that helps them succeed, not just another update task.
  • Better subcontractor coordination: Keeping look-ahead and master schedules in sync improved coordination across trades.
  • Earlier roadblock removal: Identifying and removing roadblocks earlier directly supports delivering projects on time and on budget.

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