The importance of commissioning

The evolution of facility construction and the current need on reduced cost and schedule has led to design- bid-construct type projects. The owner-engineer-contractor relationship has become confrontational and blame oriented; it thrives on cutting costs through valued engineering and achieving schedule as the goal. The commissioning process, when applied through the life of a facility project, redirects the project to meet the end user’s goals.

1. Commissioning, owner needs. The owner and tenant using the facility has needs. The purpose of the facility is to fulfill these needs. Therefore, from preparation of the design basis document through final acceptance, the emphasis of the project should remain on meeting these needs with reasonable cost and schedule as the goal of the project. When these needs are met, the problems, the costs and the delays are minimized.
2. Commissioning, goal. The goal of commissioning as a separate member in the life cycle of a facility project will produce a product suited for the end user. By focusing on the end users’ needs as the goal, the commissioning process provides a well-honed facility capable of meeting these needs. A smooth operating facility also means less maintenance and operating costs, less facility down time and less facility related interruptions to the user.