When communication during the commissioning phase works well, it’s because of collaborative effort. Project managers, owners, commissioning authorities and installers work collaboratively to make sure that the real value of the commissioning process is attained and translated into a structure that performs as expected. Click to know more: https://www.global-cxm.com/commissioning/

1. Importance of
Communication during
the Commissioning Phase
Global-cxm.com

2.  It is the responsibility of the
commissioning authority to make sure
that all building systems perform
optimally while meeting the functional and
operational requirements of the owner.
 Dozens of technical skills are involved in
the process. However, there is one soft
skill, which is equally important, when it is
about the commissioning process. Yes, we
are talking about “communication”!

3.  Typically, global commissioning companies
begin by setting expectations and
explaining their role.
 The initial commissioning meetings should
be held during the design and
construction phases, involving a
representative from every party.
 Keep reading to know what the
commissioning authority needs from the
team during the construction phase and
what the standards for communication
should look like.

4. Effective Use of Emails
 Also, understand what actions a
commissioning authority should take in
order to being a resource – and not a
burden – to the team.
 You may think that emails make it easier for
a team to maintain communication. But, is it
so?! Note that commissioning is not always
on the top of minds of project managers, but
they are responsible for all types of outgoing
and incoming communications.

5.  Countless emails –comprising key
information pertaining to commissioning –
are exchanged between project managers
and the design team without the inclusion
of the commissioning authority.
 Ignoring the commissioning authority in
such important discussions not only
lowers the value to the project owner, but
it can also degrade the value of the whole
commissioning process and may even
result in missed opportunities.

6.  For instance, the commissioning authority
arrived on the site on any given day and
found that two exhaust fans were already
installed, but in an incorrect manner.
 Allowing the fans to operate as installed
might result in loss in operational
efficiency in the long run as well as lead
to annoying adjustments to the fan’s
variable frequency drives.
 The project managers and the design
team would also insist that their
installation was proper.

7.  This means, had the commissioning authority
been alerted about the installation well in
advance, the issue and its consequences
would have been averted.
 Project teams often use electronic project
information management tools to monitor
and maintain records and documentation.
 Many people, these days, rely on advanced
commissioning software to get this job done.
 This is particularly beneficial in reviewing the
majority of RFIs, drawings and submittals.
However, it still cannot replace a courtesy call
or a time-sensitive email to the
commissioning authority to inform them
about any early equipment installation or air
handler equipment start-ups.

8. Be Available & Connected
 The commissioning authority should expect
enough emails and other forms of
communication from the other team
members working on the project, but it is
their personal responsibility to have regular
updates on the project and interact directly
with the project managers and team
members throughout the construction phase.
 This can easily be done by sending emails
and making friendly calls, being actively
involved in construction-specific meetings,
and visiting the site to meet with the
installation team members on whom they
depend for resolving deficiencies.

9.  Earning the respect and trust of these
hard-working professionals can be time-
consuming.
 Showing interest in what they do, giving
positive feedback to them on outstanding
installations and giving solid handshakes
with direct eye contact help build good
rapport while facilitating cooperation and
strengthening the willingness to work
together.
 A box of chocolate or cookies for the
project site is never a bad idea, either.

10. On-Site Conversation
 With the installation of duct-work, piping
and other mechanical equipment is
complete, the commissioning authority
requires more time to spend on site.
 Site visits are a great way to connect and
reconnect with the installation team
members, verify their installation-specific
schedules and gather their views on how
the project is progressing.
 You can also consider having informal
one-on-one meetings with the project
managers of mechanical and construction
teams.

11.  Use this time to discuss the equipment you
reviewed, and any deficiencies identified and
how to resolve them – as well as to provide
the formal site visit documentation.
 When communication during the
commissioning phase works well, it’s because
of collaborative effort.
 Project managers, owners, commissioning
authorities and installers work collaboratively
to make sure that the real value of the
commissioning process is attained and
translated into a structure that performs as
expected.

12. Social Connections

13. Work With Us
https://www.global-
cxm.com/commissioning/
Global Commissioning
Management and Software Ltd
Unit 2, Chestfield Business Park,
Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3JB
+441227649087, +447580017944