The commissioning process is intended to follow a logical flow in a logical project delivery process. It assumes that the owner’s project requirements (OPR) are translated into design documents, which are implemented by the contractors and verified to achieve the OPR by the commissioning professional. Documentation and training are then developed for the owner and delivered to the O&M staff to set the stage for continued proper operation of the new systems.
Ideally, the process follows a straight path forward, but in reality, there are periodic detours, reversals, and rework that affect the commissioning process. These lead to extra effort for everyone on a project team, including the commissioning professional. As with most elements of a design and construction project, the later such changes occur, the more disruptive and costly they are to the commissioning process and deliverables.