Independent commissioning in Data Centers

It’s been a while since I posted anything of substance here, a busy year since I made the jump to the world of Independent Cx and Data Centers. And of course, that nasty wee virus has played havoc with all our professional and personal lives, but I have the good fortune to belong to a great team in a fast paced environment, which has been some mitigation in these crazy times.

So, what is Independent Commissioning all about?

Every project is brought to fruition by a multi-disciplined team, from conception, planning and construction through to commissioning and handover. All good guys, experienced and talented. So why the need for independent Commissioning. Its a matter of perspective. When you bring so many disciplines together each and every team has a unique perspective. From scheduling, to budget, logistics and contract, managing the clamour of dissenting voices is pivotal to a successful outcome. The application of a structured commissioning process is the most effective method of project management, once its rigidly adhered to. Is this an effective condemnation of vendor performance? No, absolutely not. Its back to perspective. Amongst all the voices and opinions that must eventually deliver a facility that conforms to the highest of operational standards, there is one voice that can be overlooked, and sometimes ignored. That is the project itself, and all the core components that must operate in perfect synchronicity. That is where Independent commissioning comes in. The Cx agents must have the authority to operate free from the encumbrance of commercial considerations. There is only one absolute governing the application of acceptable standards.

If it’s not right, its wrong.

Structured commissioning should always start at the beginning of a project, at design level. The concept of involving Cx agents at Level 4 [Functional performance Testing] will always pose a risk to the integrity of the completed product. Attempting to underpin design, quality and installation issues when a project is approaching practical completion is fraught with risk. Risk to all stakeholders, commercially, financially and reputationally. Is it worth it?

If its not right, its wrong.

One of the challenges we are faced with is the concept of unified design across multiple facilities. It is a great concept, find something that works, and stick with it. But does it work? As professionals we should always be better educated after every project. Lessons learnt. Any team or individual that cannot concede that their next project will be better has lost the edge. Your cruising complacently towards disaster. And yet, the principle of design replication must prevail. Its common sense. The ability to embrace this concept while allowing space and structure for continuous improvement is one of the most important corporate concepts that apply to this sector.

Yes, of course, there is always an element of compromise. The greatest skill any engineer can possess is the realisation of the perfect compromise. As long as it adheres that simple maxim.

If its not right, its wrong!