What’s the Difference Between Commissioning and Acceptance Testing?

Description

Commissioning is a common practice performed at the end of a project, but this process only verifies that the systems are operating and performing as designed. Acceptance testing can add additional value to the owner by identifying defects related to manufacturing and installation that will likely manifest themselves after the warranty period ends. Acceptance testing standards need to be developed during the design phase of a project and included in the contracts. Not everyone understands the difference and often the terms can be inappropriately interchanged. It’s helpful for stakeholders to understand how they are different to be sure expectations are aligned.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe commissioning standards.
• Describe acceptance testing standards.
• Explain the differences between commissioning and acceptance testing.
• Identify the advantages of acceptance testing above and beyond commissioning.
• N/A

Speaker(s):

• Jim Carrel, CRL-BB, ISO 18436-2 Cat. III, COO, Reliability Coach, FORUM Reliability
• Devin J. Hugie, MBA, FASHE, CHFM, CHC, CEO, Forum Reliability
• Michael Wolf, P.E., CxA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Farnsworth Group