In this episode, I talk with Paul Turner, P.Eng, PMP, CEO of the Industrial Commissioning Association, about how adopting a commissioning-first approach and the importance of commissioning in project management from the start of project planning can overcome inefficiencies, significantly enhance outcomes, and transform the definition of success in the AEC industry.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Paul:
- Why do you believe a commissioning-first approach is the key to fixing the challenges of traditional construction-led project development?
- What are the major advantages of integrating commissioning early in project planning, and how can teams implement it successfully?
- Can you describe how the ICA Global Commissioning Standard assists project teams in staying on track?
- What is the most frequent misunderstanding you’ve come across about commissioning, and how do you help teams overcome it?
- As someone new to this concept, how can AEC professionals transition to a commissioning-first approach in their projects?
- What resources does ICA offer to help professionals incorporate commissioning into their projects effectively, and what value can AEC professionals gain from joining as members?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Powerful Secrets of Commissioning in Project Management for Outstanding Results:
- A commissioning-first approach addresses traditional construction-led development challenges by ensuring that commissioning activities are integrated as part of a commissioning-first approach in project management throughout the entire project lifecycle, not just at the end. This alignment across design, construction, and commissioning phases mitigates risks and prevents costly delays and overruns.
- Integrating commissioning early in project planning provides significant benefits, particularly when focusing on early commissioning in construction projects, such as allowing teams to access detailed information crucial for planning resources and materials effectively. Teams can successfully implement this strategy by including commissioning details in contracts from the beginning, ensuring that all project phases are coordinated for efficient execution and successful completion.
- The ICA Global Commissioning Standard offers a consistent framework for industrial commissioning best practices, standardizing processes and terminology while addressing previous challenges of disjointed practices across projects. This standardization in commissioning practices helps teams maintain uniformity and enhances overall project efficiency and success.
- The most common misunderstanding is that commissioning only involves testing at the end of a project. However, commissioning in project management is a continuous process that begins early and ensures successful outcomes. To overcome this, it is essential to educate teams on how commissioning in project management integrates into each project phase to ensure thorough planning and execution.
- AEC professionals new to the concept can transition to a commissioning-first approach by incorporating commissioning activities into the early stages of project planning. This includes establishing a comprehensive project management plan and risk register early on, which helps in managing risks and setting the project up for success from the beginning.
- The Industrial Commissioning Association offers free access to valuable resources that support commissioning in project management, such as the ICA Global Commissioning Standard and document templates, available through its free membership. These resources support professionals in effectively incorporating commissioning into their projects, while the community platform allows them to exchange insights and strategies with peers globally, enhancing their project management skills.
More Details in This Episode…
About Paul Turner, P.Eng, PMP
Paul started his career in the aerospace industry building satellites and rockets for the Canadian Space Agency. He then took these high-quality standards over to the power industry, applying them to commissioning of hydro-electric generating stations and HVDC transmission systems, as well as commissioning of wastewater treatment facilities. Seeing that quality was not given nearly as much importance on ground-based projects as it is given to aerospace projects, he created The Commissioning Academy, to help project professionals understand the complex aspects of commissioning project management of capital mega-projects, to achieve higher levels of quality for better schedule and budget performance.
Sources/References:
Industrial Commissioning Association
ICA Global Commissioning Standard
PMI
Connect with Paul Turner, P.Eng, PMP, on LinkedIn
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