If you’ve been looking for a standardized approach to commissioning in the industrial industry, you’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t exist. Each company tends to follow its own methods. Some companies have even developed proprietary processes, leading to a fragmented industry when it comes to commissioning.
For mid-sized or smaller companies, this lack of standardization can be particularly challenging. Without the resources to develop their own processes, many companies are left without a clear commissioning roadmap. The industry would definitely benefit from a more unified approach to commissioning, especially for large, complex capital projects.
If you’re seeking a standardized method to apply to your projects, the Industrial Commissioning Association (ICxA) is developing a solution: the Global Commissioning Standard—the first of its kind. This standard will apply to industrial plant processes and energy systems, guiding project teams on how to implement commissioning best practices.
Why the Industry Needs a Global Commissioning Standard
Big companies that have already developed effective processes will likely continue to use their established methods. However, for companies that lack such resources, the global commissioning standard will fill the gap, offering a comprehensive reference for implementing commissioning best practices.
The Structure of the Global Commissioning Standard
The Global Commissioning Standard consists of six documents:
- ICA-001: Global Commissioning Standard and Certification
This outlines the standard’s structure and the certification process for individuals. - ICA-002: Terminology
A standard set of terminology to ensure consistency across projects. - ICA-003: Roles and Responsibilities
Defines the key roles involved in commissioning, organizational charts, and the reporting structure. - ICA-004: Phases, Milestones, and Methodology
The largest document, detailing the phases of commissioning, key milestones, and methodologies to implement commissioning best practices. - ICA-005: Safety and Risk Management
Covers safe work practices and risk management, ensuring issues are identified early to avoid end-of-project bottlenecks. - ICA-006: Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement
Emphasizes applying lessons learned from other projects to new ones, fostering continuous improvement in delivering commissioning best practices.
The Development Process
The ICxA is developing this global standard by gathering existing standards and best practices and integrating them into one cohesive document. This process has involved collaboration with industry experts worldwide—from Australia and the Middle East to Europe, North America, and beyond.
Currently, the global commissioning standard is in its final development stages and will soon be peer-reviewed by these experts. This ensures it’s both comprehensive and modern, meeting the needs of today’s most complex projects.
Certification Program
Once the standard is finalized, a certification program will be developed. This program will be the highest-level commissioning certification available, designed to certify individuals to this new standard. If you’re familiar with National Grid’s TP141 certification, the CxPM certification under this new program will be at a similar, if not higher, level.
Free Access to the Standard
Unlike many other standards that charge for access, the Global Commissioning Standard will be freely available through the ICxA’s members area. This ensures that as many people as possible can implement these best practices in their projects.
Timeline for Release
The standard is expected to be released to the public by the end of 2024, though the ICxA is working to release it sooner if possible. You can stay updated on the development and release by following the ICxA on LinkedIn or subscribing to our podcast.
Who Can Benefit?
- Companies
The standard can help companies recruit the best commissioning professionals and demonstrate their commitment to quality service and commissioning best practices. - Individuals
For professionals in the commissioning field, this certification offers long-overdue recognition for their expertise and experience. - The Industry
The commissioning industry has long lacked a standardized approach. The Global Commissioning Standard will offer a path toward standardization, helping the industry slowly migrate toward unified commissioning methods over time.
If you’re interested in staying up to date with the development of this standard, or if you’d like to get involved, subscribe to the podcast or email info@icxa.net. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to visit icxa.net for more information on becoming a member.
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