Suggestions for commissioning:

• Make a video of the commissioning process (i.e. the commissioning and equipment validation people doing those tasks) to use as a training video for new operations hires.
• After initial commissioning, re-testing key systems and operating parameters every three to five years pays off financially.
• Early on assign the responsibility for planning and execution of commissioning including setting the timing for the commissioning agent.
• Document the turnover of systems.
• Concentrate effort on TEMPERATURE CONTROL -- which is the key to animal welfare.
• Seasonal commissioning - Commission to winter or summer conditions? It is hard to simulate winter conditions in summer. So, do you do it twice -- actual in summer + actual in winter?
• Test for interaction of multiple systems -- in other words, full-function testing, not just testing of individual systems.
• Level of commissioning: Test 30% of rooms per zone.
• Commissioning agent should confirm that preventive maintenance meets the requirements for training from equipment manufacturers.
• It is smart to involve staff in the commissioning effort.