Enhancing the Commissioning Process on Multi-Building Projects with Six Sigma Tools/Techniques

Abstract

Commissioning, in many ways, is an optimum quality assurance process. This process, when properly executed, will ensure the highest quality and operational reliability of the completed facility within the allocated budget. Clearly, while one objective of the process is to validate that all systems operate as intended, the process can also be used to ensure optimum quality for everything that is designed, acquired, and constructed - resulting in a facility that is ideally suited for the owner's operations, with sustainable operability. Six Sigma is a highly disciplined process that enables world-class quality and continuous improvement methods to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction. The main objective is to deliver near perfect services by improving the process and eliminating defects and thus result in delighting customers/owners. Integrating Six Sigma tools/techniques into the commissioning process, especially for multi-building complexes such as University campuses, is a natural fit. The implementation of the appropriate tools and methods can lead to improving the overall commissioning process, save money, and enhance the overall commissioning experience of the owners and other stakeholders. This paper introduces the idea that it is logical to consider utilizing the Six Sigma DMAIC approach to improve various aspects of the commissioning process. It also identifies and discusses the potential application of specific Six Sigma tools/techniques that can be particularly effective when utilized on multi-building new, or existing, LEED projects during difference phases of the commissioning process.