COMMISIONING

When a new machine is being prepared for production, or has been delivered by a supplier, it is normal to go through a set of commissioning procedures. Some typical steps are listed below.

1. Visual inspection

• verify that the machine meets internal and external safety codes

- electrical codes

- worker safety codes (e.g., OSHA)

• determine if all components are present

2. Mechanical installation

• physically located the machine

• connect to adjacent machines

• connect water, air and other required services

3. Electrical installation

• connect grounds and power

• high potential and ground fault tests

• verify sensor inputs to the PLC

4. Functional tests

• start the machine and test the emergency stops

• test for basic functionality

5. Process verification

• run the machine and make adjustments to produce product

• collect process capability data

• determine required maintenance procedures

6. Contract/specification verification

• review the contact requirements and check off individually on each one

• review the specification requirements and check off each one individually

• request that any non-compliant requirements are corrected

7. Put into production

• start the process in the production environment and begin normal use