Commission vs. Commissioning

Attribute	Commission	Commissioning
Definition	The act of granting authority or power to perform certain functions or tasks	The process of ensuring that a system, equipment, or facility is designed, installed, tested, and operated according to the requirements and specifications
Authority	Granting authority to an individual or group to carry out specific tasks or functions	Ensuring that the necessary authority is in place to oversee the commissioning process
Scope	Can refer to a specific task or project that has been assigned	Encompasses the entire process of ensuring that a system or facility is ready for operation
Process	Can be a one-time event or ongoing activity	Typically a structured and systematic process that involves multiple stages
Outcome	Completion of the assigned task or project	Successful operation of the system or facility according to specifications

Definition

Commission and commissioning are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Commission refers to the act of granting authority to someone to perform a certain task or function, typically in exchange for a fee or percentage of the profits. On the other hand, commissioning refers to the process of ensuring that a system, equipment, or facility is designed, installed, tested, and operated according to the owner's requirements and specifications.

Authority

When someone is given a commission, they are being granted the authority to act on behalf of another party. This authority can vary depending on the specific terms of the commission agreement, but it typically includes the power to make decisions, enter into contracts, and represent the interests of the party granting the commission. In contrast, commissioning does not involve granting authority to an individual, but rather ensuring that a project or system meets certain standards and requirements.

Compensation

One of the key differences between commission and commissioning is the way in which individuals are compensated for their work. In a commission arrangement, the individual performing the task is typically paid a fee or a percentage of the profits generated by their actions. This can provide a strong incentive for the individual to perform well and achieve results. On the other hand, commissioning is typically a one-time fee paid to a third party to ensure that a project or system meets certain standards and requirements.

Process

The process of commissioning involves a series of steps to ensure that a project or system is designed, installed, tested, and operated according to the owner's requirements. This can include conducting inspections, performing tests, and verifying that all components are functioning properly. In contrast, the process of commission typically involves granting authority to an individual to perform a specific task or function, such as selling a product or service.

Scope

The scope of commissioning is typically broader than that of commission, as it involves ensuring that an entire project or system meets certain standards and requirements. This can include everything from the design and installation of equipment to the testing and operation of the system. In contrast, the scope of commission is typically more limited, focusing on a specific task or function that an individual is authorized to perform on behalf of another party.

Importance

Both commission and commissioning play important roles in various industries and sectors. Commissioning is crucial for ensuring that projects and systems are designed, installed, and operated correctly, which can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure the safety and efficiency of the system. On the other hand, commission is important for incentivizing individuals to perform well and achieve results, which can help drive sales and generate profits for the party granting the commission.