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Understanding the Commissioning Process

Video Tutorial: Watch the companion video V03: Understanding the Commissioning Process for a visual overview of the workflow.

Overview

Commissioning is the process of setting up and configuring your lighting network. This transforms individual lighting fixtures into an intelligent, coordinated system. This article explains the recommended workflow, best practices, and critical rules for successful commissioning.

What Happens During Commissioning

During the commissioning process, you will:

  • Create zones to organize your installation
  • Add lights to each zone
  • Organize lights into groups
  • Create scenes for different activities
  • Configure sensor parameters
  • Assign switches to control lights
  • Set up schedules for automated operation

All settings are saved directly to each luminaire controller, ensuring the system continues operating correctly after power outages or without network connection.

Follow this four-phase approach for efficient commissioning:

Phase 1: Preparation

Complete these tasks before arriving on site:

  • [ ] Define the Control Intent Narrative (CIN) and Sequence of Operations (SOO)
  • [ ] Document zone functions, light positions, and quantities
  • [ ] Pre-define group names, scene names, and switch assignments
  • [ ] Verify all lights are installed
  • [ ] Test power for each fixture

Phase 2: Lights, Groups, and Scenes

Configure the basic structure of your lighting network:

  1. Create zones and generate QR codes
  2. Connect lights to the app
  3. Organize lights into groups
  4. Create scene settings
  5. Add and configure switch controls
  6. Set timers and schedules

Phase 3: Sensor Configuration

Fine-tune automatic behavior:

  1. Set sensor parameters (time delays, sensitivity, dim levels)
  2. Configure light linkage levels between grouped fixtures
  3. Set auto light levels using calibration or manual settings

Phase 4: Project Delivery

Complete the handoff:

  1. Verify all configurations are working correctly
  2. Sync all data to the cloud
  3. Share QR codes with the building owner or facility manager
  4. Provide both Admin and User level access as appropriate

Critical Best Practices

Use Only One Device

Never use more than one mobile device during commissioning. Using multiple devices simultaneously can cause:

  • Data corruption
  • Duplicate light addresses
  • Unexpected system behavior

Designate one device as the commissioning tool and use it exclusively throughout the process.

Limit Powered Lights

Do not power more than 100 factory-setting lights at once. Having too many lights broadcasting signals can:

  • Deteriorate commissioning performance
  • Cause wireless communication interference
  • Result in failed connections

Power off lights that are not in your current zone before continuing.

Sync Before Sharing

Always sync your data before sharing QR codes. The app saves commissioning data to the cloud in the background, but you should verify synchronization:

  • A red dot next to the zone name indicates unsynced data
  • Navigate to More → Force Sync to manually sync
  • Never share QR codes while the red dot is displayed

Pre-Plan Your Installation

Creating zones, groups, and scenes before arriving on site significantly reduces commissioning time. Your Control Intent Narrative should include:

Element Details to Document
Floor plan Zone boundaries and functions
Lights Model numbers, quantities, positions
Zone definitions Max 100 nodes, < 150 ft radius, < 9,000 sq ft
Groups Names and member lights
Scenes Names and light level designs
Switches Types, quantities, button assignments

Handling Poor Connectivity

If you have poor internet connectivity on site, you can still complete commissioning:

  1. Turn off WiFi or enable airplane mode on your device
  2. Complete all commissioning work offline
  3. When finished, connect to a reliable internet connection
  4. Navigate to More → Force Sync to upload your data

Important: Do not share QR codes until after you have successfully synced.

Industry Standards Reference

Two industry standards can assist in creating your Control Intent Narrative and Sequence of Operations:

  • ANSI/IES LP-6-20: Lighting Control Systems: Properties, Selection, and Specification
  • ANSI/IES LP-16-22: Documenting Control Intent Narratives and Sequences of Operations

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue Solution
Lights not appearing in scan Verify power, reduce total powered lights, move closer
Red dot won't clear Check internet connection, try Force Sync again
Data conflicts between users Ensure only one device is used for commissioning
Slow commissioning performance Power off lights not in current zone
Can't add lights to zone Verify zone has fewer than 100 nodes

Quick Reference: Commissioning Phases

Phase Key Activities
1. Preparation Define CIN/SOO, verify installations, pre-plan
2. Lights/Groups/Scenes Create zones, add lights, organize, configure
3. Sensor Configuration Set parameters, configure linkage, calibrate
4. Project Delivery Verify, sync, share QR codes

Based on Keilton+autani App User Guide v9.7