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How AI is Transforming Commissioning and Decommissioning
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how organisations manage commissioning and decommissioning — two of the most critical, high‑risk phases of the asset lifecycle.
Across complex infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects, these stages define not only performance and safety, but also long‑term reliability, regulatory compliance, and organisational reputation.
What is changing is how risk is identified, managed, and evidenced.
AI is now playing a central role in improving assurance, reducing cost and carbon, and strengthening decision‑making at both ends of the asset lifecycle.
AI in Commissioning: Improving Quality, Traceability and Confidence
The commissioning phase is where systems, equipment and interfaces must demonstrate that they perform as intended — before assets enter service.
AI‑enabled inspection and data analysis tools are increasingly being adopted by EPCs, manufacturers and asset owners to strengthen this process.
Across projects, we are seeing AI support commissioning by:
Identifying defects, weld anomalies, coating failures and dimensional issues faster and more consistently than manual inspection alone
Capturing real‑time inspection data during FAT and SAT activities, improving traceability and reducing documentation gaps
Applying predictive analytics to highlight potential failure risks before equipment is operational
Enabling remote and AI‑assisted inspections, reducing travel, carbon emissions and schedule delays
The result is a more robust, evidence‑based commissioning process, with fewer late‑stage surprises and stronger assurance that assets are ready for service.
AI in Decommissioning: Safer, Smarter End‑of‑Life Decisions
As assets approach end‑of‑life, uncertainty often increases. Incomplete data, legacy documentation and evolving regulatory expectations all add complexity.
AI is helping organisations take a more informed, structured approach to decommissioning planning and execution.
In practice, AI is supporting decommissioning by:
Identifying components and materials suitable for reuse, recycling or repurposing, supporting circular economy objectives
Assessing environmental impacts and predicting decommissioning risks earlier in the planning phase
Creating clear, auditable digital records to support regulatory compliance and stakeholder reporting
Reducing on‑site exposure by enabling remote assessment and verification during hazardous activities
Decommissioning is no longer just about dismantling assets. Increasingly, it is a data‑driven process, closely linked to ESG performance and long‑term environmental responsibility.
AI, ESG and Lifecycle Risk Management
Both commissioning and decommissioning sit at critical decision points in the asset lifecycle.
When combined with strong governance and human expertise, AI improves visibility, consistency and confidence in those decisions — particularly where ESG, safety and regulatory risk are concerned.
The organisations seeing the greatest benefit are those using AI not as a standalone technology, but as part of a broader lifecycle assurance strategy.
How SQS Supports AI‑Enabled Lifecycle Assurance
At SQS, we integrate AI‑enabled inspection and data analysis into commissioning, decommissioning and supply chain assurance activities to help clients:
Improve commissioning quality through machine‑vision and data‑driven insights
Reduce early‑life asset failures through stronger vendor and supplier validation
Accelerate inspection reporting, documentation and regulatory compliance
Lower carbon impact through remote and AI‑assisted inspections
Strengthen decommissioning planning with accurate, verifiable asset data
AI does not replace engineering judgement or inspection expertise.
When applied correctly, it amplifies human capability, enabling more informed decisions, better risk management and stronger outcomes across complex projects.
Looking Ahead
As organisations plan commissioning and decommissioning strategies for 2026 and beyond, AI will play an increasingly important role in managing risk, cost and compliance across the asset lifecycle.
The key is not adopting technology for its own sake but ensuring it is applied where it delivers clear assurance, measurable value and defensible decisions.
If you would like to explore how AI can support commissioning or decommissioning within your organisation, SQS is always happy to share practical insights from across global projects.
