Multi-Device Commissioning

Commissioning multiple fixtures requires careful planning and systematic execution. This guide provides proven strategies for installations ranging from 10 to 100+ devices, ensuring efficient workflows and reliable results.

Planning Multi-Device Setup

Pre-Installation Planning

Successful multi-device installations begin with thorough planning before arriving on-site.

Site Survey

Conduct a complete walkthrough to map all fixture locations. Note distances, potential signal obstacles, and network infrastructure locations. Photograph each installation point for reference.

Create Device Inventory

Document each fixture with its intended location, QR code, and setup code. Use a spreadsheet or project management tool to track commissioning status for each device.

Plan Network Architecture

Determine whether existing Wi-Fi infrastructure can handle the device load. Plan for additional access points or a dedicated IoT VLAN if needed.

Capacity Planning

Consider these factors when planning multi-device installations:

Scale	Network Requirements	Hub Requirements	Estimated Time
10-20 fixtures	Single router typically sufficient	1 hub	2-4 hours
50+ fixtures	Multiple APs recommended	2+ hubs or Thread mesh	1-2 days
100+ fixtures	Enterprise-grade network	Distributed hubs	2-4 days

QR Code Management Strategies

Managing QR codes for multiple devices is critical for efficiency and future maintenance.

Pre-Commissioning Organization

✅ Photograph all QR codes before installation—create a digital backup organized by fixture location

✅ Create a master list mapping QR codes to fixture locations and intended names

✅ Store QR code cards in labeled envelopes by room or zone

✅ Record setup codes (manual entry alternative) alongside QR codes

Digital Management Tools

For larger installations, use digital tools to track QR codes and commissioning status:

Spreadsheets: Simple tracking with columns for location, QR code, setup code, status
Project apps: Trello, Notion, or similar for team collaboration
Custom forms: Mobile-friendly forms for on-site data entry
QR code scanning apps: Batch scan QR codes to create digital records

Naming Conventions for Fixtures

Consistent naming is essential for manageable multi-device installations.

Recommended Naming Structure

[Building/Floor]-[Room]-[Zone]-[Function]-[Number]

Examples:

01-Lobby-Entrance-Downlight-01
02-Office-A-Reception-Pendant-01
GF-Corridor-North-Spotlight-03

Naming Best Practices

Use Consistent Abbreviations

Establish abbreviation standards: FL (Floor), RM (Room), DL (Downlight), SL (Spotlight), PD (Pendant). Document these for the customer.

Include Location Hierarchy

Names should reflect physical location: building → floor → room → zone. This makes voice commands and app navigation intuitive.

Consider Voice Commands

Names should be pronounceable and memorable. “Conference Room East Downlight 2” works better than “CR-E-DL-02” for voice control.

Plan for Expansion

Leave gaps in numbering for future additions. Use numbers like 01, 03, 05 to allow insertion of 02, 04 later.

Group Configuration

Groups simplify control of multiple fixtures and are essential for multi-device installations.

Room Groups

Create room-based groups for intuitive control:

Commission All Room Fixtures

Complete commissioning for all fixtures in a room before creating groups.

Assign to Room

Use the platform’s room assignment feature to group fixtures by physical location.

Test Room Control

Verify that room-level commands affect all fixtures simultaneously.

Functional Groups

Create groups based on fixture function or control requirements:

Zone groups: Fixtures in specific areas (e.g., “Presentation Area”)
Task groups: Fixtures used together (e.g., “Workshop Overhead”)
Scene groups: Fixtures for specific activities (e.g., “Meeting Mode”)

Bulk Commissioning Workflows

10-20 Fixtures

For smaller installations, use a systematic room-by-room approach:

Install All Fixtures

Complete physical installation of all fixtures before beginning commissioning. Verify all power connections.

Commission Room by Room

Commission all fixtures in one room before moving to the next. This keeps the QR codes organized and reduces walking time.

Name Immediately

Assign the final name during commissioning—avoid placeholder names that require later correction.

Create Groups After Each Room

As each room is completed, create room groups and verify functionality.

Estimated Time: 2-4 hours for 10-20 fixtures

50+ Fixtures

Medium-sized installations benefit from parallel workflows:

Divide into Zones

Split the installation into 3-5 zones based on location or function. Assign zones to team members if available.

Parallel Installation

Install fixtures in parallel across zones. One team member can pre-mount while another completes wiring.

Batch Commissioning

Commission all fixtures in a zone consecutively. Stay in one location to minimize QR code shuffling.

Progressive Testing

Test each zone after commissioning before moving to the next. This catches issues early when they’re easier to fix.

Network Considerations:

Verify router can handle 50+ connected devices
Consider adding access points for uniform coverage
Monitor network performance during commissioning

Estimated Time: 1-2 days for 50+ fixtures

100+ Fixtures

Large installations require enterprise-grade planning:

Pre-Staging

Pre-configure fixtures if possible. Pre-apply QR code labels to installation locations. Prepare all documentation in advance.

Team Coordination

Assign specific roles: installation team, commissioning team, testing team. Use radios or messaging for coordination.

Network Infrastructure First

Complete all network infrastructure (APs, VLANs, hubs) before fixture installation. Verify coverage at all locations.

Phased Commissioning

Commission in phases aligned with project milestones. Complete and verify each phase before starting the next.

Distributed Hub Architecture

Deploy multiple hubs or Thread border routers to ensure coverage. Plan hub placement for optimal mesh connectivity.

Infrastructure Requirements:

Enterprise-grade router with 200+ device capacity
Multiple access points with roaming support
Dedicated IoT VLAN recommended
Multiple Thread border routers for mesh coverage

Estimated Time: 2-4 days for 100+ fixtures

Automation Setup

Automations add significant value to multi-device installations.

Common Automation Scenarios

Occupancy-Based Lighting

Integrate with motion sensors to automatically turn lights on when rooms are occupied and off when empty.

Time-Based Schedules

Configure lights to dim or turn off automatically at specific times. Useful for offices with set working hours.

Daylight Harvesting

Integrate with daylight sensors to automatically adjust artificial lighting based on natural light levels.

Scene Control

Create preset scenes for common activities: “Presentation Mode,” “Cleaning Mode,” “Emergency Mode.”

Testing and Verification

Systematic Testing Protocol

After commissioning, complete full verification:

✅ Individual Control - Test each fixture individually for on/off, dimming, color

✅ Group Control - Verify all groups respond correctly

✅ Automations - Trigger all automations to verify correct behavior

✅ Voice Control - Test voice commands for rooms and individual fixtures

✅ Response Time - Verify commands execute within 2 seconds

Stress Testing

For larger installations, conduct stress tests:

Send commands to all fixtures simultaneously
Test rapid on/off cycling
Verify behavior during network congestion
Test failover if multiple hubs are deployed

Documentation Requirements

Complete documentation is essential for multi-device installations.

Required Documentation

Device Inventory

Complete list of all fixtures with locations, names, QR codes, and setup codes.

Network Map

Diagram showing fixture locations, access points, hub placement, and network architecture.

Group Configuration

Documentation of all groups, their members, and their purposes.

Automation List

Description of all configured automations with triggers and actions.

Customer Handoff Package

Compiled documentation for the customer including all above items plus user guides and support contacts.