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If you've been told that you don't need to do a factory acceptance test, you may be missing out on a great opportunity. Here's what you need to know.
Published 25 Nov 2022
A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is a series of tests performed on equipment and systems prior to installation at the customer’s site. It involves functional testing of the system, as well as testing of the system's hardware and software. These tests are done to verify that the equipment meets the specified requirements and functions as intended.
FATs are typically conducted at the manufacturer’s site but can also be conducted at the customer’s site if necessary. It aims to identify any potential problems with the equipment or system before it is installed so that these problems can be addressed before the equipment is put into service.
The purpose of FATs is to ensure that the system meets all of the specified requirements and is ready for final installation and operational testing.
The FAT is an essential step in the process of commissioning a new factory or industrial plant. This test is used to ensure that the equipment and systems in the factory meet the required specifications and standards. It is usually performed by the manufacturer of the equipment, but it can also be done by an independent third party.
The FAT is important because it helps ensure that the equipment in the factory will work properly and safely. This test can also help identify any potential problems with the equipment or systems before they are put into operation.
There are many benefits of factory acceptance testing, including:
The main benefits of FAT testing are that it offers peace of mind to the buyer that the equipment will meet their expectations and allows any issues to be identified and rectified before the equipment is delivered. This can save considerable amounts of time and money, as correcting problems after delivery can be much more costly and difficult.
The test protocols for a FAT must be carefully planned and documented to ensure that all relevant aspects of the system are tested.
Below are the three test protocols to follow to have a successful test:
The first stage of a Factory Acceptance Test protocol is planning by establishing what needs to be tested and how it will be tested. The manufacturer, specifically the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), outlines the initial scope of the FAT during the customer’s bidding phase.
The plan, which encompasses all applicable customer specifications, standards, and drawings, is written to help establish the acceptability and credibility of the equipment being supplied. By communicating the scope of the FAT to the customer at the outset, all expectations and requirements can be met.
Next is documentation, wherein a set of reference documents will be compiled as reference. Some of these documents include:
These documents are then reviewed by the manufacturer or OEM to check if the supplied equipment meets the designs required by the customer prior to the FAT.
This is where the testing proper happens, in which the following must be achieved:
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There are different names, styles, and formats for acceptance tests, but in the end, the term “Final Acceptance” is meant to achieve one specific goal—a validation that the system works how, when, and where it was designed.
Below are the stages that must be taken to achieve the Final Acceptance:
So how do you go about effectively implementing a FAT? Here are a few tips:
All the engineers tasked with the equipment should participate in the testing when the FAT is conducted.
Depending on the complexity or number of the equipment, a factory acceptance test may take about two days or two weeks to be completed.
To prepare for the factory acceptance test, you will need to gather your documentation and have it ready to present to the testing team. This includes your requirements specification, design documents, test plans, and other relevant information. You should also be prepared to answer any questions that the testing team may have.
A factory acceptance test is a test of equipment carried out at the manufacturer’s premises. Meanwhile, a site acceptance test is a test of equipment carried out at the customer’s premises.
SafetyCulture helps you manage and automate your Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) process. SafetyCulture makes it easy to create, edit, and share customizable checklists and forms, which can be used onsite via the mobile or desktop app. Audits can be assigned to specific individuals or teams, and results can be easily exported and shared with clients.
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Shella Marie Ang
Shella Marie Ang is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. Cultivating her experience in social media marketing, virtual assistance, and SEO has helped her create compelling content for websites and blogs. Her medical background also has given her an edge when it comes to writing medical and health-related content. She loves reading in her free time and being around other creatives.
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