What is a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)?

A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is required to ensure that the customer's requirements are met before a plant or machine is delivered. During the FAT, faults and problems can be identified and rectified before handover to the customer takes place.

The main difference between a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is the place and time of execution. The Factory Acceptance Test is performed at the manufacturer's site before the respective plant or machine is delivered to the customer. The purpose of the FAT is to ensure that the customer's requirements are met. The Site Acceptance Test is performed directly at the customer's site after a successful Factory Acceptance Test. It is used to ensure that the plant or machine has been properly installed and is operational.

1. Define requirements First, define which plant or machine is being tested and which requirements and performance criteria must be met.

2. Set up the test environment This involves setting up the necessary infrastructure and plant or machine for the test, including the required software and hardware.

3. Performing the tests The plant or machine is subjected to various tests to ensure that it meets all the customer's requirements.

4. Documenting the results The results of each test are recorded and compared to the requirements and performance criteria to determine if the FAT was passed. A FAT checklist is usually used in the documentation process.

5. Generating a report The results of the Factory Acceptance Test are summarized in a report that can be provided to the customer.

6. Correcting problems If problems or defects are identified during the Factory Acceptance Test, they are corrected before the plant or machine is delivered to the customer and accepted on site by the SAT.

• Identification of problems A Factory Acceptance Test allows the manufacturer to identify and fix problems before shipping to the customer. This can save time and costs that would be associated with fixing problems in the field.

• Meeting requirements The FAT can ensure that the customer receives a product that meets their requirements and expectations.

• Improving customer satisfaction By meeting required standards, customer satisfaction can be improved.

• Reducing downtime By identifying and fixing problems before delivery, an FAT can help reduce downtime that could occur at the customer site.