FAT and SAT checklist for industrial equipment

Use the factory acceptance test (FAT) to check the agreed equipment configuration and functions before shipment. Use the site acceptance test (SAT) to check the installed equipment with the utilities, interfaces and operating conditions defined for the site. Set the acceptance criteria and the evidence required before either test begins.

Prepare a common test record

Use one row per test. Record the requirement, test conditions, expected result, observed result, evidence reference, responsible person and disposition. Agree the drawing or technical agreement revision, representative part variants, quantities and how timing is measured. Identify which checks require customer-supplied parts, gauges or site conditions.

For inspection equipment, define the examination sequence and who performs interpretation. For cleaning equipment, define the incoming contamination, loading pattern and the method for checking cleanliness and dryness. If a test cannot represent production conditions, record what differs and which check will be repeated on site.

Factory acceptance checklist

• □ Check the supplied configuration against the agreed equipment and fixture list.
• □ Run representative workpieces through loading, treatment and discharge; record any manual actions.
• □ Check the agreed operating modes, stop and restart behaviour, and protective functions against the approved procedure.
• □ Record output using the agreed timing interval and exclusions, such as changeover or planned stops.
• □ Record the specified inspection or cleaning results, with sample identity and measurement conditions.
• □ Assign open items and confirm which must be resolved before shipment.

Site acceptance checklist

• □ Verify installation, access, connections and utilities against the site plan.
• □ Check handover between stations, including part orientation, transfer height and agreed control signals.
• □ Run the agreed production scenario with the actual site interfaces and operators.
• □ Repeat checks that depended on site conditions and capture the evidence.
• □ Review agreed operating and maintenance documentation, training handover and remaining actions.
• □ Record acceptance or the retest conditions, owners and dates.

Print this page to use the lists in a project meeting. These are planning checks; acceptance criteria and responsibilities come from the agreed project documents. Use the project process to map the handovers and prepare a project brief to bring the acceptance requirements into the enquiry.