A factory acceptance test should prove that the equipment meets agreed requirements before it leaves the supplier—not simply demonstrate that the machine can run.
Start with measurable acceptance criteria
Define the product, package, machine configuration, target speed, test duration, quality requirements and allowed stops before the FAT begins.
Core FAT categories
- Performance: sustained speed, output and reject rate
- Package quality: seals, weights, dimensions, codes and appearance
- Safety: guarding, interlocks, emergency stops and fault response
- Controls: recipes, alarms, HMI functions, communications and backups
- Changeover: time, tooling and repeatability
- Documentation: manuals, drawings, parts lists and software backups
- Training: operator and maintenance topics completed
- Punch list: every open issue assigned an owner and due date
Separate FAT from SAT
Some items cannot be proven at the supplier. Utilities, upstream/downstream integration and final production conditions often need to be verified after installation. Those belong in the SAT or startup plan.
The goal is a written record of what passed, what did not, and what must happen before final acceptance.