The Factory Acceptance Test protocol provides documented evidence that a piece of equipment, system, or integrated process has been adequately tested at the manufacturer’s facility and performed to the end user’s expectations prior to the piece of equipment, system, or integrated process being delivered to the end user. The FAT document will complete a series of verifications to ensure that what was ordered has been supplied by verifying the original purchase order and all specifications (URS, FRS, DDS) outlined, prior to the manufacture of the equipment, have been respected and incorporated on the finished product.

Control system verification will also be executed and documented in the FAT protocol. Performance testing will also be outlined and the results documented to provide assurance that the piece of equipment, system, or integrated process being tested meets the end user’s expectations and requirements prior to having the equipment leave the manufacturing facility.

Why produce a FAT?

Factory Acceptance Tests are required to protect both the end user and the manufacturer. The end user will only accept delivery of equipment once evidence that the piece of equipment, system, or integrated process is operating to their expectations. Documented evidence is provided by the FAT protocol to accept delivery of the equipment. Failure of an FAT allows the manufacturer the opportunity to make the required changes at their facility to ensure that the equipment will operate to the specifications agreed to prior to the manufacturing stage. Failure to complete an FAT document could result in added costs to all parties involved due to service costs to the manufacturer and losses to the end user due to downtime and loss of production time. The FAT ensures that all questions and problems have been resolved prior to any merchandise being shipped. Final acceptance of the FAT results allows the manufacturer to deliver the piece of equipment, system, or integrated process to the end user.

What does a FAT contain?

Factory Acceptance Test Protocols include (but are not limited to) the following common sections:

Identification of Writer, Approvers:

Provides documented evidence on the personnel involved in preparing and approving the document.

Revision History:

A revision history is maintained to record any changes to the document and the date they occurred.

Objective, Acceptance Criteria, and Identification of Test Equipment Required:

Defines the intent and limitations of the protocol and specifies the quality critical functions of the equipment. Specifies the criteria for a successful implementation and provides the customer with a list of test equipment to supply.

Equipment/Process Description:

A detailed written description of the entire system is included so as to provide the less-informed reader with the level of information required to gain comprehensive understanding of how the system as a whole is designed to operate.

Operation Testing:

This section includes all the verifications and testing performed to the piece of equipment, system, or integrated process that include Equipment Identification, Purchase Order Verification, Design Specification Verifications (Functional, Hardware, Software, etc.), I/O Hardware Verification, and Performance Testing.

FAT Notes, Appendices, and Test Incidents:

These sections are provided to allow for proper documentation of any unforeseen occurrences during protocol execution.

Close Out and Sign Off:

Final approval of the executed document by authorized personnel is required in order to close out the document.