Factory Acceptance Test Fat
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
Purchasing new equipment for your current or upcoming factory encompasses the need to accurately and sufficiently test the machinery to ensure proper operation and safety. This is where a factory acceptance test, FAT and site acceptance test SAT come into play. So, what exactly are these tests, and what are the differences between them? These are questions we often receive at Keltour Controls Inc., which is why we’ve put together this article so you can have a better understanding of what to expect following the purchase of your new equipment. Therefore, to learn more about the differences between factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing, keep reading.
FAQ
What is UAT?
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a kind of software evaluation that ensures an application or system fulfills the demands and prerequisites of its intended recipient. UAT is typically the last stage of testing prior to the system being made available to users for production usage. End-users, decision-makers, or other executives of the intended audience evaluate the application in a feasible setting that mimics real-life scenarios during UAT. The goal of this assessment is to identify any problems or flaws that were overlooked throughout previous test phases.
UAT typically involves a number of tests intended to verify the capabilities, functionality, effectiveness, as well as other related advantages of the application. The outcomes of these exams are recorded and passed on to the design team, who utilize the input to implement any required modifications or enhancements before the program goes to manufacturing. All in all, UAT is an essential component of the software development lifecycle because it allows developers to guarantee that their software fulfills the requirements and expectations of its consumers and is prepared for manufacturing use.
What does FAT mean in manufacturing?
As mentioned previously, FAT is a type of factory acceptance test, which is a kind of inspection carried out to guarantee that a particular device or system fulfills the customer’s requirements and specifications prior to being transported from the production plant.
Factory acceptance testing is typically performed at the manufacturer’s location and consists of testing the equipment or system in a modelled operational environment that mimics the conditions under which it is going to operate. The goal of this inspection is to guarantee performance and quality standards. Generally speaking, there is a prespecified factory acceptance test protocol checklist that the manufacturer will perform before the products are shipped to the customer, who will then receive the product along with the factory acceptance test result. However, it should be noted that a factory acceptance test is only partial testing, as another on-site evaluation will need to be performed.
A factory acceptance test protocol may include the following:
- Test plan and testing schedule
- Equipment and materials checklist
- Testing procedures
- Test data collection and reporting
- Quality control requirements
- Acceptance criteria
- A list of defects and corrective actions taken
- Approval and sign-off by the manufacture
It is important to note that the specific contents of a FAT protocol can vary depending on the equipment or system being tested. In addition, there are various levels of FAT. They can be performed at the most basic level, like modifying the primary components of the system with provisional electrics and ensuring that everything moves as it should, or they can take place at a more comprehensive level, in which the supplier physically fabricates the overall structure in a customer’s factory to test it thoroughly. Once completed, the system is disassembled and transported to the client’s location, where it will be rebuilt on-site.
Moreover, there are numerous benefits that factory assessment testing provides. Here is a closer look at some of these advantages below:
- Customers are able to get a demonstration of how the equipment will operate before it is delivered to them.
- The manufacturer is provided with an opportunity to offer training to the customer.
- Key personnel on both sides are present, which offers the ability to go over details related to maintenance, limitations, and more.
- Based on the results, both sides can provide feedback and ensure that it is addressed before the equipment is transported to its final location for operation, which improves communication and guarantees all prerequisites and expectations are met.
What does SAT mean in manufacturing?
Furthermore, site acceptance testing (SAT) is a form of the examination carried out after a particular device or program has been installed on-site to make sure it complies with the requirements and needs of the client. A site acceptance test is typically performed at the customer’s location and consists of testing the equipment or system in an actual operating climate to ensure that it functions as designed and meets the specified quality and performance standards. Before putting the hardware or system into service, this testing is done to ensure that it is fully functional and needs to meet the client’s expectations.
When the site acceptance test is finished, the customer gets an evaluation or credential that records the testing results as well as any concerns or faults that were discovered and fixed. This paperwork assures the customer that the hardware or system fulfills their specifications and is prepared for use. A SAT protocol may include the following:
- Site preparation and safety requirements
- Equipment and materials checklist
- Testing procedures that outline safety precautions and acceptance criteria
- Test data collection and reporting to include any deviations or failures
- Quality control requirements
- Acceptance criteria
- A list of defects and corrective actions taken
- Training and documentarian requirements
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
Furthermore, now that you have a better understanding of what factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing are, let’s take a closer look at the difference between these two protocols:
Factory acceptance testing
- Factory acceptance testing occurs before the equipment is shipped, and the manufacturer or supplier performs this test.
- Typically carried out in a factory or testing facility
- Guarantees that the machinery or system conforms to specifications and functions properly
- Guarantees that the machinery or system conforms to specifications and functions properly
- The manufacturer can address any issues as well as defects discovered during a factory acceptance test before shipment.
- In most cases, the customer is not present during the factory acceptance test.
Site acceptance testing
- After the hardware has been installed on-site, it is tested by the customer or a third-party organization.
- Typically carried out at the customer’s or project site
- Guarantees that the hardware or system works properly in its intended environment and fulfills the needs of the customer.
- The tests are ultimately performed in accordance with the customer’s specific requirements and assessment criteria.
- Any problems or defects discovered during testing must always be resolved on-site by the client or the supplier.
- The manufacturer is usually not present during the testing.
At Keltour Controls Inc., we are committed to providing leading solutions to industrial manufacturers and businesses, from PLC control panels and custom control panels to variable frequency drive panels, power distribution units, and more. We adhere to strict safety and operational, regulatory requirements and have a solid record of achievement that you and your company can rely on.