Factory Acceptance Test for Machinery Orders

Distinguish a FAT from a supplier demonstration

A demonstration shows that a machine can move or produce something. A FAT compares the exact machine with an approved requirement and records results. The procedure should identify the equipment, test setup, participants, instruments, criteria and evidence.

Approve the FAT protocol before the machine is ready

IEC 62381 provides a framework for FAT and related acceptance tests in industrial automation, including agreement on scope and responsibilities. It does not supply product-specific acceptance limits. Adapt the plan to the actual machine, process and destination.

• Purpose, scope and exclusions
• Exact machine and controlled document revision
• Test material, quantity and preparation
• Utilities, fixtures, instruments and calibration status
• Test sequence, duration and sampling
• Pass, conditional pass, fail and retest rules
• Witness attendance, remote access and recording
• Required report, data files and signatures

Keep FAT separate from the Machinery Installation and Commissioning Checklist for site conditions that cannot exist at the supplier's factory.

Confirm readiness before scheduling the FAT

Ask the supplier to confirm assembly completion, software readiness, guards, documentation and test material before a buyer or inspector travels. Request current photos and a readiness checklist. Do not accept a test on a different machine unless the purpose and remaining uncertainty are explicit.

• Machine available and not packed
• Approved options and components installed
• Required utilities and test fixtures available
• Supplier operators and engineers scheduled
• Measurement equipment ready
• Known open issues disclosed
• FAT procedure and acceptance limits signed off

A readiness check reduces wasted visits but is not the FAT result.

Verify machine identity and configuration

Match the equipment to the purchase order, drawings and approved component list. Record serial or project identifiers, overall dimensions, critical assemblies, electrical ratings, controls, software versions, options, guards and supplied accessories.

Photograph nameplates and critical components where appropriate. If a substitution was approved, confirm that drawings, spares and manuals reflect the delivered version.

Test performance with representative material

Run enough material to reach stable operation and expose recurring faults. Record operating settings, accepted output, rejects, scrap, stops and interventions. Test the meaningful product range rather than only the easiest size.

When real material cannot be used, record exactly what the substitute fails to prove.

Check safety functions and maintenance access

Test guards, interlocks, emergency stops, restart behavior, alarms and safe access that are within the agreed FAT scope. Destination rules and machine-specific standards determine the complete requirement; a generic checklist is not a compliance assessment.

Review isolation points, clearing of jams, cleaning, lubrication, wear-part access and normal maintenance. The supplier should provide instructions consistent with the delivered configuration.

Review documents, software and spares before release

• Approved and as-built drawings
• Electrical and utility diagrams where applicable
• Operation, maintenance, safety and cleaning manuals
• Component and spare-parts lists
• PLC/HMI backup, passwords and software-license scope when included
• Declarations and reports required for the destination and machine
• FAT data, photos, video and signed result
• Packing, lifting, center-of-gravity and disassembly instructions

Document delivery can be an acceptance gate. Do not let essential records remain a promise after shipment.

Control failures, punch-list items and retesting

Classify findings by their effect on safety, mandatory performance, delivery and documentation. State who corrects each item, the due date, evidence required and whether full or partial retesting is needed.

• Pass: all release criteria satisfied
• Conditional pass: only defined non-critical items remain with an approved closure plan
• Fail: mandatory performance, safety or configuration criteria not met
• Not tested: scope could not be demonstrated and remains open

Use cautious release language. A signed FAT record should not waive warranty or hidden defects unless a qualified contract reviewer confirms the effect.

Choose on-site, remote or independent witnessing

Buyer attendance can support technical decisions, while an independent inspector may provide local witnessing and records. Remote video can be useful when the camera plan, continuous sequence and measurement evidence are controlled. None of these automatically replaces qualified engineering review.

When using an inspection company, provide the approved specification and FAT protocol. A generic pre-shipment inspection should not be presented as a complete machine performance test.

FAT release decision

Release should depend on the agreed criteria, closed critical findings and delivered evidence. Link commercial milestones only to terms that are written and workable for the project. The broader Mechanical Equipment Sourcing Strategies guide connects FAT to supplier review, payment and shipping.