Lumiform
Features Solutions Resources Templates Enterprise Pricing
Select a language
Englishen
Deutschde
Françaisfr
Españoles
Português (BR)pt-BR
en
Contact salesLog in
Sign up
Back
Englishen
Deutschde
Françaisfr
Españoles
Português (BR)pt-BR
Features Solutions Resources Templates Enterprise Pricing
Free demo
Log in
en
Book a personal demoView video demoContact sales
Explore
Resource hubCentral repository for all Lumiform resourcesCustomer storiesReal-world successes and experiences with Lumiform.
Learn
Template collectionsComprehensive collections of best practice templates.Topic guidesComprehensive safety, quality, and excellence insights.LexiconDefinitions key to quality, safety, and compliance.
Support
Developer's guideTechnical documentation for developers.Help centerAssistance with onboarding and platform mastery.
Featured reads
Explore our collection of 38 free preventive maintenance checklists

Template collection

Explore our collection of 38 free preventive maintenance checklists

Start reading
Your guide to performing and documenting efficient child care observation

Topic guide

Your guide to performing and documenting efficient child care observation

Start reading
Lumiform as customer journey mapping tool in gastronomy

Success story

Lumiform as customer journey mapping tool in gastronomy

Start reading
Book a personal demoView video demoContact sales
By industry
Food and hospitalityManufacturingConstructionRetailTransport and logisticsFacility managementView all industries
By business needs
Health and safety managementQuality managementOperational excellenceRisk management and complianceView all business needs
By use case
Safety management softwareEnergy audit appForklift inspection appBuilding management softwareVehicle inspection appQMS appKaizen method appProperty inspection appRestaurant inspection appElevator management appProject management softwareFire inspection app
View all app uses
Book a personal demoView video demoContact sales
Overview
Template libraryDiscover over 12,000 free, ready-made and expert proofed templates.
Use cases
CleaningMaintenanceRisk assessmentSupply chainIncident management
Business needs
Health and safety managementQuality managementOperational excellenceRisk management and compliance
Industries
Food and hospitalityManufacturingRetailTransport and logisticsConstructionFacility management
Book a personal demoView video demoContact sales
Overview
Product overviewAll features
Capabilities
Digitize
Form builderMobile AppActions
Automate
Workflow automationApprovalsIntegrations
Transparency and accountability
ReportsAnalytics
Orchestrate
Administration
Book a personal demoView video demoContact sales
Resource center
Topic guide
Factory acceptance test (FAT): A comprehensive guide

Factory acceptance test (FAT): A comprehensive guide

Author NameBy Ima Ocon
•
January 3rd, 2025
• 8 min read
Hero image

Table of contents

  • What is a factory acceptance test (FAT)?
  • Purpose of a factory acceptance test
  • What’s the difference between a factory acceptance test and a site acceptance test?
  • What are the steps in a factory acceptance test?
  • What are the 4 common factory acceptance test problems?
  • Best practices for conducting factory acceptance tests
  • How does an app help to prove the reliability of the equipment?
Choose from our 10,000+ free, customizable templates.
Browse templates

Summary

A factory acceptance test (FAT) ensures equipment is high-quality before leaving the manufacturer. This guide explores the process, key steps, common issues, and actionable tips to streamline your FAT and improve equipment reliability.

When equipment issues appear after installation, the average cost of fixing them can range from 10-25% of the total project budget. A proper factory acceptance test (FAT) can significantly reduce these costs since you’ll be able to spot issues early, before installation even happens.

From complex machinery in manufacturing to critical software systems, a FAT verifies that the delivered product performs as promised. It’s an essential part of the quality assurance process. In this guide, you’ll find out how factory acceptance testing works and why it matters, along with tips for conducting it effectively.

What is a factory acceptance test (FAT)?

A factory acceptance test is used to verify that newly manufactured equipment functions in accordance with the order specifications and design rules. A factory acceptance test can be used in plant construction and mechanical engineering as well as in the software sector or information technology.

This procedure, also known as factory acceptance test, is performed in the production plant by quality managers, designers, operating, and maintenance personnel prior to delivery and installation at the customer’s site.

Purpose of a factory acceptance test

The FAT as a critical checkpoint in the project timeline, allowing you to catch potential issues early in a controlled environment:

  • Quality assurance: It ensures the equipment is built and performs according to predefined standards.
  • Cost savings: Identifying and fixing issues during the FAT stage is far more economical than addressing them on-site.
  • Improved communication: The FAT encourages collaboration between manufacturers and clients so both parties agree on expectations and results.
  • Operational readiness: It reduces the chances of sudden problems during the installation phase.

What’s the difference between a factory acceptance test and a site acceptance test?

A factory acceptance (FAT) happens before the equipment leaves the manufacturer’s facility. It focuses on checking if the equipment meets the design specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements in a controlled environment.

On the other hand, a site acceptance test (SAT) takes place at the equipment’s final destination, usually after installation. The goal of the SAT is to confirm that the equipment works as intended in its actual operating environment, given real-world conditions.

While FAT is about the “what” (does the equipment meet specifications?), SAT is about the “where” (does it work properly where it will be used?). Together, they provide a comprehensive quality assurance process.

What are the steps in a factory acceptance test?

1. Checking the delivery

During a factory acceptance test checklist, the delivery is checked for completeness and the contractually stipulated provisions. After the test, the information is documented in a protocol: the factory acceptance test template.

2. Functionality

After the first check, the goods are subjected to a functional test. This involves a conventional functional test and a simulation test.

3. Checking the documentation

All components are checked for completeness and quality stipulated in the contractually agreed upon documents. This includes manuals, instructions, and assembly plans.

4. Dispatch preparation

After the functionality test, the packaging is examined for any defects or damages. Only when the first points have been successfully completed for the customer, the plant or system is released for delivery.

To streamline the process, you can choose from Lumiform’s factory acceptance checklists, which guide you through each of the steps above.

What are the 4 common factory acceptance test problems?

Overlooked deviations in the equipment can lead to installation problems on-site, which can upset the project schedule. Prior to delivery, quality managers should resolve the non-conformity at the factory to ensure that the customer’s new processing lines are ready for operation on time.

Here are 4 common problems discovered during factory acceptance testing and what countermeasures quality teams can take to ensure equipment reliability.

1. Poor machine quality or craftsmanship

There should be regular coordination between quality managers, designers, and production managers to ensure that the technical drawings (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and process diagrams) are followed to their specifications. Before factory acceptance, calibration certificates should be prepared for the instruments.

In addition, managers should consult datasheets on the instruments and materials in order to deliver high-quality products with performance customers can rely on.

2. Non-compliance with legal or sanitary requirements

Customers often specify production standards for their ordered devices. Boilers, pressure vessels, and bioprocess plants can obtain international certifications through conformity assessments, which makes them even more trustworthy. For electrical and electronic products, systems, and services, most manufacturers follow the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

To ensure that design specifications are met, quality managers may also consider working with industrial hygienists or health and safety officers.

3. Lack of suitable machine shielding and labeling

Before and after coordination with customers, FAT checks should be carried out on the machine safety devices. Quality managers are responsible for overseeing operators and maintenance personnel with installation, maintenance, user manuals, recommended spare parts lists, and easy-to-use training material. Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) markings and procedures should also be clearly defined to meet health and safety standards.

4. Lower throughput than expected

Quality managers should provide customers with all records of the agreed factory acceptance test and a step-by-step protocol for review and approval. During the actual test, the machine’s functionality should be verified by a series of validation tests based on a consensus acceptance criterion and a list of defects (compilation of non-conformities for modification).

Best practices for conducting factory acceptance tests

These strategies will help you maintain clarity and efficiency throughout the test and reduce the chances of the mistakes listed above:

  • Develop a detailed test plan. This document acts as a guide, outlining every step of the process, from the specific procedures to the criteria for acceptance. Aside from procedural details, the test plan should also describe the roles of everyone involved, from technicians to client representatives.
  • Prepare thoroughly. All necessary equipment, tools, and documentation should be ready before the test begins, such as specialized testing devices and safety gear. For documentation, include design specifications, operational manuals, and compliance standards that you might need to reference during the test.
  • Use a checklist. A checklist is an invaluable tool to stay organized and focused, reducing the risk of human error. It ensures that team members can methodically complete every step of the process, from test preparation to final documentation, without oversight.
  • Document everything. Meticulously record every test result, whether a pass or fail, with details like measurements, observations, and deviations from expectations. Include supporting evidence too such as photos or data logs, along with a record of decisions and discussions that occur during the test.
  • Address issues promptly. The moment you detect a discrepancy or failure, classify it by severity so you can tackle the most critical issues first. Once corrective actions are implemented, retesting should follow immediately to confirm the fix’s success.

How does an app help to prove the reliability of the equipment?

With a digital solution, your company can reliably complete factory acceptance tests. You can easily carry out recurring inspections via tablet or smartphone. Using the desktop software, you can create checklists for your daily factory acceptance tests and then evaluate the collected data.

FAT records are easier to complete with orderly documentation, ensuring equipment reliability from pre-delivery through to customer installation. With Lumiform, companies benefit from:

  • The checklist builder helps you to convert any individual paper list into a digital checklist without effort.
  • Using the super intuitive mobile app, you and your teammates can conduct checks in the field seamlessly.
  • All results, images, and comments are automatically bundled in a digital report.

Try it now with a 14-day free trial and conduct faster, more accurate factory acceptance tests!

Try Lumiform

Scale your frontline operations with customizable software that boosts quality, safety, operations and compliance.
Sign up for free

Try Lumiform

Scale your frontline operations with customizable software that boosts quality, safety, operations and compliance.
Sign up for free
Choose from our 10,000+ free, customizable templates.
Browse templates

Frequently asked questions

What documentation is critical to have ready before starting a FAT?

Before starting a FAT, you need design specifications, operational manuals, and compliance standards. Include the test plan detailing procedures, roles, and acceptance criteria. Maintenance schedules and calibration certificates for testing equipment are also crucial.

How do I handle minor non-conformances found during a FAT?

Document the issue thoroughly, including potential impacts and steps for resolution. Discuss the findings with stakeholders to determine whether they can be resolved immediately or require further review. Record corrective actions and retest to confirm fixes.

What if equipment passes the FAT but fails at the site?

Investigate the installation conditions. Factors such as improper setup, integration issues with other systems, or environmental differences might be causing the failure. Collaborate with the installation team to pinpoint the issue, consult FAT documentation for clues, and consider conducting additional site-specific tests.

Author
Ima Ocon
Ima is a writer and editor who specializes in technology, with experience crafting content for companies like Canva and FluentU. She's passionate about startups, remote work, and language learning, as well as the applications of AI in marketing. Currently, she is based in Asia, and she previously studied in Taiwan and Singapore.
Lumiform offers innovative software to streamline frontline workflows. With over 12,000 ready-to-use templates or custom digital forms, organizations can increase efficiency and automate key business processes. The platform is particularly user-friendly, offering advanced reporting capabilities and powerful logic functions that enable automated solutions for standardized workflows. Discover the transformative potential of Lumiform to optimize your frontline workflows. Learn more about the product

Related categories

  • Quality
  • Manufacturing
  • Quality assurance

Related resources

Access a complete set of resources aimed at maximizing safety, quality, and operational excellence, including detailed guides, related templates, and real-world use cases.

Topic guides

Read in-depth guides covering key topics related to this article.

Check sheets: A guide for effective quality controlAll Things Lean: Manufacturing, Management, Principles and MindsetGood Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Your guide for safety and compliance
See all topic guides

Template collections

See comprehensive collections of best practice templates related to this topic.

18 free essential manufacturing templates for your business5 lean manufacturing templates for efficient workflowsTop 4 free manufacturing SOP templates for quality control
See all template collections

Use cases

Check out how the Lumiform software can be utilized for related use cases.

Quality Control Software for ManufacturingControl and reduce business waste with a waste management applicationChecklist app
See all use cases

Other resources

Explore all the additional resources we offer to assist you in mastering this topic.

GDP vs. GMP: Understanding the difference between Good Distributing and Good Manufacturing Practices5 lean principles: The cycle of continuous improvementThe 8 wastes of leanHow to implement operational excellence

Everything you need to boost productivity, safety, and quality.

Get started
Lumiform logo
Platform
HomeSign upProductAll featuresPricingEnterpriseTrust and securityCustomer success offeringsDownload the app
Solutions
IndustriesFood and hospitalityManufacturingConstructionRetailTransport and logisticsFacility management
Business needsHealth and safety managementQuality managementOperational excellenceCompliance and risk management
Uses cases
Learn
Template collectionsTopic guidesLexiconHelp centerJournalInfographicsVideos
Resources
Lumiform templatesby industryby use caseby business needAll categories
Customer storiesDeveloper APIResource hubIntegrations
Company
AboutJobsLegalBook a demoContact sales
© 2025 LumiformTerms and conditionsPrivacyData processingSitemap
App StoreGoogle play