Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
Verification of equipment performance at the manufacturer's facility:

Pre-FAT Planning:
- Test plan development and approval
- Acceptance criteria definition
- Documentation requirements
- Schedule coordination with manufacturer

FAT Execution:
- Functional testing of all equipment features
- Performance verification against specifications
- Safety system validation
- Control system functionality testing
- Interface and communication verification
- Documentation review and validation

FAT Reporting:
- Detailed test results documentation
- Punch list generation for any deficiencies
- Photographic and video documentation
- Formal acceptance sign-off.

Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
On-site verification of installed equipment performance:

Pre-SAT Activities:
- Installation verification and inspection
- Utilities and infrastructure validation
- Safety systems verification
- Pre-commissioning checks

SAT Testing:
- Functional testing in actual operating environment
- Performance verification with real products
- Interface testing with adjacent systems
- Load testing and capacity verification
- Environmental condition testing
- Safety system and emergency stop testing

Performance Validation:
- Throughput rate verification
- Accuracy and quality testing
- Cycle time measurement
- Energy consumption verification

Systems Integration Testing (SIT)
Comprehensive testing of complete equipment packages:
- Multi-system integration verification
- Control system communication testing
- Data flow and handshake verification
- WMS/ERP integration validation
- Automated decision logic testing
- Exception handling verification
- Failover and redundancy testing
- End-to-end process validation

Operational Readiness Testing
Validation under actual operational conditions:

Stress Testing:
- Peak volume testing
- Extended run duration tests
- Multiple shift operation validation
- Temperature and environmental extremes

Reliability Testing:
- Mean time between failures (MTBF) validation
- Wear and durability assessment
- Maintenance accessibility evaluation
- Spare parts validation

User Acceptance:
- Operator feedback and evaluation
- Ease of use assessment
- Maintenance procedure validation
- Documentation completeness review

String Testing
Testing of entire equipment trains and processes:
- Full process flow testing from receiving to shipping
- Material flow validation through all systems
- Bottleneck identification and resolution
- Queue and buffer management testing
- Product tracking and traceability verification
- Order fulfillment process validation
- Returns and exception handling testing

Comprehensive Operator Training
Ensure your team is fully prepared to operate new systems:

Operations Training:
- System overview and capabilities
- Standard operating procedures
- User interface and controls
- Product handling and best practices
- Performance monitoring

Maintenance Training:
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- Troubleshooting techniques
- Component replacement procedures
- Safety and lockout/tagout procedures
- Spare parts identification

Advanced Training:
- PLC and control system basics
- Diagnostic tools and methods
- Performance optimization techniques
- Software and configuration management

Documentation & Handover
Complete documentation package for ongoing operations:

As-Built Documentation:
- Mechanical drawings and schematics
- Electrical drawings and wiring diagrams
- PLC programs and ladder logic
- Network and communication diagrams

Operational Documentation:
- Operations and maintenance manuals
- Troubleshooting guides
- Spare parts lists and specifications
- Safety procedures and risk assessments

Test Reports:
- FAT and SAT test results
- Performance validation data
- Calibration certificates
- Compliance documentation

Performance Validation & Certification
Formal verification that all requirements are met:
- Specification compliance verification
- Performance guarantee validation
- Regulatory compliance certification
- Safety certification and approvals
- Quality assurance sign-off
- Final acceptance documentation
- Warranty activation

Key Benefits
- Risk Mitigation: Identify and resolve issues before go-live
- Performance Assurance: Verify equipment meets all specifications
- Smooth Startup: Minimize disruption during system launch
- Team Readiness: Trained operators ensure successful operation
- Complete Documentation: Comprehensive records for ongoing operations
- Warranty Protection: Proper commissioning ensures warranty coverage