What does Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) help to ensure?

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is a crucial process conducted before equipment is delivered to the client or installed on-site. The primary purpose of FAT is to validate that the equipment being manufactured meets the specified project and design standards. This involves checking the functionality, performance, and compliance of the equipment against the defined requirements outlined in the project specifications. By performing FAT, any potential defects or discrepancies can be identified and addressed before the equipment is deployed, thereby minimizing the risk of issues arising after installation.

While ensuring prompt shipping and compatibility with existing systems are important aspects of project management, this testing specifically focuses on confirming that the equipment can perform as intended and adheres to all necessary standards. Additionally, following maintenance schedules is a separate operational procedure that does not relate directly to the FAT process itself. Thus, the assurance that equipment meets project and design standards is the primary objective of Factory Acceptance Testing.