Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
Structured factory verification that identifies manufacturing, installation, controls and documentation issues before equipment reaches site.
The factory is the best place to find and resolve equipment defects.
Once equipment is shipped, access, temporary services, programme pressure and multiple interfaces make correction slower and more expensive. FAT should therefore be planned as an engineering assurance activity, not a ceremonial witness event.
Neo defines achievable test boundaries, acceptance criteria, evidence requirements and deferred site activities before testing starts.
A structured route from requirement to acceptance.
Each assignment is adapted to the project while retaining consistent governance, evidence and reporting standards.
Plan
Review requirements, risks, services, test boundaries, witnesses and acceptance criteria.
Inspect
Verify workmanship, installation, identification, documentation and safety before energisation.
Test
Complete dry, wet and functional testing appropriate to the factory environment.
Close
Classify defects, verify corrective action and issue a clear release recommendation.
Practical engineering support.
- FAT strategy, procedures, scripts and readiness reviews
- Mechanical, electrical, controls and documentation inspection
- Dry FAT, wet FAT and functional test coordination
- Client, manufacturer and specialist witness management
- Defect classification, close-out and deferred test control
- FAT reports, photographic evidence and release recommendations
Controlled outputs.
- FAT plan, procedure and witness schedule
- Pre-FAT readiness checklist and document register
- Detailed inspection and functional test records
- Defect and outstanding action register
- FAT report with evidence and recommendations
- Factory release or conditional release record
Engineering work that improves project certainty.
Earlier defect closure
Correct issues while manufacturer resources and access are still available.
Reduced site delay
Prevent known factory defects being transferred into site installation and commissioning.
Clear deferred scope
Separate factory-achievable checks from tests requiring site utilities, software or integration.
Stronger evidence
Create a controlled record for client acceptance, shipment and later SAT planning.
Clear answers before mobilisation.
Is FAT a substitute for site commissioning?
No. FAT confirms agreed requirements in the factory environment. SAT and commissioning verify installation, integration and performance under site conditions.
Can Neo witness FAT on behalf of the client?
Yes. Neo can prepare the procedure, lead readiness reviews, witness testing, manage observations and issue an independent report.
What if full-load or wet testing is not possible?
The limitation should be defined before FAT. Appropriate dry checks can be completed and the remaining activities transferred into a controlled site commissioning schedule.
Connected support across the project lifecycle.
Bring structure, evidence and operational focus to your next project.
Tell us what stage the project is at, where control is being lost and what outcome is required.
Discuss your requirement