Why Do a Factory Acceptance Test?

An FAT helps wrapping machine productivity by offering testing for wrap quality and speed, and focused learning on the operation and maintenance of the wrapping machine. No matter what size machine a customer is buying we want them to come to our facility for an FAT – Factory Acceptance Test. We do this because we have found that the installation and ramping up of the machine on line is dramatically  improved by the time spent on the wrapping machine in our facility. Conversely we have also found that the greatest problem installs were those where no one came to run off the machine in our plant. So our answer is productivity is greatly enhanced by an FAT.

Who Should Attend an FAT?

The FAT should include

• staff who will be responsible for maintenance and adjustment of the machine
•  line or shift  supervisor
• purchasing engineer who nows what the machine is supposed to be able to do.

The first will need learn the machine from the company who made it so they can do the care, maintenance and adjusting of the machine. The line or shift supervisor is representing all the shift supervisor in determining the correct setting on the machine, so that the machine is not readjusted at each shift change. The purchasing engineer is the one tasked wit making sure t hat eh machine performs according to the previously agreed-upon metrics for the FAT.  The engineer is also the one who arranges for the necessary amounts of product and wrapping material to be delivered ahead of time for machine testing and run-off.

What is in an FAT?

A good FAT is one where previously agreed-upon measurements of the machine performance are tested for validity. It should demonstrate the wrap quality of the machine at speed for limited runs. It should offer the opportunity to learn all aspects of the machine, its controls and maintenance. By the time the FAT is complete, customer staff should have set up and ru the machine under close supervision and support, made adjustments to the machine and feel confident in their ability to manage  the wrapping machine in their facility.

At the end of the FAT, a punch list of action steps to be taken should be generated. This list should be signed off by both parties, so that all expectations are established.

This way the wrapping machine should be productive shortly after its arrival and installation in the customer facility.