Acceptance: FAT & SAT
To meet GMP/GAMP requirements and pass government inspections, testing the systems is simply not sufficient. There must be demonstrable evidence that the systems perform precisely in accordance with their specifications. Failure of systems to perform well can result in dangerous situations, financial losses, damage and even loss of life. The objective of the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is to detect and remedy quality problems as early as possible in the process lifecycle. FAT and SAT are acceptance tests: a well-planned, documented and managed engineering approach for the start-up and handover of facilities, systems and equipment to the end user.
The supplier, as well as the user, has a major stake in the handover of new installations: the user wants an installation that is suitable for its targeted use and virtually problem-free during its operation, while the supplier aims to minimise aftercare costs. The new installations are therefore subjected to various tests in support of these common interests. First, the FAT is carried out at Veenbrink RVS’s location. A test setup is constructed for this purpose that largely incorporates the ultimate system and that is used to simulate various situations. This way any deviations are detected at an early stage where they still only have a limited impact and can quickly be remedied. This happens before the installation is transported to the customer’s location. After the FAT has been carried out and any defects have been remedied, the system is transferred to the customer location where it is integrated into other systems and networks. An SAT or integration test is conducted onsite. At this point the connection and interaction with adjoining installations can be tested. In addition, tests can be carried out to ensure that the system works with locally available facilities, such as electrics, water, steam, compressed air or CIP cleaning systems. In addition, end users can now be involved in conducting the tests.
