China Beverage Machinery
LanguageEnglish
Pre-Shipment Technical Control
Beverage Line Factory Acceptance Test Checklist
A factory acceptance test is useful only when buyer and supplier agree what will be tested, with which materials, for how long and how open items will be recorded before shipment.
FAT Preparation Checklist
| Area | Confirm before FAT | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Machines, options, change parts and buyer-supplied interfaces are identified. | Approved technical agreement and equipment list. |
| Test materials | Bottles, caps, labels, product or test liquid and packing materials are agreed. | Material specifications and quantities. |
| Performance | Reference format, run duration, output calculation and stop classification are defined. | Signed test protocol and raw production log. |
| Safety and controls | Guards, emergency stops, alarms, recipes and manual modes are included. | Checklist, photos and software version record. |
| Documents | Manuals, drawings, parts lists and certificates actually included in the contract are available. | Document index with revision status. |
What to Observe During the Test
Machine performance
Check feeding, filling or processing, closing, transfer, labeling and packing under the agreed reference conditions.
Line interaction
Watch upstream and downstream stop logic, accumulation, restart behavior and product or container handling.
Maintainability
Review access, changeover, cleaning, lubrication, consumables, fault recovery and routine operator tasks.
Close the FAT With a Controlled Punch List
Every open item should have a clear description, evidence, responsible party, due date and closure method. Distinguish items that block shipment from items that can be closed before commissioning.
- Record machine serial numbers and software or recipe versions.
- Take photos or video of agreed test points and outstanding work.
- Confirm packing protection, loose parts and document shipment.
- Keep a signed test summary without replacing the detailed raw records.
- Carry unresolved interface items into the site-readiness and SAT plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
FAT is performed before shipment at the supplier or assembly location under agreed conditions. SAT is performed after installation at the buyer site and verifies the line in the actual plant environment.
How long should a beverage line FAT run?
There is no universal duration. The protocol should define a period that is meaningful for the equipment scope, reference format, materials available and risks being tested.
Should the buyer supply bottles, caps and labels?
The parties should agree who supplies test materials and whether they represent production materials. Material differences can invalidate conclusions about feeding, closing, labeling or packing.
Can a line ship with open FAT items?
Only if the contract and both parties allow it. Open items should be classified by risk, assigned to a responsible party and given an evidence-based closure plan.
Define Acceptance Before the Equipment Ships
Send the line scope, reference format and project schedule. We can help organize the questions and documents that belong in a practical FAT and site-readiness plan.