Wet Pet Food Canning Line FAT: Define Acceptance Before Ordering image 1

A factory acceptance test for a wet pet food canning line should be defined before the purchase order. The phrase “FAT included” does not state which equipment, product, package, functions or records will be part of the test.

Write the test basis into the order

Identify the equipment configuration and revision, the test location, participants and the planned product and can. State whether representative materials will be available and list any substitute material. Define the test conditions and distinguish the functions that can be tested before installation from those that require the factory site.

Choose observable acceptance checks

Example FAT topics to define for the quoted scope
AreaRecord or observation
Equipment identityModel, serial or configuration references and drawing revision.
Controls and interlocksFunctions tested, results and any open items.
Product and package trialSample identity, can revision, test conditions and observations.
InterfacesConveyors, signals or handoffs tested and those deferred to site.
ExceptionsDeviation, corrective action, owner and retest agreement.

Acceptance criteria should be measurable or directly observable and tied to the quotation. If a criterion cannot be tested at the supplier's factory, state when and where it will be checked instead.

Keep process validation separate

An equipment FAT can verify agreed machine functions and test records. It does not by itself validate the product's thermal process, establish shelf life or authorize commercial production. Assign those activities to the food business and its qualified process personnel.

Close out exceptions in writing

The test record should show the result for each criterion, open items, responsible owners and the agreed retest or resolution. Attach relevant drawings and configuration changes. Do not treat a video clip or an unsigned checklist as a complete acceptance record.

Define how a change after the FAT is controlled. If the machine configuration, software, package tooling or acceptance criterion changes, identify the revised document and whether a test must be repeated. Record who approves the change and how it will be checked at site.

Keep factory testing and site commissioning as separate milestones when their conditions differ. The factory test can review functions that are available before shipment; the site review can cover installation interfaces and functions that depend on the plant. The purchase documents should name each milestone and the record expected at closeout.

The HSYL line planning page identifies equipment acceptance records and process-qualification responsibilities as project topics. Ask HSYL to include the proposed FAT scope in the quotation.