A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is the inspection and testing a crane or hoist goes through at the manufacturer’s plant before it is shipped and installed at the customer’s site. Its purpose is to confirm that the equipment matches the agreed specification and works correctly, so that problems are found in the factory rather than on the production floor.
At ONVALLA, every product goes through this testing step before it is installed for a customer. Customers are also welcome to attend the FAT with our engineering team at the ONVALLA plant.
Why Is a FAT Done Before Installation?
Fixing a problem on site is slower and more expensive than fixing it in the factory. A FAT gives both the supplier and the customer a controlled point to check the equipment before it leaves the plant. It helps to:
- Confirm the product meets the agreed specification and quality requirements
- Find and correct defects before delivery, instead of during installation or start-up
- Reduce installation time and the risk of delays to the customer’s project
- Give the customer confidence that the equipment can be used safely and efficiently
What Does ONVALLA’s FAT Process Include?
ONVALLA’s crane quality inspection (FAT) is carried out by the Quality Inspection and Assurance team. The process is built on three principles:
- Experienced inspectors check the product at each stage of the inspection.
- Recorded results at every step, so each product can be traced back through its inspection history.
- Calibrated measuring tools: all instruments used for inspection have been calibrated.
Together these give customers confidence that each product has passed an inspection process that follows internationally accepted practice.
FAT vs. On-Site Testing: What Is the Difference?
| Stage | Where it happens | What it confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) | At the manufacturer’s plant, before delivery | The equipment is built to specification and works correctly |
| Testing after installation | At the customer’s site, after installation | The installed system works correctly in its real operating conditions |
A FAT does not replace the inspection and testing required after installation. The two steps work together: the FAT confirms the product, and on-site testing confirms the installed system. You can read more about the full project sequence in our article on crane design, installation and testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can customers attend the FAT?
Yes. Customers can come to the ONVALLA plant and observe the testing procedure together with our team of experts.
Does a FAT mean the crane does not need inspection on site?
No. After installation, the crane still has to be inspected and tested in its actual working conditions, and it must also be inspected periodically as required by Thai regulations.
What records does the FAT produce?
Each inspection step is recorded, so the product’s inspection history can be traced back if needed.
Talk to ONVALLA
If you are planning a new crane or hoist project and want to know how quality is checked before delivery, contact ONVALLA or explore our crane and hoist solutions.
