On LinkedIn, I was just discussing the difference between a controlled study and a real-world test. Think of a NIST test vs. a benchmark.
Then I started talking about some of the post-contract signature tests in the automated biometric identification system world, including factory acceptance tests and site acceptance tests.
These tests are not unique to ABIS. Healthcare (the other biometric) conducts FAT and SAT also, as Powder Systems notes.
“When manufacturing complex machinery in industries such as pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals, extensive equipment testing must be carried out before commissioning.
“It requires thorough functional, performance, and safety tests of intricate systems. These may comprise many components and interdependencies. Challenging though it may be, these must be systematically assessed before they’re put into operation. This approach is broadly known as acceptance testing.
“There are many forms of acceptance testing. Two closely related approaches that often come in for confusion are Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). Both are critical stages in the verification and validation of equipment and systems within industrial and manufacturing contexts. However, they differ significantly in terms of location, timing, purpose, scope, participants, outcomes, and testing environment.”
You should read the entire article to learn about the significant differences between the two test types. But let me highlight one point:
“Factory acceptance testing typically involves a more rigorous and comprehensive testing process. This testing procedure includes the detailed verification of system components to ensure they function correctly and meet design specifications.”
This is based on the fact that it’s less costly to fix problems early at the factory than to fix them later out in the field.
Whether you’re testing pharmaceutical machinery or ABIS, both factory and site acceptance tests are absolutely critical. Skipping one of the two tests does not save costs.
Bredemarket 