Installation condition
Confirm levelling, working height, utilities, guarding interfaces, access and the physical hand-off from upstream and downstream equipment.
Project acceptance guide
Front and back labelling machine FAT and SAT checklist
A practical acceptance-testing framework for twin-side, top-and-bottom and multi-head labelling projects, from pre-dispatch trials to installed line handover.
On this page
Define the acceptance scope before the machine is tested
A factory acceptance test (FAT) checks the agreed machine scope before dispatch. A site acceptance test (SAT) checks the installed machine in the buyer’s production environment. The exact protocol should be written for the project: a compact manually loaded labeller needs a different test from an automatic twin-side machine connected to a filler, coder, camera and reject station.
Start with the quotation, user requirement, approved drawings and sample list. Convert each important requirement into an observable result, a measurement method and a pass/fail decision. Avoid vague wording such as “runs well” or “labels accurately”.
Scope note: FAT and SAT do not replace a competent machinery safety assessment, site-specific risk assessment or commissioning procedure. Formal process-automation projects may also use a customer-approved commissioning and acceptance standard; the project protocol must still match the actual labelling system.
Use representative packs and production label rolls
The test material should reproduce the labelling-stage condition. Empty bottles may behave differently from filled packs. A temporary artwork sample may not reproduce the final face stock, adhesive, liner, gap or clear-label sensor response.
- Include the smallest, largest, lightest and least stable container formats.
- Fit the final cap, pump, trigger or closure where it affects balance or guide contact.
- Use both production label rolls, including final winding direction and cores.
- State the normal product spacing and the required sustained line rate.
- Agree the nominal label datums, tolerance and sample size before testing.
FAT checklist
Checks to complete before dispatch
| Scope and build | Machine configuration, label heads, sensors, conveyors, guides, hold-downs, coding, inspection, reject equipment and format parts match the agreed scope. |
|---|---|
| Documentation | Approved drawings, operating information, maintenance information, electrical documentation and supplied software or recipe records are identified. |
| Safety functions | Guards, interlocks, emergency stops and safe access are reviewed by competent persons against the project requirements. |
| Dry operation | Conveyors, heads, sensors, HMI, alarms and normal controls operate through the intended sequence without product. |
| Product trial | Representative packs and labels run at the agreed normal condition; correctly labelled output and all faults are recorded. |
| Placement | Front and back labels are measured independently from fixed datums. Skew and visual finish are recorded separately. |
| Starts and stops | First-pack behaviour, restart recovery, product gaps and normal accumulation conditions are demonstrated. |
| Changeover | An agreed second format is set using the intended recipe, tools and parts, then placement is checked again. |
| Fault recovery | Representative alarms, label-out conditions, missed product and downstream stop behaviour are demonstrated safely. |
| Open actions | Every deviation is recorded with an owner, due date and agreed evidence for closure. |
FAT versus SAT
Repeat the important checks after installation
Control interfaces
Test line-ready signals, start/stop behaviour, speed relationships, fault signals and the response to upstream or downstream stoppages.
Production materials
Run production packs and labels under normal factory conditions, including the actual operator loading and product flow.
Site performance
Repeat the agreed output and placement checks. Record environmental or line effects that were not present during FAT.
Training and handover
Confirm operator setup, changeover, cleaning, alarm recovery and maintenance responsibilities with the intended team.
Final punch list
Close or formally assign remaining actions and keep the signed evidence with the machine record.
Minimum acceptance record
- Project, machine and software or recipe version.
- Date, location, attendees and approved test protocol.
- Container and label-roll identification for every test.
- Head settings, guide settings, speed and product spacing.
- Measured placement results and visual-finish observations.
- Counts of missed labels, double feeds, misoriented packs and rejects.
- Photographs or video where agreed and safe to capture.
- Open actions, owners, deadlines and re-test evidence.
- Signed acceptance status: pass, conditional pass or re-test required.
Use the placement accuracy guide to define the measurement method, the specification template to confirm the project scope and the sample-trial service page to prepare materials.
Prepare an acceptance test for your labeller
Send the agreed pack formats, label specifications, line rate, placement criteria and integration scope. Lancing can help translate the project brief into a practical FAT and SAT sequence.