What Is a Site Acceptance Test? SAT Explained for Industrial Automation.

What Is a Site Acceptance Test?

A site acceptance test, or SAT, is a structured test performed after equipment has been installed at its intended operating location.

The purpose is to verify that the installed system satisfies defined requirements under relevant site conditions.

SATs are commonly used for industrial automation, robotics, manufacturing equipment, and large technical systems.

For example, a factory purchasing a robotic palletizing cell may perform a site acceptance test after installation to verify that the robot, conveyors, safety equipment, and control interfaces work together as required.

Key Takeaways

• SAT verifies the installed system at its intended operating site.
• It typically tests integration, utilities, interfaces, safety-related requirements, and agreed operating performance.
• SAT is different from factory acceptance testing, which is conducted before shipment or at an earlier project stage.

How Does a Site Acceptance Test Work?

Imagine a manufacturer purchasing a robotic packaging system.

Before installation, the supplier may conduct tests at its own facility.

The equipment is then shipped to the customer's factory.

Technicians install the robot, connect electrical and communication systems, and integrate it with the surrounding production equipment.

The SAT begins when the installation is sufficiently ready for testing.

The supplier and customer follow an agreed test procedure.

For example, they may verify that the system completes required production sequences using representative products.

Results are recorded and compared with the agreed acceptance criteria.

FAT vs. SAT

Factory Acceptance Test (FAT): Tests equipment at the supplier's facility or another agreed location before delivery or final installation.

Site Acceptance Test (SAT): Tests equipment after installation in the customer's operating environment.

Consider a robotic palletizer.

During FAT, the supplier may demonstrate basic robot movement and selected handling functions.

During SAT, the complete installation may be tested with the customer's actual conveyors, utilities, products, and facility interfaces.

Passing FAT does not automatically guarantee passing SAT.

What Is Typically Checked During an SAT?

Installation: Equipment is assembled and positioned according to approved requirements.

Utilities: Electrical power, compressed air, networking, and other services are suitable.

System integration: Connected machines exchange the necessary signals.

Functional operation: The equipment performs the agreed sequences.

Safety functions: Defined protective functions are tested and validated as required.

Performance: The system meets agreed cycle time, throughput, or other acceptance criteria.

Documentation and training: Required records and operator preparation are completed according to the project scope.

The exact test plan depends on the contract and equipment.

What Are Acceptance Criteria?

Acceptance criteria are the measurable requirements used to determine whether a test passes.

For example, a palletizing system might be required to process a specified number of cartons per hour under defined conditions.

The test should specify the products, operating duration, allowed interruptions, and method of measurement.

Without clear criteria, the customer and supplier may disagree about whether the equipment performs adequately.

For this reason, SAT requirements should ideally be established before installation begins.

What Happens if the SAT Fails?

A failed test identifies a requirement that has not been satisfied.

The supplier and customer document the issue and determine the appropriate corrective action.

For example, an interface problem might prevent the robot from receiving a machine-ready signal.

Engineers investigate and correct the problem.

The affected test can then be repeated.

The contractual consequences depend on the project agreement.

Does SAT Replace Commissioning?

No.

Commissioning is the broader process of preparing, testing, adjusting, and bringing an installed system into operation.

SAT is a defined acceptance-testing activity that may take place during or near the conclusion of commissioning.

The two processes overlap but have different purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAT mandatory for every robotics installation?

Not universally. Requirements depend on the contract, applicable standards, and project circumstances.

Does passing SAT guarantee long-term robot reliability?

No. It confirms performance against defined tests at a particular stage, not every future operating condition.

The Bottom Line

Site acceptance testing verifies that an automation system works as agreed after installation. A well-defined SAT helps customers and suppliers establish whether the complete system is ready for acceptance under real site conditions.