Engineering documents
- Approved SLD and control philosophy
- Panel GA and wiring drawings
- I/O and communication point lists
- Equipment datasheets and settings
- Cause-and-effect or mode matrix
Engineering handover · verification · evidence
Industrial Automation FAT, SAT & Commissioning Checklist
A practical framework for PLC, HMI, SCADA, EMS, synchronization, switchgear and hybrid-energy systems—so the delivered installation can be tested, understood and maintained.
Why structured testing matters
Commission the system—not only the screen
Successful commissioning proves field wiring, measurements, logic, interlocks, communications, alarms, operator actions and failure responses. A dashboard that looks complete is not evidence that the underlying system is ready for operation.
01Design review
02FAT
03Installation checks
04SAT
05Handover
Factory Acceptance Test checklist
Complete these checks before dispatch or site implementation where the project scope permits.
Panel and hardware
- Component ratings and labels verified
- Terminal numbering checked
- Power supply and protection tested
- Earth continuity confirmed
- Panel workmanship inspected
PLC and controller logic
- Start, stop and mode logic tested
- Permissives and interlocks proven
- Failure and fallback states checked
- Setpoint limits validated
- Backup and version recorded
HMI and SCADA
- Tags match the approved point list
- Units, scaling and status colours checked
- Commands require correct authority
- Alarm priorities and acknowledgement tested
- Trends and reports populate correctly
Communications
- Device addresses documented
- Modbus register mapping validated
- Timeout and stale-data behaviour tested
- Network topology recorded
- Communication-loss alarms proven
FAT evidence
- Test sheets signed with observations
- Open items entered in punch list
- Screenshots and values retained
- Software backups archived
- Approved exceptions documented
Site Acceptance Test checklist
SAT verifies the installed system against real field equipment, electrical conditions and operating modes.
| Test area | Minimum verification | Required evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Field signals | End-to-end proving of digital and analogue inputs, outputs, CT/PT scaling and breaker feedback. | Signed point sheet and representative photographs. |
| Commands | Local/remote selection, start/stop, breaker operation and command rejection under unsafe conditions. | Command log and interlock results. |
| Operating modes | Grid, generator, solar, BESS, island, recovery and maintenance modes applicable to the project. | Mode test record with initial conditions and outcome. |
| Alarms and faults | Alarm creation, timestamp, acknowledgement, reset, history and escalation. | Alarm list and event screenshots. |
| Failure response | Communication loss, sensor failure, controller restart, power interruption and safe fallback. | Failure-injection record and recovery result. |
| Performance | Response time, synchronization conditions, load sharing, control stability and relevant power limits. | Trends, meter readings and acceptance criteria. |
Important: Seamless transfer, black start, VSG/grid-forming behaviour and closed-transition switching must only be accepted when the installed PCS, controllers, protection and switchgear support those functions and the complete sequence has been safely tested.
Required handover package
As-built engineering
- As-built SLD and wiring drawings
- Final I/O and tag database
- Network and communication map
- Controller and relay settings
Software and recovery
- PLC/HMI/SCADA backups
- Version and change record
- Restore procedure
- Access and user-role register
Operations
- Operating-mode description
- Alarm response guidance
- Maintenance recommendations
- Operator training record
FAT, SAT and commissioning FAQs
What is the difference between FAT and SAT?
FAT verifies the engineered panel, logic, screens and communications before site acceptance. SAT proves the installed system against real field wiring, equipment and operating conditions.
Can JME commission systems supplied by another company?
Yes. JME can provide an independent review, point verification, communication testing, logic assessment, punch-list development and staged recovery subject to access and available documentation.
What should be tested in a hybrid EMS project?
At minimum: source measurements, operating modes, charge/discharge limits, generator loading constraints, export control, alarms, communications, failure response and operator actions.
Can this checklist be saved as a PDF?
Yes. Use the “Print / Save Checklist as PDF” button and select your browser’s PDF destination.
Need independent commissioning support?
Share the available drawings, screenshots, controller details and problem statement. JME can review the system before FAT, SAT, handover or retrofit.