After more than a year of Covid restrictions, we’ve all learned to adapt to new ways of working. In many ways, the difficult conditions brought on by the pandemic have compelled companies to make positive changes for global business. Not only have the remote working conditions driven us to adapt to methods that can save the company time and money, but which are also exponentially better for the environment.
Last week, we successfully conducted a remote factory acceptance test (FAT) ahead of schedule for two machines to be delivered to Havila Voyages. We feel that it is possible to provide the same quality assurance in a remote setting provided certain criteria are met. Given the benefits a remote FAT can have for the customer, we thought we would share our Climeon recipe for remote FAT success:
Pre-FAT prep
Of course, this is important in any working conditions, but agreeing on an agenda ahead of time with the customers allows everyone to feel confident that all necessary requirements will be addressed. This also includes producing high quality system descriptions in advance, so the customer can familiarize themselves with the machine before the FAT.
A good internet connection
Nothing ruins a remote meeting like a bad internet connection – seems simple, but this is essential.
High resolution cameras
You need to be the eyes of your customer and clarity is key. With the mobile camera technology available today this is more accessible than ever.
A shared control panel
Because our machines on-site are connected to the cloud, we have the ability to share the HMI with the customer, so they can easily follow along with the process as if they were at our test site.
Following these steps has allowed us to perform high quality remote FATs with Fincantieri, Havila Voyages, Lloyd's Register and Landmark throughout the pandemic. With agility and a little ingenuity, it is possible to offer global customers a remote FAT they can feel confident in. If the carbon emissions saved by limiting air travel isn’t enough, remote FATs reduce operating costs associated with travel and allow customers greater flexibility for scheduling and increasing team attendance.
