Global motor and drive manufacturer WEG has developed a new testing procedure that allows customers to watch factory acceptance tests without travelling to a WEG manufacturing plant. Used in Portugal since March, the remote testing system helps to keep projects on schedule despite social distancing regulations limiting factory visits.
The factory acceptance test is an inspection and testing process that confirms whether a product is complete and operating in accordance with agreed design specifications. Once the acceptance test has been passed, the product or equipment can be installed on site. Historically the customer or its representatives had to be present at the manufacturing plant to conduct or witness the test.
In March this year, WEG factories in Portugal introduced a new remote testing system. Customers connected to the factory though a video call and watched the testing remotely, saving time, money and resources.
The remote tests follow exactly the same procedure as before. Customers can see the product working, and expert testers are there to answer questions and provide support throughout the inspection. The testing system takes advantage of multiple cameras and a dedicated IT system to allow customers to get closer to the product and simultaneously view a variety of testing aspects. It also removes the limit on how many customer representatives can attend.
“The live remote testing system further improves the existing transparency and reliability of the manufacturing and testing process, thanks to this potential increase in customer representative numbers coupled with multiple camera views of the testing,” said Rui Moura Guedes, quality engineering and IT manager at WEG Portugal.
Though some customers will choose to return to the factory for acceptance testing once social distancing regulations and travel restrictions are lifted, in the meantime live remote testing offers a viable alternative to maintain compliance with testing requirements and keep projects on schedule.
For more information on live remote Factory Acceptance Tests, please contact WEG.
www: www.weg.net
e-mail: info-uk@weg.net