From FAT to SAT with Commissioning in Between
- Craig Drabyk
- a few seconds ago
- 2 min read

Pharmaceutical equipment typically has long lead times, spanning procurement, design, fabrication, factory acceptance testing, shipping, and delivery. This process can easily become a six-month to one-year endeavor. As a result, many projects look to install as much piping, electrical, and controls work as possible in anticipation of the new equipment's arrival, helping to minimize delays once the equipment is on site.
On a recent project, the process equipment consisted of 36 bioreactor skids, a central CIP system, RODI, clean steam, nitrogen, oxygen, process waste systems, and more. The challenge was that all of the project's schedule float was gone, leaving no room for error. The client needed a real plan to stay on schedule and meet their critical deadlines. Omni worked hand in hand with the vendor, client, and other trades to recapture as much time as possible and begin SAT on time.
Working diligently, we were able to provide power, check rotation, verify UPS functionality, and establish data communication to the network. This proactive approach allowed the vendors to electrically commission their equipment and perform loop checks and calibration with network testing by area. In a parallel effort, the utility skids and systems were completed, tested, and brought online systematically. Area by area, multiple teams were able to advance the commissioning process in a coordinated manner, which allowed SAT activities to commence with the various vendors on time and keep the project moving forward.
This project showcases Omni's expertise in handling complex industrial installations from start to finish. Our ability to coordinate multiple crews, develop innovative safety solutions, and deliver precision results on aggressive timelines makes us the trusted partner for your most challenging automation and control system projects. Contact Omni today to discuss how we can bring our proven experience to your next industrial installation.
