Purchase & Engineering Timeline—From Signed PO to Factory Acceptance Test
With your site validated and proposal approved, GAT locks in a production slot and publishes a detailed project timeline that charts every task, deliverable and milestone on the road to a fully operational finishing system.
Week‑By‑Week Project Schedule (Typical 28‑Week Cycle)
Week | Milestone | GAT Responsibilities | Your Actions |
---|---|---|---|
0 | PO + Deposit Received | Open job number, assign PM & lead engineer | Issue purchase order, 30 % deposit |
1 | Kickoff Conference | Review specs, finalize change log, publish Gantt chart | Approve baseline schedule |
2–6 | Detailed Engineering | 2-D/3-D models, P&IDs, electrical schematics | Return redlines & approvals |
7 | Design Freeze | Release drawings to fab, order long-lead components | Sign final drawings |
8–18 | Fabrication & Controls Programming | Build washers, ovens, conveyors; program PLC-HMI | Schedule mid-build visit (optional) |
19–21 | Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) | Assemble modules, test-fire burners, verify PLC recipes | Witness FAT on-site or via live stream |
22–24 | Crating & Shipment | Disassemble, label, crate; finalize rigging plan | Arrange dock time & insurance |
25–28 | On-Site Installation Prep | Stage crews, confirm utilities, ship spares | Complete any facility mods |



Project Management Tools You’ll Access
- Web‑Based Gantt Portal – Real‑time status, documents & photo updates.
- Weekly Progress Calls – 15‑minute stand‑ups keep decisions moving.
- Change‑Order Tracker – Transparent cost/time impact before you sign.
- Quality Gate Audits – Internal checkpoints at weld, paint, assembly & FAT.
Benefits of GAT’s Transparent Timeline
- Predictable Cash Flow – Stage payments tied to clear milestones.
- On‑Time Delivery – 98 % of projects ship within ±5 days of baseline.
- Design Integrity – Change‑control discipline protects performance specs.
- Lower Risk Installation – Pre‑labeled modules streamline on‑site assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are payments structured?
Typical terms: 30 % PO, 30 % design freeze, 30 % FAT approval, 10 % shipment.
What if I request a design change after freeze?
Change orders are priced and added to the Gantt chart with adjusted ship dates before work proceeds.
Can you accelerate the build?
Yes—overtime shifts and parallel fabrication can compress the schedule if critical parts are available.