Your first automation purchase is easier to evaluate when the task is written down before the equipment is chosen. Use this checklist to prepare a consistent brief for suppliers and to keep demonstrations focused on your production needs.
1. Define the job
Describe the part, the process before and after the robot, the number of variants, expected throughput, and how often the work changes. Include photographs or drawings with dimensions. Note access for operators, replenishment, cleaning, and maintenance.
2. Describe the load and working space
Provide the mass and dimensions of the part and proposed tooling. Include adapters, fittings, and other items carried by the arm. Ask the supplier to check the complete loading and motion against the chosen robot's documentation, including the most demanding part orientation.
Walk through every required position. A published reach number is only a starting point; the task also depends on approach angles, obstacles, mounting, and tool geometry.
3. Agree a demonstration
Ask for a trial with representative parts and a written acceptance plan. Define the cycle, quality checks, allowed operator intervention, and restart procedure. Include the difficult cases instead of only the easiest part.
4. Assign responsibilities
Name the party responsible for tooling, machine interfaces, site preparation, application risk assessment, commissioning, documentation, and training. Put the handover conditions in writing. The system's suitability must be evaluated for the actual application.
5. Compare complete quotations
- Arm, controller, pendant, cables, and software options.
- End effector, adapters, fixtures, sensors, and interfaces.
- Integration, installation, assessment, and commissioning.
- Training, support, maintenance, spare parts, and travel.
6. Plan the day after handover
Choose who will own programs, backups, changeovers, and first-line fault finding. Ask how support is delivered and what happens when a critical component needs replacement. A clear handover is part of the purchase, not an afterthought.
Bring your application brief to the buying advice forum, and use the cell cost guide to compare the scope behind each headline price.