I can't choose the stand position without losing fixture access

The trolley handle is there, but not the person pulling it, and I hadn't noticed that until you mentioned the sequence

One follows the supplier's standard arrangement and the other avoids our parts rack, though the rack itself isn't fixed

Then include a third arrangement with the rack moved. I would not discard the standard layout merely because it is standard, but its convenience for the supplier should not determine your fixture-change route.

Usually between product batches, sometimes twice in a shift, which is why stores is getting a vote on this one

Include how the fixture is disconnected and carried, not only the trolley movement. The people doing that work should review the arrangement, because reaching a connection behind the stand can be a bigger nuisance than moving a rack.

Twice a shift? Yes, move the rack on paper first. That's a much cheaper experiment than ordering a robot and discovering you've built a hurdle.

Rack movement can affect replenishment too. I would ask whoever fills it where they would put it, rather than leave that as someone else's problem after the robot layout is chosen.

On paper, Jonas. I'm not sending anyone out with a pallet truck yet.

The stores operator has suggested turning the rack, which leaves the replenishment side facing the aisle and gives us another base location to draw

Does that location still reach the far fixture pocket with a blank?

And is the planned gripper final enough to check? A different finger length can alter this comparison even when the base stays put.

The body is selected but the fingers aren't, so I've asked for a provisional loaded outline with the uncertainty marked instead of another tidy reach circle

That gives you something useful to discuss. Keep the fixture-changing view alongside it; I have seen an access improvement for the arm quietly remove the clearance that maintenance had just requested.

I'd be fine calling it provisional. I wouldn't be fine pricing it as finished.

Same. Fingers first, purchase later.

Thanks for the rack suggestion, Jane, that has opened up a sensible third option without pretending the loaded-tool check is done

Did the stores operator also have room to replenish it in that orientation? I meant to ask about the actual approach, not simply which way the rack faces.