Can I compare FR5 positions before the gripper outline arrives?

Work after selection. Toolmaker has a candidate assembly, but its outline has not reached the layout person.

Get those two talking. There is already a candidate to draw, so this isn't a philosophical argument about designing the tool before choosing the arm.

You could buy a bounded access study next rather than a stand, if the supplier needs payment for the combined comparison.

They have agreed a combined study and received the candidate tool outline. The first position puts its rear fitting into the door area. The second needs more space beside the machine.

What currently occupies that extra space?

Fixture trolley waiting position. The setter will not lose it without another usable place.

Could the receiving layout change to release that place, or would it simply move the obstruction to the next task?

Try it on the floor plan with the setter before writing 'trolley elsewhere'. Elsewhere is where every inconvenient thing goes to disappear from a quote.

And if it needs a layout change, include that in the second option's price rather than treating it as customer preparation nobody costs.

The setter identified an alternative trolley position, but it shares the route used to replenish the receiving trays. We are comparing the actual exchanges, not assuming both can occupy it together.

Who does both exchanges on the ordinary shift?

Usually the same operator. Their walkthrough found the tray replenishment would have to stop during fixture exchange. They can live with that for our batches, and planning is costing the interruption.

Then you have a defined tradeoff to price. The first position is rejected; the second still has tool-access and operating costs to settle before purchase.