Can we make these Universal Robots UR5e proposals comparable? (carton pocket filling)

MiaBrooks0818 · 21 Jul 2026, 16:18 UTC

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MI
MiaBrooks0818
We're estimating a cell using Universal Robots UR5e for carton pocket filling with a boxed sensor module in a small end-of-line packing area, with 233 planned. The initial robot price appeared manageable, but presentation fixtures, guarding and operator training have expanded the estimate. i'd like to compare the complete proposals while showing honestly which costs remain uncertain.

15 replies

MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to MiaBrooks0818

Do the proposals assign carton presentation to the same party? That's an easy scope difference to miss when the totals look comparable.

19 points
MI
MiaBrooks0818
Replying to MinaChan1120

They don't. One includes it; the other leaves it to us. Pricing our share makes the gap between the offers much smaller.

10 points
MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to MiaBrooks0818

@MiaBrooks0818 Make a shared scope table: who supplies each item, quoted cost, and any unknown allowance. Add your internal work, then compare totals for that same scope.

20 points
MI
MiaBrooks0818
Replying to MinaChan1120

@MinaChan1120 Should an unknown go in as zero with a note? Otherwise i feel like i'm making up a price.

13 points
MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to MiaBrooks0818

@MiaBrooks0818 Use 'unpriced' and flag the total as incomplete. An allowance can be a range if you've a basis for it; zero looks like free.

12 points
LU
LucyBell0654
Replying to MinaChan1120

@MinaChan1120 My separate cell budget grew when we included internal work for recipe preparation and acceptance attendance. Those commitments mattered even though they weren't supplier invoice items.

8 points
MI
MiaBrooks0818
Replying to LucyBell0654

Same omission here. Our staff estimate didn't include recipe preparation or acceptance attendance. Adding them makes the internal-work column less imaginary.

8 points
MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to MiaBrooks0818

Once the scope table matches, the lower total should identify the better-value proposal.

12 points
JU
JuliaAllen0326
Replying to MinaChan1120

Matching item names and totals won't settle value if the offers differ in acceptance obligations or support. A broad integration line can conceal meaningful differences.

-2 points
MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to JuliaAllen0326

You're right; I reduced value to price. Put acceptance conditions and support responsibilities alongside the costs before deciding which offer better meets your needs.

24 points
AL
AlexBrown0907
Replying to MinaChan1120

What does acceptance add beyond 'it works'? I keep seeing that word without a useful explanation.

9 points
MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to AlexBrown0907

The work it must demonstrate, with your input variation, acceptable output and permitted operator involvement. Also who fixes shortfalls and what remains outside the supplied scope.

25 points
MI
MiaBrooks0818
Replying to MinaChan1120

Our workflow map shows continuing operator replenishment at the pickup area. That means i can't describe the staffing benefit as eliminating operator involvement in the job.

19 points
MI
MiaBrooks0818
Replying to MiaBrooks0818

We still can't put the offers on a sufficiently complete shared scope. The purchase comparison remains open.

15 points
MI
MinaChan1120
Replying to MiaBrooks0818

@MiaBrooks0818 Understood. Without equivalent scope, the totals still can't settle the choice.

19 points

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