Starting with 108: what belongs in the pilot budget?

FelixBarnes0545 · 26 Apr 2026, 06:18 UTC

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FE
FelixBarnes0545
I proposed using Fairino FR5 for tray loading with a molded mounting block in a shared production room, starting with 108. My estimate covered the arm and gripper but left fixture work and staff effort unclear, which has frustrated my colleague. I'd like to define a small pilot that gives both of us a fair basis for judging the idea.

9 replies

GA
GabrielAllen0279
Replying to FelixBarnes0545

Have you measured the whole manual job, preparation included? Timing just the transfer could hide the same missing labour again.

10 points
FE
FelixBarnes0545
Replying to GabrielAllen0279

The observed batch required more workpiece preparation time than transfer time. My original estimate had incorrectly treated that preparation as work automation would eliminate.

6 points
GA
GabrielAllen0279
Replying to FelixBarnes0545

Build a capped pilot around the complete workflow. Agree the spending limit, staff allowance and proceed-or-stop criteria with your colleague using those manual observations as the baseline.

3 points
FE
FelixBarnes0545
Replying to GabrielAllen0279

Count my fixture time too? I'd enjoy it, but it's extra work.

10 points
AI
AishaAli0257
Replying to FelixBarnes0545

@FelixBarnes0545 We counted it on our own pilot. Enjoying the fixture design didn't make the production work waiting behind it disappear. That was an awkward spreadsheet.

9 points
GA
GabrielAllen0279
Replying to GabrielAllen0279

You can value every manual minute removed at the labour rate. That gives you a straightforward saving to compare with the pilot cost.

18 points
OS
OscarAli0184
Replying to GabrielAllen0279

Free minutes aren't automatically cash saved. Scattered gaps may leave paid hours unchanged. That claim could start the argument all over again.

-5 points
GA
GabrielAllen0279
Replying to OscarAli0184

You're right; my wording turned released time into cash too easily. Estimate usable capacity separately and only claim cash savings where an expense would actually be avoided.

1 points
FE
FelixBarnes0545
Replying to GabrielAllen0279

We have outstanding inspection work, but I haven't established that it can be done within the available intervals. I'll keep the proposed benefit explicitly unverified until that fit is assessed.

8 points

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