I timed transfer only. Operators straighten the bags and fill the guides before I start that timer. They have been fairly patient about this omission.

Would one stable bag type earn its space though? You might be throwing away a useful narrow job because the proposal keeps collecting every product people mention.

There is one repeat bag size. It also runs in small mixed orders. Keeping its guides installed would block the rest of the packing work.

I would include removing and storing those guides in the comparison. Actually, include retrieving the right set as well. Maintenance gets called when several nearly identical pieces have been put in one drawer.

Ask the operators what they would do with the bench if this stopped. That gives the space a practical value instead of treating it as free floor area.

They want the bench back for mixed orders. I already had that answer, I just kept thinking another guide would make the complaint go away.

Then show them the full comparison. They are allowed to prefer the old job without becoming the obstacle to your project.

Alex, I agree they should be heard, but there is still a question about that repeat size. Could it run elsewhere, if there is spare space?

If there is a real spare station, price it. I wouldn't count imagined space as the rescue plan.

Nathan, we have no other suitable bench allocated. Alex, I am including manual packing beside the full preparation and changeover time. No new guides commissioned while we compare.

Would somebody other than you maintain the guides? If the answer is no, the estimate also needs the support you currently provide whenever a bag sits badly.

No named replacement for me. I have been treating my support as incidental. The existing notes show it recurring across the variants.

That is enough to put a stop decision in front of whoever funds it. You do not owe the earlier effort another purchase.

We agreed to end this packing trial and return the bench to mixed orders. The robot will stay available for separately approved trials. Keeping the timing notes and guide drawings, including the inconvenient bits.

Fair decision with no spare station and no support cover. I still think a stable product could suit that motion, but it doesn't have to be this packing job.

Record the guide inventory before it leaves the bench. Somebody can reuse the design work later without mistaking the stored tooling for an approved production process.