The Cobot Buyer's Final Checklist

Congrats! You’ve made it to the decision point of your Cobot buyer’s journey. You’ve researched different cobot models, types of workstations, compared your options and now you’ve identified the perfect solution for your manufacturing needs. Now comes the moment of truth, making that final investment decision.

Before you sign the dotted line and establish a product order, just know that this decision isn’t about buying equipment; it’s about transforming how your operation works. The difference between a successful cobot deployment and a costly mistake, often comes down to the final details you address before you order. This guide covers your essential pre-purchase checklist so you can move forward with your cobot workstation in complete confidence. 

The success of your cobot workstation highly depends on your existing ecosystem. We’ve already mapped out your cobot application during our technical analysis, but let’s confirm if your implementation timeline aligns with your production schedule.

Have you identified the optimal installation window that minimizes disruption to current operations? Some cobot workstations can be installed without any factory downtime, but have you considered factors like seasonal demands, planned maintenance windows and staff availability for training? You should already be preparing system connections but double-checking that network access and software integrations are scheduled for completion before your workstation arrives on-site.

Allied works with you to minimize the installation complexity and reduce downtime to your production line. Our two-person installation team will get the job done in less than two days. We take care of the complexities like setting up your workstation, wiring to your equipment, and complete cobot programming. All you will need to do is have your electrical system ready, have a LAN setup & connections if desired, and your tooling for all programmed parts during installation.

Checkpoint: Confirm your chosen installation date still works with your production calendar and that your team is aligned on your plan.

You’ve already met with our team and are aware of all of our service capabilities. Now let’s finalize how we’ll work together post installation. Just remember. With Allied, the relationship doesn’t end when the installation truck drives away.  You’re not just buying equipment from us, you’re gaining a partner who’s just as invested in your cobot success as you are.

Think about the support structure you need to feel confident about your investment. Quick response times, excellent customer service, engineers who understand your operation, remote diagnostics that solve problems before they impact your production. We’ve come up with your specific requirements, and it’s time to get these locked into your agreement.

The manufacturers seeing the biggest long-term success are those who choose distributors with a proven track record and comprehensive support systems. When challenges arise, you want a team that’s seen it all before and knows exactly how to get you and your business back on track in a timely manner. Our team handles everything like ongoing tech support, so your investment is protected from any potential hurdles from day 1.

Checkpoint: Ask yourself, does Allied’s support commitment match the importance of this investment to your operation?

A common success indicator of a cobot workstation deployment is that your team embraces the new technology rather than fearing it. Your operators don’t need to become automation experts, but your team will learn new skills and gain valuable insights they never had prior. This transformation isn’t just about the cobot, it’s about elevating your entire team’s capabilities. We’ve designed training around your specific application workspace, but success depends on giving your people the time and investment they need to master their new asset.

Businesses that treat training as a checkbox tend to struggle. Companies that invest in hands-on leaning create engaged employees who drive continuous improvement and identify new automation opportunities throughout your operational facility. Allied’s approach offers multiple training pathways with our initial onsite half day session to get your operators comfortable, then a 2-day core training and advanced training classroom session to provide expertise for those who are wanting to maximize their cobots capabilities and learn programming for future redeployment. Many of our customers discover they can redeploy their cobot stations across different applications, some even switch between tasks daily based on production needs. This flexibility maximizes your equipment utilization and adapts to changing demands. Training your team will help with seamless programming, flexing your workstation between different jobs.

Checkpoint: The hours you invest in proper training multiply into years of optimized performance and confidence.

You’ve now done all of your research, met with our team, created an integration plan, scheduled employee training, and projected your company’s ROI. The manufacturers who transform their operations don’t wait for perfect conditions, they create them. Your cobot journey is ready to be started and every day you delay is another day your competitors who are automating get ahead. Get stared today with Allied Automation!