Clarification on Physical Automation Systems in Co-Pack Facilities

Hi Everyone,

I have a query regarding some new equipment we've recently installed at our co-pack facility. There's been some debate about whether this equipment qualifies as physical automation.

The setup includes six tables on either side of a conveyor belt running down the center (picture attached for reference). The discussion revolves around the conveyor belt, as the clause specifies, "Where physical automation systems (including vertical lifts, retrieval systems, conveyor systems, robotics, etc.)."

My position is that the process hasn't eliminated human involvement. We still have six operatives manually packing goods into boxes and placing them on the belt, which then transfers the boxes to the label application machine. In essence, the only new aspect of automation we've introduced is the label application machine.

I'd appreciate any insights or clarifications on this matter.