A real engineer would calculate the efficiency of the mechanisms
Efficiency would be the work done by the mechanism divided by the calories expended setting the damn thing up. There there would be forms filled out in triplicate indicating revision level, stamped by the delegate engineer, and distributed to all those concerned stating something to the effect that the automation is, in fact, feasible, but not within the operating budget at this time. The delegate engineering manager would then cut himself a bonus cheque and send the set-up person for a 6 month on-site training course, doing the exact same job, but at a lower "training" wage.