Storage is not synonymous with lack of movement. When we think of a warehouse, we don’t necessarily have to imagine fixed shelving or closed cabinets relegated to a remote area of the facility.
This has never been the case for Essegi Automation, starting with the intelligent storage solution created by the compact Ultraflex series modules. These modules can store and move thousands of reels in a small space and be positioned directly in the production area, thanks to the Buffer function in the ISM Software. Or consider the ISM 500, a Pick-to-Light system with humidity control—just as compact and capacious—often located in the production area.
Different production contexts, a single solution
In electronic assembly, production environments vary widely. Each company has its own unique characteristics in terms of space management, level of automation, workforce, type of services, and volume of components handled—all factors that influence the choice of the most suitable equipment to to optimize the production process.
The physical proximity of storage to production lines is a crucial factor in increasing production efficiency. Although integrating shelving within the production area may seem outdated especially with today’s advanced computerized inventory management systems and the growing automation of material handling, this intelligent evolution of storage has allowed us to enrich Essegi Automation’s range of solutions with an extremely versatile and innovative new product: Smart Rack Mobile.
As the name suggests, Smart Rack Mobile is a Pick-to-Light system for intelligent component storage (7” or 15” reels and other formats) on wheels, allowing for material transport from the main warehouse or receiving and preparation area to production lines.
This fully anti-static system is equipped with batteries that ensure up to 8 hours of operation at full load and connects via Wi-Fi or wired LAN to the ISM software server, guaranteeing full traceability of transported materials and integration with all other ISM-based intelligent systems operating within the company.
Featuring movable separators and sensors for cells recognition, the system automatically reconfigures storage spaces and updates position mapping in real time.
This function, combined with the RGB LED positioning system, guides operators in picking and placing materials, minimizing errors and streamlining operational processes.
A 13.3” touchscreen display provides an intuitive interface for managing all storage operations, with barcode scanner support.
Available in three versions with 8, 10, or 12 shelves, depending on the type of materials being stored and transported, Smart Rack Mobile offers high storage capacity even in space-constrained environments, such as production areas, where immediate access to materials, while still following ISM storage principles, enables real-time, coordinated operations.
Smart Rack Mobile stands out from other similar systems on the market thanks to its uniquely innovative, practical, and compact design. It is specifically engineered for exceptional functionality, , easy maneuverability thanks to its wheeled design, and high visibility within the production environment. This new storage solution features a customizable LED lighting system at the top of the cart and a soundbar to enhance audio guidance during operations.
However, what truly distinguishes Smart Rack Mobile aesthetically—making it one of a kind—is the unique shelf and separators design, featuring its unmistakable yellow color (matching the ISM Ultraflex series reel handling cases). This instantly identifies it as a full-fledged member of the ISM Essegi Automation storage solutions family.
Among the software features that set Smart Rack Mobile apart is its ability to connect and communicate with a paired system, creating a single virtual Smart Rack Mobile with increased storage capacity. This solution allows operators to simply transfer materials from one cart to another without the need to reassign them to a new location.