The Rack Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (RMI) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of Industrial Steel Storage Racks and Related Structural Systems. They supply industrial rack solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. RMI was formed in 1958. Mission: To promote the safe and effective use of industrial steel storage racks and related storage and handling systems. Vision: Every rack system is designed, manufactured, and installed to meet the RMI Standards. Through guidance and education, help to ensure that rack systems are operated and maintained safely. A rack is a single or multi-level structural storage system that is utilized to support high stacking of single items or palletized loads. Racking systems are a fundamental component of any distribution, storage, or material handling operation. The right racks allow rapid access to stored or mounted materials, as well as a dependable, ergonomic product storage solution. Racking systems maximize facility space while simplifying inventory requirements. Pallet racks are among the most widely used type of storage solutions in heavy industry, shipping and manufacturing. Rack decking is manufactured in a variety of styles, from wire mesh to channel-reinforced steel decking. RMI Programs Include: RMI develops American National Standards for industrial steel storage racks and welded wire rack decking. RMI has drafted the American National Standards ANSI MH16.1 (for industrial pallet racks), ANSI MH16.3 (for cantilever racks), and ANSI MH26.2 (for wire rack decking) and certifies compliance with the standards via the R-Mark Certification Program. Product testing and R&D programs funded by RMI over the past 35 years have resulted in virtually all of the technical advances made within the U.S. Codes/Standards Community. RMI members prepare and conduct extensive educational materials and programs to create additional value for you as a user of industrial storage racks and related products. All RMI members are seated on the RMI Engineering Committee. RMI representatives maintain seats on a number of code and fire safety bodies to further assist in advancing the state of the art in rack design/application. RMI collects and disseminates reliable industry statistics. RMI believes that it is important to you that your supplier be committed to the principles of continuous improvement in both product design/application and in the highest Professional and Ethical Standards of Performance as embodied in the mission and work conducted within RMI.

The Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of industrial storage equipment. They supply storage solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Industrial storage equipment includes steel shelving, industrial work platforms, work and assembly stations, modular drawer equipment, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage equipment, storage containers and directly related equipment. Mission: To deliver value for the work platform and shelving industry by providing education, market intelligence, and standards that promote safe and efficient designs. Vision: To be recognized as the independent authority in the work platform and shelving industry. Value Proposition: SMA members are the industry leaders that develop, maintain and publish standards for design, performance and safe operation of work platforms and shelving products. SMA value includes: Development and maintenance of national standards that help end-users implement efficient and safe warehouse and distribution solutions. Provide educational and training materials to promote the benefits of products. The confidential exchange of market statistics to better understand the industry and market trends. Collaborate to resolve industry problems that individual members can’t solve on their own. SMA members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of steel industrial/storage equipment. SMA Programs Include: SMA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as developer for U.S. Industrial Steel Shelving and work platform product and safety standards; Product testing and R&D programs funded by SMA over the past 20-plus years have resulted in virtually all of the technical advances made within the U.S. Codes/Standards communities with respect to industrial steel shelving; SMA members prepare and conduct extensive educational materials and programs to create additional value for you as a user of steel industrial/storage equipment; All SMA members are seated on the SMA Engineering Committee and on the Storage Council's related groups whose collective mission is to develop the methodology and understanding of how to properly apply and integrate traditional storage solutions; SMA representatives maintain seats on a number of code and fire safety bodies to further assist in advancing the state of the art in steel industrial/storage equipment design/application.

Mobile Automation Group (MAG) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automatic guided vehicle systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Mission: To promote the market awareness, growth, and effective use of driverless industrial vehicle systems (e.g. AGVS, AMRs, and AGCs) Vision: To be the trusted, independent authority on driverless industrial vehicle systems The MAG group is a collaboration of trusted industry leaders that provide: Market Intelligence Market Awareness and Clarity Leadership Safety Advocacy Market Access By Coordinating Statistical Programs Delivering Promotional Marketing Providing Education Influencing Industry Standards Overcoming Barriers to Adoption Both Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are computer-controlled wheel-based load carriers (normally battery powered) that run on a plant or warehouse floor (or, if outdoors, on a paved surface). The main difference between AGVs and AMRs is how the path they follow is determined. Most AGVs follow predefined paths, although there may be areas of the plant or warehouse where they have more freedom. AMRs can determine their own path, although they will attempt to follow suggested paths if they exist. This difference leads to differing methodologies for ensuring safe operation for the two types of vehicle. AGVs follow the ANSI B56.5 Safety Guidelines There is a standard under development for AMRs MAG member companies meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and safe operation of automatic guided vehicle systems. MAG members are committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. MAG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national standards; The confidential exchange of market statistics and publication of industry data to the public; The communication of the benefits of AGVS solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.

The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. Traditionally, industrial robots in material handling applications have been limited to palletizing/depalletizing, conveyor picking, or other highly-repetitive tasks. Technology advancements are creating opportunities for robots and automated machinery in a wider variety of applications, including warehousing and distribution center activities. TRG conducts education and outreach with the goal of fostering technology adoption in this rapidly changing industry sector. Mission Our team of technology leaders inspires user confidence and fosters the adoption of robotic solutions to drive efficiency in supply chain applications. TRG member companies meet regularly to identify methods of promoting adoption of robotic and automated solutions in material handling applications. We identify barriers to adoption and understand the voice of the customer while creating opportunities to encourage the transition of automated technologies to promote supply chain efficiency. TRG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national and international standards; The communication of the benefits of robotic and automated solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.