Market launch of SmartEdge laboratory organisation system

Better Basics Laboratory Supplies is working on the development and market launch of the SmartEdge modular laboratory storage system with Eco-Nutschiene as part of a funded innovation project. The project builds on the internationally successful and award-winning SmartRack^® product and expands its concept with a new generation of modular organisation solutions specifically for laboratory fume cupboards.

The aim of the project is to fundamentally modernise the working environment in laboratory fume cupboards. While floor-standing storage systems have been predominantly used worldwide to date, SmartEdge is the first to feature a suspended, modularly expandable organisation system that is mounted directly onto the existing stand mountings in the laboratory fume cupboard. This makes much more efficient use of the available space in the fume cupboard while also improving safety and ergonomics in the laboratory.

A central technological basis is provided by **patent EP4469709A1 (‘Clamp slide rail mounting device’), which describes an innovative click mechanism for the Better Basics groove rail and the mounting modules. This patented solution enables tool-free, secure and flexible mounting of modules, allowing workstations to be quickly adapted to different requirements.

The suspended installation keeps work equipment positioned above the danger zone in the event of a possible accident. At the same time, cleaning the laboratory fume cupboard is made considerably easier, as there are no longer any devices or brackets on the floor. This significantly reduces the cleaning effort and enables considerable time and cost savings in laboratory operations.

The system also offers decisive advantages in terms of occupational safety. Floor-standing equipment can impair the air flow in the laboratory fume cupboard and thus reduce its containment capacity. SmartEdge prevents such flow disturbances and supports a uniform air flow, further increasing safety for laboratory staff.

Another focus of the project is on sustainability and resource efficiency. The newly developed Eco-Nutschiene reduces aluminium consumption by around 15%. The system is complemented by SLS 3D-printed modules, which are smoothed and refined using a special polycarbonate blasting process. This creates robust, hygienic and easy-to-clean surfaces that meet the high demands of modern laboratory environments.

In addition, SmartEdge supports modern organisational concepts such as LEAN management and 5S working methods. Work equipment can be arranged in a structured, clear and accessible manner, reducing search times and making work processes more efficient. At the same time, the system creates space for the safe integration of digital devices such as tablets, hand scanners or notebooks in the laboratory fume cupboard for the first time – an important prerequisite for digital and networked laboratories in the spirit of ‘Laboratory 4.0’.

Through the vertical use of available space, a single laboratory fume cupboard with SmartEdge can be used much more efficiently and, under certain circumstances, replace several traditional workstations. This reduces the space required in the laboratory, lowers energy and operating costs and increases productivity at the same time.

With the SmartEdge system, Better Basics has developed a solution that combines occupational safety, efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation in the laboratory in an integrated concept for the first time, setting new standards for the organisation of modern laboratory workstations.