A rack system and method are provided for processing manufactured products prior to shipment. To simulate reality, the design of such rack system and method contemplates replicating field conditions for use of the manufactured products. A rack system for processing units of manufactured products may comprise one or more plates coupled to a frame. A preferred approach includes designing the rack for use by an operator without specialized skills. This approach includes verifying that there is a match between the configuration of the unit mounted on the plate and the operating mode of the plate before processing can commence. The rack may include a detector for obtaining data from the plate and unit and a processor for comparing the obtained data to determine whether there is a match. A rack system designed using this approach can be useful in processing outdoor units of a split-mount system such as a microwave radio system.
