Automated technologies are essential with today’s demand for streamlined, efficient supply chains and faster deliveries. Also, given the growing cost of space in popular warehousing locations, businesses throughout the industrial and shipping sectors must optimize their storage facilities. Focusing on vertical storage solutions that make the most of unused overhead space is one answer for modern product handling and storage operations, and automated vertical carousel modules (VCMs) and vertical lift modules (VLMs) support such applications. In this guide, learn how VCMs and VLMs function and how to choose the proper vertical module for your business.

Benefits of VCMs & VLMs

Both of these vertical modules are efficient systems that can retrieve goods as part of goods-to-person automated solutions for well-managed product handling and storage. They can be assets in everything from warehouses to assembly centers. Some of the key benefits of these modules include:

  • Efficient use of space. With VCMs and VLMs, facilities can store slow- and medium-velocity goods as efficiently and densely packed as possible, making optimal use of overhead storage space. A single module at a height of 20 ft. can house as many as 7,000 items in spaces with dimensions of approximately 6 in. x 6 in. x 4 in., giving it a compact footprint.
  • Speed. Automated technologies offer fast movements and consistent accuracy for enhanced productivity. There is no lagging, nor the delays or fatigue that a human worker would encounter, and these modules achieve efficient picking with minimal steps.
  • Safety. Human operators are still an essential part of warehouse operations. These vertical modules carry and deliver selected items to human workers through a window at waist height, which is an ergonomic height for handling and packing goods. It also reduces repetitive stress injuries or other injuries from picking up items from the ground, straining to reach high items, or carrying items at an awkward angle.
  • Security. Both units offer fully enclosed spaces for holding goods securely behind locks.

How VCMs & VLMs Work

While VCMs and VLMs share several beneficial characteristics, there are key differences in how the systems operate. In VCMs, a chain drive is attached to multiple fixed carriers. The unit’s motor generates the power to pull the chain forward or backward, moving the carriers in a vertically looped track. The assembly looks like a Ferris wheel, or an upended carousel.

Vertical lift modules, on the other hand, have trays arranged on two columns. A mechanical tool sits between the columns, using its vertical range of automatic motion to reach the position of a tray and either insert or extract an item on demand. The design rather resembles that of an elevator, but one that opens on the back as well as the front side.

Choose VCMs & VLMs From Kardex

Given the differences in how these modules store and retrieve items, their ideal applications differ as well. A VCM is best suited to spaces with relatively low ceilings of 7.5 m or less. They also work well for storing items that each have approximately the same dimensions and don’t require lift assistance for hand-picking. VLMs, however, are useful in facilities with ceilings up to 30 m high. They’re also great for environments with inventories that change frequently and products with a wide range of weights and dimensions.

At Kardex, we provide reliable storage, retrieval, and inventory management systems for facilities throughout the world. Our product offerings include both vertical carousel modules and vertical lift modules, with an array of technological integration capabilities and pre- and post-installation add-ons to customize your module for your unique needs.

Our team will work closely with you through the full life cycle of your VCM or VLM, from our initial needs assessment of your operation through final production and future maintenance. contact us today to learn more or to request a quote.