Blog Post

Storage solutions have come a long way over the years. Finding the right system to manage inventory is a game-changer for businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. That’s where automated storage systems, such as vertical carousels and vertical lift modules (VLMs), come in.

These technologies are maximizing vertical space while keeping inventory accessible. Each offers unique features, benefits, and use cases, which makes the decision a bit tricky. Vertical carousels bring simplicity and speed, while VLMs pack in advanced functionality and flexibility.

This guide dives into the ins and outs of both vertical carousels and lift modules to help business owners and managers pinpoint the best fit. After all, selecting storage solutions sets up your operations for long-term success!

Overview of Vertical Carousels and Lift Modules

What are the main options available to you? How do they work?

Carousels

Vertical carousels operate by rotating shelves or carriers along a fixed track, delivering items to the operator at an accessible height. Think of it as a Ferris wheel for storage, where every item has its place and is easy to locate.

These systems work well in spaces with limited floor area, especially when storing small, lightweight items that your teams access frequently. Vertical carousels work well in manufacturing facilities, tool storage setups, and small warehouses.

VLMs

Vertical lift modules (VLMs), on the other hand, use a tray-based system, where items are stored in trays of varying sizes that the machinery retrieves and delivers to the operator. The system adjusts dynamically to optimize vertical storage space while taking into account the size of each stored item.

Businesses in the E-commerce, automotive, or healthcare industry rely on vertical lift modules to store products. Both systems help with maximizing vertical space and streamlining workflows, but their mechanics and ideal applications differ.

Functionality Comparison

How do these pieces of equipment blend with your business’s day-to-day?

Carousels

This equipment is straightforward to operate. It retrieves items through manual or automated rotation until the operator can access the desired shelf. The simplicity minimizes training needs but limits the system’s ability to handle items of varying sizes. Software integration options are basic, making it a good option for light-duty operations or tools used regularly.

VLMs

Lift modules employ sophisticated “goods-to-person” technology. Instead of moving an entire carousel, the system retrieves a single tray and delivers it to the operator’s workstation. This design eliminates wasted motion and enhances speed.

Dynamic height capabilities allow the VLM to adjust storage gaps automatically and create an efficient, space-saving arrangement. Inventory tracking is typically more advanced with VLMs because they integrate seamlessly with warehouse management systems.

Space Efficiency

Both vertical carousels and VLMs are champions of vertical space utilization, but they do it differently.

Carousels

Vertical carousels work within limits. They have a predetermined storage capacity, and the system is ideal for small spaces with low ceilings. They can be practical in businesses with little room to grow or a small footprint.

VLMs

Meanwhile, VLMs excel in spaces with high ceilings. The system’s ability to adjust storage height for a variety of item sizes means smaller gaps between shelves. If you’re looking to maximize storage density while maintaining flexibility, you should lean toward a VLM. It offers greater adaptability for inventory changes over time.

Cost Considerations

Choosing the right system involves balancing initial investment with long-term value.

Carousels

Vertical carousels come with a lower up-front price tag than VLMs, making them appealing to businesses on a budget. Basic models offer good functionality for the cost, though compromises (such as fewer features and less adaptability) may be necessary.

VLMs

Vertical lift modules demand a higher initial investment than carousels due to their advanced technology. However, this pays off in savings over time. Reduced labor costs, fewer picking errors, and improved workflow efficiency contribute to an impressive return on investment.

Maintenance and Reliability

If you want your equipment to last for years and prevent breakdowns, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance.

Carousels

Vertical carousels feature simpler mechanisms than VLMs, which translates into lower maintenance needs. Less complexity means fewer components that can fail, making them ideal for companies with predictable, high-turnover inventory requirements. Carousels are typically easier to repair, as well, because they have fewer special components.

VLMs

While they are highly efficient, VLMs have sophisticated systems that may require specialized maintenance. Their advanced functionality and moving parts mean regular maintenance is key to keeping them running smoothly. If you prioritize uptime and speed over minimal maintenance requirements, investing in a VLM is worth it.

Ideal Use Cases

Now that you know what vertical carousels and lift modules are, we’ll explain where they’re most valuable and which businesses employ them most.

Carousels

A vertical carousel shines in small-scale warehouses or facilities with limited space. These machines perform well in facilities prioritizing quick retrieval of lightweight, uniform items, such as tools or small parts. A manufacturing floor manager or a repair shop owner might find this solution ideal because it combines ease of use with efficient storage.

VLMs

VLMs are better for operations with diverse inventory needs and the capability to expand vertically. E-commerce business owners or managers of factories with high storage turnover benefit greatly from flexibility and automation. The system’s ability to handle goods of varying sizes while maintaining precision ensures it fits seamlessly into streamlined workflows.

Decision Factors

Deciding between these systems starts with determining your budget. Can your operation handle the upfront investment of a VLM, or is a cost-effective carousel sufficient to meet your needs?

Next, evaluate the vertical space in your facility—carousels are ideal for facilities with low ceilings, while VLMs need high ceilings. Finally, consider the type and variety of items you’re storing. Uniform goods are good on carousels, while diverse inventories benefit from the flexibility of VLMs.

Moving Forward…

The choice between a vertical carousel and a lift module doesn’t have to feel like a leap into the unknown. Align your goals with the possibilities each system offers, and think beyond the storage capacity and efficiency. How will the decision affect your team’s day-to-day workflow? Will quicker access to tools or inventory make your team’s job easier? Could high-tech solutions free up workers for more skilled tasks?

Take a step back and picture how your workspace could look and function with one of these systems in place. Visualize the flow, the increased organization, and the potential to scale. Sometimes, that mental snapshot is all you need to make the right move.