Vertical Lift Module:

Most warehouses run out of floor space before they run out of ceiling height. A Vertical lift module (VLM) turns that around by storing goods on trays inside an enclosed tower, automatically retrieving the tray to a single access opening, using the goods to person principle to streamline the workflow. The operator stays remains in the same location, the goods do the traveling. VLM’s are used to help companies maximize storage density, improve inventory accuracy, and reduce the time spent searching for parts and materials. 

What is a Vertical Lift Module (VLM)?

A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that stores inventory on trays arranged vertically inside of an enclosed unit. The trays are stored in two columns, one on the front operator side and the other at the rear of the machine. Between the columns, an automated lift travels up and down the entire unit to retrieve the operator-requested tray, bringing it to the access opening for picking. The enclosed housing keeps dirt and dust away from the inventory, while the integrated controller tracks the location of every tray and product. Unlike traditional shelving and wire racking systems, a VLM maintains precise inventory locations through one integrated control system. Every tray location and inventory movement is tracked, providing better inventory visibility and reducing time spent searching for parts.

How does a vertical lift module work?

A VLM automates both storage and retrieval of inventory. An operator follows these simple steps to retrieve goods:

1. An item is requested at the controller, or through a connected warehouse management system (WMS). 
2. The system automatically identifies the correct tray location while the lift travels to that position. 
3. The lift retrieves the tray and delivers it to the access opening.
4. The operator picks the item. 
5. The tray is returned to its storage location.

This goods-to-person approach significantly reduces travel time and eliminates the need to search throughout the facility. The ergonomic design also minimizes the risk of injury, and eliminates the need to bend down or use ladders. 
Modern VLM’s add another advantage through height-optimized storage. As inventory is stored, the system measures the height of the products on each tray and places it in the most efficient location available. 
A tray of flat gaskets requires very little clearance. A tray containing pup housings needs more. By minimizing unused space between trays, the VLM maximizes storage capacity throughout the machine. 

Vertical lift module vs. vertical carousel

Vertical Lift Modules and vertical carousels are often grouped together because they do the same thing, deliver goods to the operator. Mechanically, they could hardly be more different. In a vertical carousel, all storage carriers hang on one continuous rotating chain. Whenever an item is retrieved, every row moves until the desired product reaches the opening. The carousel is ideal for storing smaller items of similar sizes with steady demand. A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) moves only the tray that was requested at the controller. Each tray moves independently, so items as small as screws and larger repair parts can reside within the same unit without bothering each other. Hänel Storage Systems builds both: the Hänel Rotomat® vertical carousel follows the carousel principle, while the Hänel Lean-Lift® vertical lift module utilizes the elevator principal with dynamic tray storage.

What can be stored in a VLM?

Large, bulkier items are ideal to store within a VLM including:

• Tools
• Valves for the Oil & Gas Industry
• Aerospace parts such as Fan Blades of various sizes
• Spare parts for automotive or aviation MRO
• ESD like circuits and microprocessors
• Electronic components

Tray dividers allow hundreds, or even thousands,of SKUs to be organized within a single machine. Tray sizes and load capacities are configured during planning, allowing the system to handle much more than small parts. The Hänel Lean-Lift® vertical lift module can even be configured with a pallet extractor, allowing complete pallets to be stored and retrieved directly from the machine.

Key Benefits of a Vertical Lift Module

Gain Floor Space
Floor space is usually the first benefit that companies notice. A Vertical Lift Module uses building's full vertical height to store more inventory within a smaller footprint, freeing up floor space for production, storage, or expansion.

Increased Productivity
By delivering goods directly to the operator, a VLM eliminates unnecessary walking and searching, allowing employees to complete more picks in less time.

Inventory Control
The software control system, HanelSoft or other Warehouse Management Software (WMS) tracks inventory locations and movements automatically, reducing misplaced items and improving inventory visibility.

Improved Ergonomics
Goods are brought to the user at the proper ergonomic height, which eliminates the need to reach, bend, extend and climb ladders, resulting in less potential for work-place injury.

Enhanced Security
Enclosed, locked storage protects and secures inventory, optional user access codes and item tracking help reduce missing or relocated parts.

Vertical Lift Module Applications

Manufacturing
Manufacturers use VLMs to store production parts, tooling, fixtures, gauges, and spare components. Faster retrieval helps reduce downtime while keeping inventory organized and accessible.

Government facilities
Government agencies use VLMs to securely store gear, equipment, uniforms, evidence, and mission-critical inventory while maintaining controlled access and accountability. The enclosed system improves inventory security, saves floor space, and helps support compliance requirements.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Operations (MRO)
MRO teams use VLMS to manage spare parts inventory. When equipment repairs are needed, technicians can quickly retrieve the required component instead of searching through racks and shelves.

Electronics
For electronics manufacturers, inventory protection is often as important as storage density. The enclosed design helps protect electronic components from dust, while providing complete inventory traceability.

Tool Management
Many machining and metalworking operations use VLMs to manage cutting tools, fixtures, gauges, and measuring devices from a centralized storage location.