Everything You Need to Know About Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are on the rise, appearing more frequently in U.S. facilities to help with day-to-day efficiency, high-density storage, inventory accuracy and security, and ergonomic concerns. Below, we’ve identified Frequently Asked Questions about Vertical Lift Modules. We’ll break down the benefits, technical aspects, installation, and more. Follow along and gain insight on this automated storage and retrieval solution.
General Questions
What is a Vertical Lift Module and how does it work?
A Vertical Lift Module is an enclosed, standalone system that utilizes a tray-based motorized carriage movement that stores material in height-optimized arrangements, retrieving and delivering items to a pick window when required. VLMs, especially the Hanel Lean-Lift, require no floor modification and can be extensively customized to a facility’s needs, depending on the clear height, product dimensions and weight, transportation needs, and workplace environment.
What industries commonly use VLMs?
Many industries can benefit from Vertical Lift Modules as these material handling solutions can efficiently store a wide variety of inventory, from heavy and unwieldy inventory, to small parts. Some of these industries can include automotive dealerships, as parts and service departments benefit from high density storage solutions, or aerospace facilities where specialized and uniquely shaped items need to be stored securely with traceability and restricted from unauthorized personnel. Many healthcare facilities will also use climate-controlled VLMs to store medical supplies and drugs.
How do Vertical Lift Modules improve storage efficiency?
Vertical Lift Modules, specifically the Hanel Lean-Lift, are extremely impressive in storage density per square foot of floor space. These automation solutions store inventory compactly by measuring product height each time a tray is ingested into the machine and selecting the vertical slot that maximizes tray compaction within the machine, minimizing “stored air” while taking up a small footprint relative to traditional static storage.
What is the difference between a vertical life module and a warehouse carousel?
The main difference between a Vertical Lift Module and a Storage Carousel is the how the trays are moved. VLMs have individual trays that can be selected and manipulated discontinuously, or one at a time, whereas a carousel has trays that move only in a sequential fashion.
Benefits of Warehouse Carousels
What are the main benefits of using a warehouse Vertical Lift Module?
The main benefits of a warehouse Vertical Lift Module are the high density storage and accuracy it offers. By taking advantage of vertical height instead of using more floor space, a VLM allows you to store more in the space you have.
The Hanel Lean Lift requires low maintenance and reduces picking errors, increases pick speed, and offers an ergonomic storage solution that minimizes bending, reaching, and time spent on a ladder. VLM with slide out trays can also be paired with workstation cranes to minimize or eliminate heavy lifting. Some customers who use VLMs have seen over 90% inventory accuracy and up to an 85% improvement in productivity thanks to significantly reduced travel time for parts picking.
How much space can a Vertical Lift Module save compared to traditional shelving?
Vertical Lift Modules can allow storage floor space to be reduced more than 60%, often times more than 75%.
Can VLMs reduce labor costs and picking time?
Yes, a VLM can reduce labor costs and picking times. A worker will use a barcode scanner to read their pick list or manually call a tray. When a barcode is scanned, the VLM communicates with an ERP and the appropriate tray will be called down to the retrieval point. This greatly reduces pick error and travel time.
What is the typical ROI for installing a warehouse carousel?
Depending on the application, most businesses can expect a ROI within 12-18 months.
Technical and Operation
How much weight can a warehouse carousel hold?
A Hanel lean lift has weight capacities up to 132,000lbs, with individual tray capacities over 2,000lbs depending on tray width.
What is the height of a vertical life module?
Vertical life modules can vary in height depending on facilities’ specific needs up to 60ft tall.
What are the maintenance requirements for vertical life modules?
Vertical life modules require routine maintenance to keep it up and running long term. The Hanel Lean-Lift utilizes a number of industry-leading design features, from reliable chain drives to tray-stability measures and sensor redundancies that add up to significantly-reduced down time for routine maintenance and sensor failures.
Can VLMs integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS)?
Yes, VLMs can integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS) and ERP systems. This allows your team to have up-to-the-second awareness and traceability of inventory in a safe and secure manner.
How fast do Vertical Lift Modules operate compared to manual picking?
Using a vertical life module can allow workers to pick items quickly. VLMs had picking speeds of 150-350 lines per hour. Vertical Lift Modules use laser pointers or augmented reality integration to identify the location of an item needed for picking.
For heavy items, you can pair your VLM with a workstation crane to easily pick and place items onto a VLM tray.
Cost and Installation
What is the average cost of a Vertical Lift Module?
Costs of Vertical Lift Modules depend on dimensions and other varying factors. VLMs can be customized to come in a variety of heights and widths and adjusted for bin size, weight capacity, and lift speed. The best way to find out more about investing in a VLM is through our St. Louis automotive expert at ISS Material Handling. Send our material handling expert a message here to find out more.
How long does it take to install a VLM?
Installation of a Vertical Lift Module typically takes 1-2 weeks but can vary with customization needs.
Learn More About Vertical Lift Modules
Do you want to chat more about vertical life modules and how you can integrate one into your facility? Chat with your St. Louis automotive expert at 833-754-2164 or fill out a form here, and someone will get back to you.
About the Author
John Fontaine
Automation Sales Lead
After a 9 year career as an officer in the US Navy Submarine Force, John developed vital experience in the advanced manufacturing and unmanned systems with business development roles at two major defense contractors. In directing the growth of ISS Material Shelving, a division of Industrial Shelving Systems, John’s mission is clear: to remain thoroughly customer-focused, ensuring that businesses who partner with ISS Material Handling seize the right opportunities for automation adoption, fueling responsible growth amidst challenging economic circumstances. When not in the office, John enjoys all things music, cooking, and fitness.