Lagerlift
Also: Vertical Lift Module, VLM, Vertikallift, Vertikal-Lift-Modul, Lagerlifte, Hochhubler, automatischer Lagerlift
AI-generated
A vertical lift module (VLM) is a vertical, automated storage system that stores goods on trays or in drawers stacked within an enclosed shaft, delivering them to a retrieval window at the touch of a button or via a software command.
Key facts
- A vertical lift module operates on the goods-to-person principle, automatically delivering requested trays to an ergonomic retrieval window.
- By making full use of the available ceiling height, significant floor space savings can be achieved compared to conventional shelving systems.
- Integration with a WMS or ERP system is a prerequisite for automated inventory management, order processing, and complete documentation.
- At high throughput volumes, a single vertical lift module can become a bottleneck; redundancy and the maintenance concept must be taken into account during the planning phase.
- Vertical lift modules are particularly well suited for high-value small parts, spare parts, and security-sensitive items where access control and organization are required.
What is a vertical lift module?
A vertical lift module – also known as a vertical carousel or VLM – is a fully enclosed high-bay storage system that automatically manages trays, drawers, or carriers. Inside the shaft, an extractor moves the storage carriers on demand to a retrieval opening positioned at an ergonomic working height. The principle is goods-to-person rather than person-to-goods. The operator waits at the dispensing window while the system independently selects and positions the correct carrier.
Vertical lift modules typically consist of two columns of trays – one at the front and one at the back – between which the extractor travels up and down. The control system stores the position, load, and weight of each tray. When an item is requested, the system calculates the shortest path, retrieves the appropriate carrier, and lowers it to the retrieval point. At the same time, the extractor can prepare the next request in the background.
Practical applications
Vertical lift modules are particularly well suited for small parts, spare parts, pharmaceutical items, electronic components, and other high-value or security-sensitive goods where access control, organization, and rapid availability are essential. They are frequently used in production environments as buffer storage directly alongside assembly lines, as well as in pharmacies, archives, and spare parts distribution.
Integration with a warehouse management system (WMS) or ERP system is critical to enable the VLM to receive orders automatically, maintain inventory records, and document withdrawals. Many systems support pick-by-light at the dispensing window to improve picking accuracy. Some vendors also allow multiple VLMs to be networked into a shared picking station.
Selection criteria
When planning a VLM project, you should evaluate the following factors:
- Ceiling height and load capacity: Vertical lift modules are available in various heights and payload classes; maximum tray and total load capacity vary considerably depending on the manufacturer and model.
- Access frequency: At very high throughput rates, a single VLM can become a bottleneck; in such cases, combining multiple units or adding a supplementary fast-access storage system is advisable.
- Product range: Bulky, very heavy, or unstable goods often cannot be stored effectively on trays; other system types are better suited for these applications.
- Software integration: The depth of connectivity to the WMS and ERP largely determines the degree of automation and inventory accuracy.
- Maintenance and redundancy: Since a VLM represents a single point in the process, the maintenance concept – response times, spare parts supply, manual emergency access – should be defined during the tendering phase.
Whether a vertical lift module is preferable to an automated small-parts warehouse (AS/RS) or a carousel system depends on the number of SKUs, access frequency, available floor space, and budget. No blanket recommendation can be made; what matters is individual system planning based on real order and item data.
Related terms
- ABC-Analyse
ABC analysis is a method for classifying items, vendors, or processes into three priority classes (A, B, C) based on their economic significance. It forms the basis for differentiated decision-making in warehousing, inventory management, and procurement.
- Akustische Kommissionierung
Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.
- Auslagerung
Retrieval refers to the physical process by which goods or load units are removed from a storage area and transferred to a downstream process – such as picking or shipping.
- AutoStore-Lagersystem
The AutoStore storage system is a fully automated cube storage system in which robots stack, retrieve, and transport plastic bins across a three-dimensional grid structure to stationary picking stations.
- Automatiklager
An automated warehouse is a fully or partially automated storage system in which the receipt, retrieval, transport and management of storage units are carried out without manual intervention, using conveyor technology, storage and retrieval machines, and a higher-level control software.
- Automatisches Kleinteilelager (AKL)
The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.
- Batch-Kommissionierung
Batch picking is a method in which multiple customer orders are consolidated into a single pick run. This allows the picker to travel one route while simultaneously covering positions from different orders.
- Beleglose Kommissionierung
Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Chaotische Lagerhaltung
Chaotic storage is a warehousing principle in which items are not stored in fixed, pre-assigned locations, but are instead dynamically placed in any available, suitable slot in the warehouse. A warehouse management system handles the control and tracking of all storage locations.