Two great technologies, Vertical lift modules and vertical carousels, both offer significant benefits to warehouse operations.
How, though, can a company determine which one to invest in so improve operational effectiveness?
Understanding the similarities and differences can help an enterprise make the right decision for their company.
What Is a Vertical Lift Module (VLM)?
A VLM consists of two parallel columns, with fixed shelf positions. Each shelf spot has one storage tray or tote.
These tray or tote modules are called Vertical Lift Modules.
The VLM operator, using a control panel loaded with the VLM software, selects the module, which extracts the tray with the product and delivers it to a set location where a person or forklift operator can access it.
Trays are numbered. The simple controls permit the worker to enter a number and let the VLM do the rest of the work.
Once the operator selects the part, the extractor travels up the columns of trays until it reaches the correct one and removes it, then moves down the column along the track to the delivery point.
At the delivery point, the product is either removed or someone replenishes the stock that tray stores.
What Is a Vertical Carousel?
Vertical carousels use a closed-loop system to control product delivery in a warehouse or other storage facility.
The primary storage unit, usually a shelf subdivided into multiple bins, rotates based on the operator’s directions.
Essentially, the vertical carousel has a series of bins inside a large cabinet. The bins mount on a vertical track and move around like how a Ferris Wheel moves, moving the selected container to the access location.
What Are the Benefits of a VLM and Vertical Carousel?
VLMs and Vertical Carousels allow excellent security of pilferable or high-value items. The full enclosures let you lock up the entire system.
These machines permit automatic, ergonomically safe, delivery, and restocking of product.
Size and Height
The length of the VLM and the Carousels are very similar.
Vertical Carousels are much narrower. The VLM design makes these systems use twice as much depth space.
A VLM can reach heights of almost 100 feet. Carousels max out at 32 feet.
Remember, however, that the taller the machine, the slower the throughput.
Weight Capacity
The standard VLM weight capacity has tray options permitting up to 2,200 pounds each.
The Vertical Carousels have a maximum weight capacity of 1,430 pounds per tray.
Speed
Both machines have very similar throughputs depending on the configurations.
The Vertical Carousels are slightly faster, with a throughput of 400 items per hour versus a maximum throughput of the VLMs of 350 items per hour.
What Warehouse Layouts Work Best for VLMs?
VLMs have the advantage in warehouses with large, 100-foot ceilings. VLM design works better than Carousels if the product has variable sizes and weights, and the facility often changes the mix of inventory.
VLMS also have an advantage over Vertical Carousels as these systems handle more substantial items.
What Warehouse Layouts Work Best for Vertical Carousels
If a facility has a ceiling height under 25 feet, Carousels are an excellent option.
Smaller items of relatively similar sizes that can be picked by hand work well with Vertical Carousels.
Dynamic Storage and Space Allocation
VLMs have more complicated interior mechanisms than Carousels have.
Vertical Lift Modules use height sensors and software that direct the VLM to automatically store trays as close as possible together for maximum storage density.
Vertical Carousels keep the trays in fixed positions. Operators can manually adjust the vertical space between them.
Hence, VLMS work well when storing products with varying heights, whereas Vertical Carousels operate very efficiently if a facility houses product of uniform size.
Final Thoughts
VLMs and Vertical Carousels can save a lot of time and money.
To determine which is right for a facility, consider the size of your space, uniformity of product dimensions, and throughput speed requirements before making a final determination.
