Vertical Lift Module vs Carousel vs Shelving - which wins?
A vertical lift module (VLM) condenses small parts onto a few square metres and delivers goods to the operator on the goods-to-person principle. This guide compares the VLM, the vertical carousel and classic shelving by floor-space saving, access time and cost per storage location.
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How do VLM, carousel and shelving differ?
All three store small parts, but with very different use of floor space. Shelving is static: the worker walks to the goods. A vertical carousel rotates trays on a continuous chain in a loop, while a vertical lift module uses two tray columns and a central extractor that fetches each tray individually to the access opening.
Carousel and VLM both work goods-to-person and exploit the full building height up to 12 m. The VLM measures the height of each stored container and stacks trays more densely, because it adapts the spacing dynamically to the actual fill height.
How large is the floor-space saving really?
The biggest lever is build height. Shelving rarely uses more than 2 m within reach, whereas VLM and carousel go up to 12 m. As a result, the occupied floor area for the same storage capacity drops by up to 85 %.
- The VLM stacks trays especially tightly using dynamic height measurement.
- The carousel needs fixed shelf pitches and wastes air above short items.
- Reclaimed floor space can be used for production or dispatch.
Access time and ergonomics compared
With shelving the walking distance drives the time, often several minutes per line. Carousel and VLM usually deliver the requested tray to the opening in 10 to 30 seconds. The carousel is fast for sequential picks, the VLM gains from pre-positioning the next tray in parallel.
- Goods-to-person: no walking, no searching through shelves.
- Pick-by-light and a position pointer guide the hand to the location.
- Access control and permissions secure high-value parts.
What does a storage location cost in each system?
Shelving has the lowest purchase cost but the highest floor and labour cost per pick. VLM and carousel cost far more to buy, yet cut the cost per storage location through compaction, labour productivity and fewer mis-picks.
Frequently asked questions
VLM or carousel - which is better?
For strongly varying container heights and heavy loads the VLM is denser and more flexible thanks to dynamic height measurement. The carousel shines with uniform, lighter goods and very fast sequential access.
How much floor space does a vertical lift module save?
Compared with classic shelving, up to 85 % less floor area is possible, because the system uses the building height up to 12 m instead of only the reach zone up to 2 m.
Is a VLM worth it in a small hall?
Yes, tight floor area with a high ceiling makes the vertical use pay off quickly. The decisive factors are the number of articles, access frequency and the cost of the space saved.
What is the load capacity per tray?
Depending on the model, trays carry up to about 90 kg, large versions more. Total load per unit reaches several tonnes, so the floor load rating should be checked early.
Looking for a VLM or carousel?
We help select and size vertical lift modules, carousels and shelving - matched to floor space, access time and budget.
Maximum compaction
Up to 85 % less floor space by using the height.
Accurate picking
Over 99 % accuracy with pick-by-light.
Ergonomic
Presentation at a comfortable 750-950 mm height.
Expert advice
We size the system to your actual demand.