Variable load geometry
Fixed shelf spacing wastes vertical volume when parts, tools and fixtures have different heights and weights.
/ INDUSTRIAL SOLUTION
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Vertical Lift Module (VLM) Storage System
Store materials of varying sizes and weights in independent trays; bring the correct tray to an ergonomic access point.
A VLM uses a central lift moving between two tray columns to automatically deliver the selected independent tray to the access opening.
Explore the solution
Manage materials of varying sizes and weights densely, ergonomically and under control through independent tray access.
Heavy and slow-moving stock
Manually moving heavy trays and searching across racks increases access time and physical strain on operators.
Uncontrolled material movement
Manual location and consumption records make it difficult to know where valuable tools and MRO parts are and who is using them.
/ INDEPENDENT TRAYS + CENTRAL LIFT
Only the selected tray moves; the remaining inventory stays in place.
VLM trays remain in individual locations across two storage columns. The central lift retrieves only the tray requested by the software and presents it at the operator access opening. This architecture accommodates different load heights within one enclosure and turns building height into usable storage volume.
01 / RequestSelect the product, tray or work list.
02 / TransferThe central lift retrieves only the relevant tray.
03 / VerifyConfirm picking or replenishment at the access point.
Size the system around real load-profile data.
The values below are ranges and upper limits for the reviewed VLM configuration. Final sizing depends on tray dimensions, load distribution, building geometry and access-opening requirements.
- Machine width
- 2,600–4,585 mm
- Depth with standard access zone
- 3,270 mm
- Usable tray
- 1,967–3,952 × 850 mm
- Load height
- Up to 600 mm
- Average travel speed
- 1.0 m/s
Sizing note: Per-tray and total-load limits must be evaluated together. Capacity depends on load distribution across the tray and the selected configuration.
Start with the load profile, not the mechanism.
The decision should consider SKU dimensions and weight, access frequency, total inventory, building geometry, ergonomics and integration targets together.
Variable dimensions, heavy loads and flexible tray layouts
Each tray is requested independently and the central lift moves only the selected tray. This approach stands out for loads of different heights and weights and for multi-floor access scenarios.
You are viewing this pageSimilar dimensions, frequent access and a short rotation route
Chain-connected carriers rotate together. This approach stands out for ergonomic access to frequently used small and medium stock with similar dimensions.
Explore the other technology ↗/ SYSTEM CAPABILITIES
Build the VLM not merely as a cabinet, but as a material station configured around the product.
We separate the standard architecture from optional equipment and define the project around load, access, safety and integration requirements.
Independent tray access
Inventory not involved in the task remains stationary; the central lift brings only the selected tray to the access opening.
Flexible tray layout
Bins, fixed or movable dividers and special fixtures can create an application-specific internal tray arrangement.
Ergonomic working level
Material comes to the operator, reducing ladder use, walking between racks, reaching and manual handling of heavy trays.
Multiple access openings
Internal or external, single- or dual-level access openings can be engineered across floors or on opposite faces.
Controlled, traceable inventory
User, product, location, picking and replenishment movements can be recorded in inventory-management software.
Automation integration
The existing WMS and automated picking or replenishment equipment can be connected through defined data and task flows.
Manage machine movement and stock movement in the same flow.
Browser-based inventory software provides a control layer for product and location mapping, picking and replenishment lists, stock and expiry-date checks, dynamic inventory and system self-diagnostics. WMS data scope and update behaviour are defined within the project.
Request
A product or work list arrives from the local interface or a higher-level system.
→Mapping
Inventory software matches the product to its tray or carrier location.
→Machine task
The VLM transfers the tray; the VCM positions the carrier loop.
→Confirmation
The picking or replenishment result becomes a stock movement and transaction record.
Proceed from product data to acceptance testing measurably and under control.
- 01Classify the inventory
Record dimensions, weight, access frequency, quantity and storage conditions for every material group.
- 02Design trays and locations
Model tray dimensions, dividers, load distribution and dynamic use of free height together.
- 03Validate the building interface
Check clear height, floor loading, access openings, fire strategy and maintenance clearances.
- 04Define the picking flow
Specify user, product request, barcode, work-list and transaction-confirmation steps.
- 05Connect WMS tasks
Define the exchange of stock movements, product masters, picking lists and replenishment lists.
- 06Accept through FAT and SAT
Validate load, cycle, safety, fault recovery and user scenarios with real products.
The right product and configuration
for the right load profile.
Toolroom
Manage cutting tools, dies, fixtures and measuring equipment in independent trays.
MRO and maintenance stores
Keep critical spare parts of different sizes under controlled access with recorded movements.
Production buffer stock
Hold work-in-process and heavy components in a compact buffer beside the line.
High-value technical material
Preserve location and transaction history for electronics, laboratory or project-specific materials.
How we turned a similar need
into an operating solution.
Customer and facility information has been anonymized to meet confidentiality obligations.
Let’s analyse storage and flow
around your real operation.
Share load profiles, throughput targets and space constraints so the right architecture can be assessed.
Request a storage and flow analysis Your request is routed directly to the relevant engineering team.