A vertical lift module (VLM) is an intelligent storage solution comprised of two stacks of trays, one toward the front (the forward column) and the other in the back (the rear column). In the middle of the forward and rear columns, there is a centralized elevator that runs vertically, retrieving trays and delivering them to the operator(s).
The key features that make them the optimal storage choice across a range of settings and industries.
VLMs have characteristics and features that make them the optimal storage choice across a range of settings and industries. For instance, VLMs maximize floor to ceiling space, freeing up warehouse horizontal square footage for purposes other than storage. In addition, VLM shelves can be customized to accommodate different product mixes, and multi-column systems can be designed with access for up to six operators, allowing multiple users to retrieve product from the same machine, maximizing productivity while minimizing waiting. Applications in the aerospace, life sciences, and e-commerce industries showcase the versatility of VLMs.
VLMs in the Aerospace Industry
Manufacturers in the aerospace sector typically have complex storage needs because they use a variety of different parts, ranging from very small and lightweight engine screws to very large and heavy fuselage components. White Systems has even customized VLMs with shelving that is 16 feet wide to accommodate storing the leading edge of aircraft wings. When selecting a VLM for the storage of heavy aircraft parts, it is critical to determine the load rating of the shelving. Why? Because the full width trays in a traditional single column VLM generally have a high tray capacity, but a very low pound per square foot rating in the tray itself. That means an aerospace manufacturer that wants to store relatively small, but very heavy, dense items, should opt for a multi-column VLM designed to have a compact tray with a high pound per square foot rating. At White Systems, we design each VLM to meet the needs of our aerospace customers. Some of our VLMs in the aerospace industry are eight feet wide, with trays that measure six feet wide. Others are multi-column VLM units measuring 23 feet wide and enclosing several single column VLMs.
VLMs in the Life Science Industry
Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and others in the life science industry need to store various parts, often in secure and defined environments. In many instances, it is the site location that drives the VLM design. Ceiling height can vary, as can overall warehouse dimensions and other parameters. White Systems offers numerous VLM options, and all of our automated storage and retrieval systems are fully customizable to meet each client’s unique needs. Case in point: One of our customers in the life sciences industry recently needed a VLM that provided operator access from both a clean room and a warehouse. For this application, we designed a specialized solution that allowed product to be loaded from the clean room side, and then shipped from the warehouse side.
VLMs in the e-Commerce Industry
VLMs are proving increasingly valuable in the e-Commerce industry. Because they are vertical—some of our units reach 40 feet tall—VLMs help e-Commerce retailers maximize their floor to ceiling space and reclaim their warehouse floor space. Moreover, even though the VLM is not the fastest technology available to retrieve product, a multi-column design that includes four or five VLM units working together can be a very effective e-Commerce solution. A VLM can better utilize shelf space as it can use a concept called dynamic storage which means it can place shelves at varying heights above the tray below it. For example, there may be a items that are 12 inches high and items that are 4 inches high. A VLM’s dynamic storage system will minimize the air space between shelves making for a dense storage solution. Put all of this together and it’s easy to see why more and more e-Commerce retailers are using VLMs for space and efficiency gains.