Automated Storage Solutions with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
Save up to 85% floor space. Improve accuracy to 99.9% with MILO™ software. Speed up goods-to-person retrieval for parts, tools, and supplies.
Trusted in manufacturing, MRO, healthcare, and defense facilities across the U.S.
Automated Storage Solutions with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
Save up to 85% floor space. Improve accuracy to 99.9% with MILO™ software. Speed up goods-to-person retrieval for parts, tools, and supplies.
Trusted in manufacturing, MRO, healthcare, and defense facilities across the U.S.
VLM Product Lineup & Specifications
A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is an automated storage system that stores items in high-density trays and delivers them to an ergonomic access opening. VLMs reclaim floor space, improve accuracy, and speed up picking by automatically finding and retrieving the correct tray.
How a VLM storage system works
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An internal elevator automatically delivers trays to an ergonomic access point.
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Items are stored in high-density trays on both sides of the lift.
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The system finds and retrieves the correct tray at the push of a button.
- MILO™ software directs the pick, verifies the action, and updates inventory in real time.
See the Compact Twin in action
See the mechanical difference: The Compact Twin utilizes a dual-staged elevator to fetch the next tray while you work, providing nearly double the throughput of the standard Compact Lift.
When a vertical lift module is the right next step
VLMs are typically the best fit when floor space is constrained, access frequency is high, and inventory needs to stay organized and controlled.
Software that keeps VLMs accurate
White Systems VLMs run on MILO™ software, providing real-time inventory visibility, controlled user access, and guided picking.
The result is consistent accuracy, accountability, and clean inventory data as operations scale.
Benefits
Save Space – Reclaim up to 85% of your floor space with high-density vertical storage.
Work Faster – Reduce search time and improve warehouse efficiency with automated tray delivery.
Improve Accuracy – Organized trays help your team pick the right parts consistently.
Ergonomics First – Reduce walking and bending with goods-to-person access.
Scale Easily – Adjust heights and trays as your operations grow.
How to improve warehouse inventory accuracy without hiring more people
Warehouses improve inventory accuracy by controlling how inventory is accessed, picked, and tracked. Vertical Lift Modules guide operators to the correct item and quantity, restrict unauthorized access, and automatically record every pick and replenishment, reducing errors caused by manual counting, searching, and inconsistent processes — without increasing headcount.
See a VLM installation in action
This time-lapse shows how unused ceiling height is converted into dense, organized storage — without expanding the building footprint.
VLM Applications & Model Selection
Vertical Lift Modules are used to store and retrieve parts, tools, and inventory in high-density vertical space while delivering items directly to an operator. They are commonly used to reduce floor space consumption, improve picking accuracy, secure controlled inventory, and speed up access to frequently used materials in manufacturing, MRO, healthcare, and regulated environments.
How to maximize warehouse space
Warehouses maximize space by consolidating inventory vertically and replacing wide-aisle shelving with high-density storage. Vertical Lift Modules use unused ceiling height to store more inventory in a smaller footprint, often reclaiming up to 70–85% of floor space and freeing room for production, staging, or growth.
Vertical Lift Module Systems for Modern Operations
Vertical Lift Modules are used as complete storage and retrieval systems within manufacturing, MRO, healthcare, and warehouse environments. Unlike traditional shelving, VLM systems combine high-density storage, automated retrieval, and inventory control software into a single integrated solution.
By consolidating storage vertically and delivering items directly to the operator, VLM systems help operations:
- Reduce floor space requirements
- Improve picking speed and consistency
- Maintain accurate, controlled inventory
- Scale storage without expanding facilities
The VLM as a Goods to Person System: Efficiency for Dynamic Warehouses
While there are many goods to person systems—including horizontal carousels and AMRs—the Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is often the most ideal choice for facilities where floor space is the primary constraint.
Features & comparisons
Comparison of Our Vertical Lift Module (VLM) Models by Capacity and Use Case. As the exclusive North American provider and technical lead for the Compact VLM line, White Systems handles every stage of the process—from initial facility design and MILO™ software integration to long-term field maintenance.
Where VLMs are a good fit
Vertical Lift Modules are commonly used when teams need to reclaim floor space, speed up access, or improve inventory organization and control.
Manufacturing & MRO
Parts, tools, and maintenance inventory stored near production for fast access and better use of vertical space.
Warehousing & Fulfillment
High-density storage for fast-moving and long-tail SKUs, improving pick accuracy in space-constrained operations.
General Storage & Inventory
Organized, secure storage for a wide range of materials where floor space is limited and access matters.
National Support & Direct Field Service
A VLM is a long-term investment in your facility’s efficiency. White Systems aims for peak performance and extended equipment life through our National Service Network.
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Direct-Hire Technicians: We employ a national team of factory-trained field service technicians—not third-party contractors—to ensure OEM-level expertise on every call.
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Proactive Maintenance: Our service contracts are designed to maximize uptime, identifying wear before it leads to downtime.
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Lifecycle Support: From initial installation and MILO™ software integration to mid-life rebuilds and technology upgrades, we can partner with you for the entire life of your system.
White Systems provides a level of uptime security that third-party resellers can’t match. We employ a national network of 30+ direct-hire, factory-trained Field Service Engineers (FSEs) strategically located across the country. By utilizing our own expert team rather than third-party contractors, we ensure every technician arrives with specialized OEM knowledge and direct access to the spare parts needed to keep your VLM operational.
See how ABB transformed parts storage
“We have been able to eliminate over 500 storage bin locations. We’ve been able to use that space to maximize and optimize the production of our floor.”
“We have been able to eliminate over 500 storage bin locations. We’ve been able to use that space to maximize and optimize the production of our floor.”
— Warehouse Supervisor at ABB
Watch the ABB VLM in action
VLM Implementation, Integration, and Lifetime Service
Our experts can recommend the right model, layout, and configuration for your space and inventory.