Warehouse space is precious, which means maximizing what you have is important. You may be tempted to start over and build a new warehouse to meet your space needs. But not so fast—there are other ways to optimize space and keep your operation running efficiently.

Enter the Vertical Lift Module (VLM). It’s an automated picking and storage device that maximizes space and efficiency. Let’s take a closer look at its benefits and how they could impact your warehouse. 

The Benefits of a Vertical Lift Module

Recovered Space
You don’t need a bigger warehouse—you just need a way to optimize the space you already have. If your warehouse has a lot of cabinets and shelving, that may be a sign you’re not using your space efficiently. With a VLM, you can condense the footprint of cabinets and other organizational units.

It’s common to see warehouses with a lot of wasted space between top shelves and the ceiling. That’s because manual pickers can’t reach this area, so storing items there is impractical. A VLM can reach, however, which allows warehouse operators to reclaim this space.

Improved Ergonomics
The process of walking to each item location to pick it is both time consuming and tedious. With a VLM, parts are presented to the picker in one consolidated pick window for a faster, easier picking process. 

Plus, VLMs deliver at waist level, which eliminates the constant bending and reaching that pickers are regularly forced to deal with.

Better Productivity 
If your picking process is already inefficient and you hire more pickers to compensate, you’re not solving your productivity problem--you’re raising your labor expenses. VMLs reduce labor costs by doing more work for less. 

VLMs retrieve parts more efficiently and thus present more parts to the picker in less time. How many parts depends on the size of the parts and the tray, but it will always retrieve whatever items have been added to its pick list. 

Real-Time Inventory Control 
Thanks to the integration with your local ERP system, all picking and replenishments operations are monitored and documented to offer full traceability of the orders and monitoring of stock levels in real-time.

Increased Accuracy and Security
Human error is part of traditional warehouse operations—not so with VLMs. Equipped with laser pointers, alphanumeric LED bars, put-to-light systems and similar aids guiding operators to units and quantities to retrieve, VLMs protect against mis-picks. You can also program your VLM to notify you when it’s time to reorder parts.  

In addition to accuracy, a VLM can also heighten security by limiting access to authorized users only. The VLM inventory management software can track SKUs of high-value inventory and parts for total security.

To learn more about how a Vertical Lift Module can help your business, contact Carolina Handling. With more than 50 years of experience, we are a complete material handling solutions provider committed to our customers’ success.