Efficient warehouse management is critical to the success of businesses that need to store and move inventory. After all, if you can’t deliver products to your customers in a timely manner, they will become frustrated and move on to your competitors who are more responsive. Sometimes it’s necessary to think outside the rack to improve your processes – and choosing vertical automation is a great way to do that.
A vertical lift module (VLM) uses a vending machine concept to help businesses store and retrieve their products. A VLM is sophisticated technology that automates the warehouse management process to improve picking efficiency, inventory management and space utilization.
How VLMs Work
Using a series of automatically rotating trays, operators can retrieve items by inputting simple commands into the attached terminal. The VLM internally rotates its trays to the correct position, extends the tray to the operator and designates the requested item using a visual aid.
Space Benefits of VLMs
Several aisles of shelving can be combined into a single unit
Used in high ceiling spaces, can help recover up to 90% of floor space previously utilized
May reduce the need for multiple storage facilities
Can be completely customized
Retrieval Benefits of VLMs
Includes visual aids to show which item was requested: automatic laser pointer, alphanumeric LED bar and put-to-light
Increases the number of order lines
Aids in order fulfillment accuracy
Reduces labor requirements
VLM Configuration Options
There are many different options when it comes to designing and installing VLMs to meet your unique needs:
Height
Tray width
Single or multi-column design
Internal or external bays
Single or dual delivery
Tray payload up to 2,200 pounds
Slim designs for smaller spaces
Accessories
At Lynch Material Handling, we help businesses in a wide range of industries assess their storage and retrieval needs to determine if a VLM would be appropriate. Our goal is to help improve efficiencies by utilizing vertical space – all while keeping within budgetary constraints. We have installed VLMs in Colorado (manufactured by Modula) for many clients with great success. If you’re ready to take your warehouse management to the next level (literally), contact us at (303) 466-2317 or visit our website to request a no-obligation free quote.
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