Holste Says: Both technologies can provide high density vertical storage in a small footprint and improved inventory control while also supporting a product-to-person order fulfillment strategy. What Do You Say? Click Here to Send Us Your Comments Click Here to See Reader Feedback

In a crowded and busy DC taking full advantage of all available floor space has always been a high priority. With the continued proliferation of medium and slower moving SKUs, finding storage and active picking slots for those products is driving operations managers to seriously consider any unused space within the facility. For DCs with a clear height of 20 ft. or more, the only space not being fully used is typically overhead. By taking advantage of unused overhead space the company might be able to eliminate the need for a building expansion, and may also benefit from improved order fulfillment system speed and accuracy.

Fortunately, there are several potentially viable options, one of which would be to install a mezzanine level. While this approach creates additional floor space it also creates a second level of operation and all the construction, system integration, and personnel issues associated with that approach.

Another option that is gaining in popularity is the application of Vertical Lift Modules (VLM) and/or Vertical Carousels. Both technologies can provide high density vertical storage in a small footprint and improved inventory control while also supporting a product-to-person order fulfillment strategy.

Without getting too deep into the specific design features offered by the various competing equipment manufacturers, the following is a quick overview comparison between the two technologies:

A Vertical Carousel has a series of carriers that rotate vertically in a closed loop. All inventory stored in a Vertical Carousel is moved when parts are retrieved (picked) and replenished.

Since the entire inventory moves within a Vertical Carousel, the weight must be carefully distributed to prevent unbalanced loading which could cause overloading of the drive unit.

With a VLM, only the require tray is moved to the work/pick station eliminating this issue.

Drive components and motor horsepower required for a Vertical Carousel are typically much larger than in a VLM.

As inventory moves around the top and bottom of the enclosed loop of a Vertical Carousel, the shelves must rotate to keep level and prevent spillage of inventory. This requires a special cam follower mechanism not required on a VLM.

Vertical Carousels have a practical limit on height that is significantly lower that a VLM.

Maintenance requirements for Vertical Carousels far exceed those required for VLMs due to the complexity and configuration of mechanical components.

Replenishment of the VLM trays can be performed concurrent with picking operations. This practice is not recommended for the Vertical Carousel.

The design of Vertical Carousels make them good choices as efficient, automated, and cost-effective high-density small item storage and retrieval solutions for pharmaceutical and automotive dealership industries for example. However, the design of the VLM can satisfy a broader range of applications for the typical manufacturing and distribution center operation.

There are multiple areas within a manufacturing or distribution operation that can benefit from the increased productivity, space savings, and security provided by a vertical storage/picking solution. Here are a few typical applications:

• Small Part Storage - Bench Stock, Fasteners, SMD Parts
• Large Part Storage - Heavy Parts, Semi-Finished Goods, Raw Material
• Maintenance – MRO, OEM Spare Parts, Critical Spare Parts
• Logistics - Order Pricking, Order Fulfillment, Customer Returns, Buffer Storage
• Tool Control – Power Tools, Tool Holders, Kits, Test Equipment, CTKs
• Office - Information Storage (Files, CDs, Books, Film, etc...)
• Medical - Medication Storage, Lab Storage, Uniforms
• Military/DOD - Weapons, Gear, Helmets, Flight Recorders, Parachutes, Mobility Bags, Base Supplies

The following is a list of VLM and Vertical Carousal equipment manufacturers include:

• Hanel Storage Systems
• Interlake Mecalux, Inc.
• Kardex Remstar
• Lauyans & Company. Inc
• Sapient Automation
• Stanley Vidmar
• System Logistics Corp.
• Vidir Vertical Storage Solutions

Final Thoughts

The adoption of vertical storage and retrieval technologies that can provide multiple benefits such as building cube optimization, improve inventory storage and accuracy, speed order fulfillment operations, and delay or eliminate the need for a building expansion and/or relocation project, are not only immediately beneficial to ongoing operations, but also have long term strategic planning benefits. Most logistics companies are, or soon will be, providing some level of e-fulfillment services. Adopting equipment and systems now that will also support that initiative is good planning strategy.