Military operations depend on fast, reliable access to the parts, tools, and gear needed to enable readiness across a wide range of missions.
From maintenance and logistics facilities to administrative and support environments, storage systems play a direct role in how efficiently personnel can equip, repair, and respond (all while meeting strict security and compliance requirements).
Kardex’s automated storage systems are used across a range of defense applications to support logistics efficiency, improve security, and maintain accountability for sensitive materials.
We already serve a number of military bases across the United States.
With thousands of systems deployed worldwide, these solutions help military organizations organize critical inventory, reduce manual handling, and operate within the compliance frameworks that govern controlled information and equipment.
In this article, we take a closer look at automated storage for military environments: how it’s used, what it stores, and why the U.S. military continues to trust Kardex to support secure, compliant, and mission-ready operations.
Automated Military Storage
Automated military storage refers to the use of enclosed, automated systems to securely store, organize, and retrieve parts, tools, equipment, and records used across defense operations. ASRS (automated storage and retrieval systems) solutions replace traditional shelving, pallet racks, cabinets, and file rooms with space-efficient, access-controlled solutions designed to promote both accountability and readiness.
Leading use cases include:
- Supply chain management
- Combat logistics support
- Production and maintenance support facilities
- Disaster relief operations
- Administrative and document management
In military environments, automated storage is most commonly deployed in three forms detailed below, each suited to different inventory profiles and operational needs.
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) for Military Storage
Vertical lift modules, like the Kardex Shuttle, are designed to store items of varying sizes and weights within enclosed trays that are delivered automatically to an ergonomic access point. This makes them well-suited for a wide range of military storage needs, including motors, tools, pumps, repair parts, uniforms, medical supplies, weapons, boxed gear, and similar equipment.
- By consolidating inventory vertically, VLMs replace outdated shelving and pallet-based storage, reducing floor space requirements while improving control over issued and returned items.
- Access can be restricted by user or role, supporting accountability for sensitive or mission-critical equipment.
- Goods-to-person delivery reduces walking, lifting, and handling, improving ergonomics and enabling faster issue and return of equipment in daily operations.
Vertical Carousel Modules (VCMs)
Vertical carousel modules, like the Kardex Megamat, are best suited for storing large volumes of uniform-sized items or standardized tool kits. Shelves rotate vertically within the system, bringing the requested item to the access opening quickly and consistently.
- A predictable layout and high throughput support fast, repeatable picking, making them effective where speed and organization are priorities.
- Centralized storage improves visibility and reduces duplication of tools and supplies across departments or work areas.
- Enclosed, automated access helps protect inventory from loss or misplacement, compared to open shelving or distributed tool cribs.
Lektriever Systems
Lektriever-style systems, like Kardex’s Megamat for Office, are designed for administrative and records-based storage rather than industrial parts. They are commonly used in office and controlled-information environments where space efficiency, access control, and auditability are required. Typical use cases include storage of microfiche, medical files, legal records, clothing and uniform documentation, optic lenses, and public or controlled records.
- These systems replace traditional filing cabinets and records rooms with secure, high-density storage that fits within existing office environments.
- Controlled access supports compliance and information governance requirements, particularly for public records and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- Vertical storage maximizes available space while improving retrieval speed, helping administrative teams maintain organization without expanding their footprint.
AutoStore Systems
The AutoStore system is a high-density, cube-based automated storage and retrieval solution that uses robots operating on top of a compact aluminum grid to manage inventory. To retrieve a bin, a robot lowers a lift into the grid and accesses the required container, temporarily relocating any bins stacked above it in a process known as “digging.” Once retrieved, the bin is securely transported across the grid and delivered to a designated port for operator or automated handling.
- By stacking bins vertically without aisles, AutoStore maximizes cubic space and reduces floor space compared to traditional shelving. The modular grid can be configured to fit existing facilities and expanded as needs grow.
- Robots operate autonomously, communicating wirelessly, self-diagnosing, and recharging automatically. With Kardex’s FulfillX software, movements are optimized to maintain throughput while reducing required robots by up to 20%.
- Goods-to-person delivery reduces walking and searching, improves ergonomics, and supports fast, accurate daily order fulfillment.
What items benefit from automated military storage?
Across military logistics, maintenance, medical, and administrative environments, automated storage systems are used to replace traditional rack shelving, Vidmar cabinets, OEM boxes, pallets, and filing cabinets. The range of items below illustrates the flexibility of automated storage solutions for everything from spare parts to mission-ready combat gear.
Parts and Repair Kits
Automated storage is well suited for organizing parts and repair kits used across maintenance and support functions. This includes small and large tools, cables, metal bar stock, and weld plate stock. By consolidating these items into structured trays or carriers, units can reduce clutter, simplify kitting, and ensure components are easy to locate when repairs are required.
Tools, Pumps, Motors, and Gauges
Many military facilities store a wide range of shared tools and equipment, from pumps and motors to gauges and specialized maintenance devices. Automated storage keeps these items centralized and accessible while limiting unnecessary handling and reducing loss or misplacement across departments.
Weapons, Ammunition, and Hazardous Items
Secure automated systems are also used to store weapons, ammunition, and other controlled or hazardous items. In addition to firearms and munitions, this can include batteries, chemicals, and other combustible or dangerous materials that require restricted access and controlled storage conditions. Lockable systems and access controls help support accountability and compliance requirements.
Medical and Emergency Response Kits
Medical and emergency response operations rely on rapid access to properly stocked kits. Automated storage is used for medical kits, lab kits, engineering kits, medical tools, and devices, ensuring items are stored securely, organized consistently, and available when time matters most.
Uniforms and Gear
Uniforms and personal gear represent a major storage challenge due to volume and size variation. Automated systems are commonly used to manage deployment bags, individual uniforms by size, boots, hats, bags, socks, police gear, riot gear, and other issued equipment. This approach supports faster issue and return while reducing the space required for bulk storage.
Public and Controlled Records (CUI)
Administrative and records storage is another common application. Automated systems are used for public records and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including employee files, medical records, bank records, court and prison records, cemetery plot records, index cards, and evidence files. These systems also accommodate boxed files, office supplies, paper records, and microfiche, replacing filing cabinets with secure, high-density storage.
Molded Parts, Cables, and Rigging Supplies
Finally, automated storage is ideal for a wide range of industrial supplies such as molded parts, cables, sheet stock, and rigging materials. This includes fasteners, screws, clamps, nails, hoses, washers, nuts, and bolts, all items that are often small, numerous, and easy to lose without structured storage.
Storage Built for Military Environments
Automated storage systems used by the military must meet a different standard than commercial or industrial installations. Beyond efficiency, they must support durability in rugged operating conditions, security, and compliant use, often within legacy facilities and under strict constraints for software, connectivity, and data handling.
Kardex automated military storage systems are designed specifically to meet these criteria.
Designed for Durability and Compliance
Military storage environments demand systems built for long-term, uninterrupted use. Kardex systems are permanently installed and securely bolted to the floor, with configurations designed to maximize vertical space, even in older or space-constrained buildings. Systems can also be specified with seismic and earthquake ratings, supporting deployment across a wide range of geographic and operational environments.
From a compliance perspective, Kardex holds Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, supporting the secure handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Audit Trails and Access Control
Security and accountability are central to military storage applications. Automated systems can be configured as lockable units, with access restricted by user, tray, or specific item. This allows facilities to control who can retrieve sensitive tools, equipment, weapons, or records.
Optional audit trails and scan verification provide a documented record of access and movement, replacing manual logs with automated tracking that supports compliance and internal controls.
These features help reduce loss, improve accountability, and simplify audits in regulated environments.
Software Options for Accountability
Software usage in military environments is often intentionally limited. Many installations prefer automated storage systems that operate as standalone, contained solutions, without reliance on cloud services or open network connections.
Inventory management software such as Kardex Power Pick System can be deployed in this standalone mode to track issues and returns, generate reorder prompts, and maintain visibility within the storage system itself.
Where required by the operation, the software can also integrate with enterprise platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or base-specific systems, allowing facilities to balance accountability with their security posture.
The Benefits of Automated Military Storage
Automated storage systems are valuable across a wide range of environments, but they are uniquely well-suited to military operations where space constraints, security requirements, and rapid response demands intersect.
- Improve storage footprint: Save up to 85% of floor space by shifting inventory into vertical storage.
- Increase security and control: Restrict access to sensitive items and maintain accountability through controlled retrieval.
- Boost pick speed and response time: Deliver parts, tools, and gear directly to the user when needed.
- Enhance organization: Reduce loss and misplacement through structured, clearly defined storage locations.
- Reduce reliance on forklifts and wide aisles: Minimize material handling equipment and simplify facility layouts.
- Support mission readiness: Enable faster issue of gear, tools, and kits to support operational demands.
- Enable scalable growth: Add capacity modularly as requirements change without redesigning the facility.
Power Outage? Kardex Megamat Keeps Working
On many military bases, access to mission-critical inventory cannot depend on facility power. The Kardex Megamat Vertical Carousel Module (VCM) is engineered to keep operating even in a powerless environment. Each unit can be equipped with a manual hand crank so authorized personnel can retrieve stored items without electrical power.
For faster access, that same hand crank can be driven by a standard cordless power tool such as a DeWalt drill. This capability is a key requirement on many military installations and allows units to maintain continuity of operations, access spare parts, and support readiness even during outages or in austere environments.
Real Military Applications, Real Results
Across U.S. military and defense support environments, automated storage systems are being used to solve practical, day-to-day challenges related to security, space, and response time.
While specific installations and locations cannot be named for security and compliance reasons, our team can share the following examples to illustrate how these systems are applied in real-life, active operational settings.
Weapon Storage in a Compact Vault
Vertical lift modules have been installed within secure vault spaces to store weapons under controlled access. The systems provide clear accountability for issued and returned items, replacing manual logs with automated tracking while improving access time for authorized personnel.
Multi-Unit Tool Storage for a Waterfront Facility
In a large waterfront support facility, multiple vertical carousel modules were deployed across different departments to centralize tool storage. The installation improved organization, simplified access to shared tools, and supported a broader facility redesign by freeing up floor space previously occupied by shelving and cabinets.
Tactical Gear Preparation for Deployment
Automated storage systems have also been configured to support rapid deployment readiness. Units are set up to store and retrieve pre-packed kits containing uniforms, MREs, tools, and mission-specific gear, enabling faster issue and more consistent preparation when deployment timelines are compressed.
Why Choose Kardex?
Military organizations and Department of Defense contractors choose Kardex not just for our state-of-the-art automated storage technology, but for our experience, credentials, and trusted long-term support.
Here are just some of the stand-out reasons military bases choose to partner with Kardex for military-grade storage:
- Our team has decades of experience supporting U.S. government and military installations. Kardex has a long track record of working within the procurement, security, and operational frameworks of defense organizations.
- We provide American-made systems. Our Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) are manufactured right here in the United States, supporting domestic sourcing requirements and long-term availability of parts and service.
- We provide dedicated government-focused sales and support teams. Kardex maintains teams with direct experience working with military and government customers, helping coordinate projects, site requirements, and contracting processes. Our reps are ex-military and have the credentials needed to access your base, if needed.
- We hold the critical CMMC Level 2 Certification. Kardex is certified to support environments handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), in alignment with current cybersecurity and compliance requirements for secure installations.
- We provide flexible maintenance and service training options. Military customers can choose from onsite or offsite training and service programs to support ongoing system operation and sustainment. We also provide advanced core concepts training where required.
>>> Explore more on our military solutions page.
FAQs for Military Buyers
Can Kardex systems be deployed in mobile or temporary operations?
Not typically. These systems are designed for permanent installations, though they can be relocated as needed.
What’s required to install a VLM or VCM?
Flat, stable flooring and access to power. Kardex works with site leads for prep and coordination.
Can these systems connect to our base network?
Most military clients prefer non-networked (air-gapped) systems for security. Kardex Power Pick System software can run as a standalone solution.
Can Kardex support sole-source requests?
If a facility requires specific features (e.g., CMMC certification, emergency backup, or special training), this may allow for sole-source justification.
>>> Read more about the military procurement process here.
Whether it’s improving gear issue time, enhancing storage security, or reclaiming valuable floor space, Kardex has the solutions to support military success.
Our team of military sales reps has the clearance needed to visit your facility and give you a custom quote. Contact our team today to get started.
