Automation is transforming industries worldwide, including in warehouses and distribution centers, leading to some dramatic efficiency gains. The Vertical Lift Module market is projected to reach $1.77 billion by 2031, driven by companies seeking smarter storage solutions.
From automotive parts to pharmaceutical supplies, organizations across diverse industries are discovering how VLMs transform their operations.
Vertical Lift Modules offer a modular, flexible solution that industries worldwide rely on to overcome their most pressing storage and fulfillment challenges.
By using vertical space more efficiently and delivering goods directly to operators, VLMs address the core needs every warehouse manager faces:
In a survey of 100+ warehouse leaders using Kardex Remstar automation, 80% saw ROI in the first 12 months. And 33% achieved ROI within 90 days.
But which industries benefit the most from VLMs? In this article, we explore the top 11 industries that have successfully implemented VLMs to solve their unique operational challenges.
Automotive manufacturing operations face complex parts management across production lines. Assembly processes require thousands of components, from small fasteners and electrical connectors to larger sub-assemblies, all needing precise coordination. High SKU variety combined with just-in-time manufacturing means any delay in parts retrieval disrupts entire production schedules. Floor space on manufacturing lines is premium real estate, making traditional parts storage inefficient and costly.
Using VLMs for auto manufacturing storage offer:
Beyond throughput, the ergonomic delivery of parts has transformed the daily experience for line workers. Instead of bending, reaching, and lifting repeatedly throughout their shifts, components arrive at the perfect working height. The result is a safer, more productive workforce that can maintain quality and pace throughout the entire shift.
Automotive service centers at dealerships also manage thousands of spare parts. High SKU variety means workers may spend extensive time searching for parts, which leads to slower repairs and frustrated customers.
Space constraints in urban dealerships make traditional storage methods inefficient, while mis-picks can result in costly comebacks and warranty claims.
Using VLMs for auto service center storage offer:
Automotive businesses using VLMs report dramatically faster part retrieval times that reduces average service bay downtime.
The space savings prove especially valuable in urban dealerships where real estate costs are premium. Picking accuracy improves significantly, virtually eliminating costly mis-picks that lead to warranty issues.
Diamond Technique, a commercial vehicle parts supplier, was able to increase their on-hand inventory security while also recovering floor space compared to their traditional storage.
Most importantly, technicians work more safely with parts delivered at ergonomic heights, reducing strain injuries common in traditional parts rooms.
Mechanical engineering operations handle an incredible diversity of components, from delicate precision instruments to heavy machinery parts weighing hundreds of pounds.
Traditional storage systems force workers to climb ladders or use lifting equipment to access bulky items stored on high shelves, creating safety risks. The variety of part sizes makes efficient storage organization nearly impossible, leading to wasted space and time.
VLMs for mechanical engineering storage offer:
When using VLMs, mechanical engineering operations experience safer handling of bulky items thanks to automated delivery to ergonomic retrieval positions. Production support also becomes more streamlined with faster access to critical components.
See how Flight Safety was able to upgrade and automate their picking and kitting process for stockroom component parts with VLMs.
The tool crib functionality provides unprecedented inventory control, helping operations know where all parts and tools are at all times. Worker safety improves dramatically as well, because manual lifting of heavy objects and climbing are virtually eliminated. Creating a fully automated tool crib is easy with a VLM. Simply integrate it with a Tool Management System, like Zoller, to keep track of your complete tool inventory, who last accessed it, and the active lifespan of your tools.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing operates under strict regulatory requirements where compliance isn't critical. Storage environments must maintain specific temperatures for sensitive compounds, while comprehensive traceability tracks every product movement.
Traditional storage methods struggle to provide the security, environmental control, and documentation required by FDA and GMP standards.
The risk caused by improper storage is high.
Any storage error can result in costly product recalls or regulatory violations.
VLMs used for pharmaceutical storage offer:
Automated documentation and environmental controls within VLMs help pharmaceutical operations achieve full FDA and GMP compliance. Storage maintains ideal temperatures consistently, protecting valuable compounds from degradation. The secure, clean storage environment meets the highest pharmaceutical standards while providing the traceability required for regulatory audits. Plus, VLMs boost efficiency. Picking errors drop to near zero with guided retrieval systems and access controls.
Merck was able to modernize pharmaceutical handling with enclosed Kardex Remstar storage, helping them to achieve stronger traceability, batch control, and temperature consistency.
Hospital supply chains demand immediate access to critical supplies when lives depend on quick response times. Storage must maintain sterile conditions to prevent contamination of medical devices and supplies.
Space constraints in healthcare facilities make traditional storage inefficient, yet whatever storage upgrades healthcare facilities make, they must ensure controlled access of expensive pharmaceuticals and medical devices and that power outages won’t compromise access to emergency supplies.
VLMs for hospital and health care facility storage offer:
When every second counts for patient care, VLMs can deliver faster supply retrieval through automation and reducing search times. Cross-contamination risks decrease through enclosed, controlled storage environments, as well.
The combination of security and emergency access ensures critical supplies stay available while protecting valuable inventory from theft or unauthorized access. Hospitals can also use space more efficiently, freeing areas for patient care activities.
For the hospital and healthcare industry, you might also consider a Vertical Carousel Module (VCM) to easily store lightweight and similarly-sized medical equipment. Not sure which is right for your application? Check out our complete guide:
Chemical storage operations are in the business of handling hazardous materials and therefore face unique safety requirements. Any storage incident can result in serious safety hazards, regulatory violations, and environmental damage.
Regulatory compliance demands strict access controls and environmental monitoring. Traditional storage systems can't provide adequate protection from exposure risks or meet safety protocols for volatile substances.
VLMs for chemical storage operations can offer:
VLMs improve operator safety dramatically by controlling access and reducing direct handling of hazardous materials through enclosed storage and controlled retrieval processes. The integrated safety systems provide peace of mind when storing dangerous chemicals while meeting all regulatory requirements.
YvesRocher, a cosmetics manufacturer, was able to significantly improve safety and compliance by implementing fire-regulation-compliant systems that protect their raw materials and secures their valuable inventory.
Automated storage also helps make regulatory compliance more manageable with automated documentation and access tracking.
Electronics manufacturers and distributors handle delicate, high-value components that require special protection from dust, static electricity, and theft. These ESD-sensitive items need specialized storage environments to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge.
Traditional open storage exposes valuable components to contamination and pose a security risk of these costly components, while making inventory tracking difficult for small, easily misplaced parts.
VLMs for electronics manufacturing storage offer:
The controlled, clean storage environment and ESD protection within a VLM maintains component quality and prevents component damage. Advanced tracking systems provide complete visibility into valuable inventory to prevent theft and loss, plus gives companies a more accurate and streamlined order fulfillment process.
Van Meter installed 18 Vertical Lift Modules arranged into four workstations for fast, easy batch picking. Their setup increased picking throughput by 25% and increased picking accuracy to an astounding 99.9%!
Mouser Electronics has one of the largest VLM setups in the world, with a whopping 187 integrated VLMs helping them to massively scale their throughput, all while prioritizing the safety of their inventory and workers.
Maintaining oil and gas operations requires extremely heavy maintenance parts, often in remote locations where space and accessibility are limited. When it takes these operations extensive time to get needed parts, it can lead to extended equipment downtime, costing thousands per hour.
Because of the weight of these parts, traditional storage systems aren’t always up to the task, nor can they fill the need for faster retrieval time.
VLMs for oil and gas storage offer:
Maintenance turnaround times improve dramatically when crews have faster access to critical spare parts. VLMs also help overcome space challenges even in confined offshore platforms or remote facilities.
The heavy-duty design can handle the demanding requirements of industrial maintenance while improving overall operational efficiency.
Frank Mohn uses six VLMs to store critical parts and make the most use of their ceiling height for maximum storage potential.
Government buildings are well-known for having storage constraints, even beyond storing valuable records and documents. Public safety buildings require efficient and secure storage to protect chain-of-custody documentation and equipment like uniforms, weapons, and supplies. Plus, audit requirements mean public entities must keep detailed tracking of all stored items.
VLMs for public administration can offer:
Kardex Remstar offers American-made systems that meet federal acquisition requirements and CMCC-compliance for defense installations.
VLMs solve these storage challenges first and foremost by reducing their storage footprint, creating space for other essential functions. Secure storage features also meet government requirements for storing sensitive materials, uniforms, weapons, and evidence.
Retrieval becomes streamlined with automation and digital tracking, while also providing detailed documentation for accountability.
Military operations require secure storage that also allows for rapid deployment. Strict chain-of-custody requirements also demand comprehensive documentation of every item movement. Storage must accommodate many different items, from weapons and ammunition to deployment readiness bags, uniforms, and supplies, all while maintaining the highest security standards. The federal government gives preference to American manufacturers, adding another layer to the complexity of purchasing solutions.
VLMs for military and Department of Defense storage offer:
The military and Department of Defense get asset security and the highest levels of controlled access with VLMs secure storage, controlled access and comprehensive tracking systems. Kardex Remstar offers American-made systems that meet federal acquisition requirements and CMCC-compliance for defense installations.
Mission readiness also improves with organized, accessible storage of critical supplies and equipment. Chain-of-custody requirements are met automatically through integrated documentation systems.
Plus, American made storage the rugged reliability military operations require.
The demands on e-commerce and retail operations are high. Customers today expect fast delivery times and consistent product availability. These operations face massive order volumes, plus with SKU proliferation, storage needs can increase rapidly. When retailers and e-commerce companies face delay in picking, that means missed delivery commitments. Seasonal demand fluctuations put added demands on operations, requiring storage systems that scale efficiently without major infrastructure changes.
VLMs for retail and e-commerce storage offer:
VLMs have been shown to speed up fulfillment processes with optimized picking strategies and automated guidance systems. Fast, accurate fulfillment helps e-commerce operations meet customer expectations while controlling labor costs. Picking errors also drop significantly through pick-to-light technology and systematic organization. The scalable design offers a practical way to adapts to seasonal demand changes without facility expansion.
VLMs make it easy to implement high-throughput batch picking, like TSC was able to achieve with 3 VLM modules.
Whether you're managing automotive parts, pharmaceutical supplies, or e-commerce inventory, VLMs provide the space savings, safety improvements, and operational efficiency your industry demands. The modular design means your VLM investment grows with your business, adapting to changing inventory needs without major system overhauls.
Ready to explore how VLMs can solve your industry's unique storage challenges? Discover how the Kardex Shuttle VLM can be integrated specifically for your operational needs.