Is a Vertical Lift Module (VLM) Right for your Business?
What is a Vertical Lift Module?
Before we look at if a Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is right for your business, let’s look at what a VLM actually is. A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is a machine that stores and retrieves items. Each machine is built to the specifications of the products that are stored. This is based on size, weight and how often the product is needed. Finding a company that can help you to analyze this information and get you the right fit solution is half the battle.
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How Would a VLM Help My Business?
Ergonomics and Productivity:
One of two reasons that a client will look into a VLM as the right solution is they need to reduce excess time in searching their warehouse and optimize the picking process. Housing all your items in one location dramatically reduces the time it takes to physically retrieve items. A VLM utilizes a Parts-to-Person method instead of the Person-to-Parts process. The Person-to-Parts Process is cumbersome, time consuming and often a physical strain on employees, especially in circumstances where the items are extremely heavy to retrieve. A Vertical Lift Module can significantly reduce the amount of reports that are generated for injuries, which can immediately affect the company’s bottom line. Picking accuracy also streamlines every aspect of the Parts-to-Person method.
Space and Storage:
The second reason for installing a VLM is to maximize storage density. The storage system allows the ability to automatically find the right locations for the height of the inventory you are storing constantly optimizing for space savings. Installing just one VLM can recover approximately 85% of wasted floor space or eliminate about 28 bays of static shelving. This will greatly increase the amount of floor space available and leave room for your business to grow.
Why You Would Choose an Integrator for Installing VLM?
Seeking out a vendor for your next VLM, look to the company that can do it all for you. You will need a team of people to work on the analysis for you; to count up, weigh, and measure what you desire to store in your new VLM(s). Employing an integrator’s expertise will allow you to have one team that is accountable for the project, installation and maintenance. Also, when thinking about the future of your business, your integrator will be there to help you with any part of your operation and conveyance needs.
When you start to encounter issues such as the need for an increase in productivity or you require more space in your facility then a VLM may be the right solution for your business. The reduction of time, space and labor savings will justify the system’s investment and allow your business to grow and run more efficiently. Vertical Lift Modules have been utilized in many different applications, maybe it’s time that you considered a Vertical Lift Module for your operation?
