A smart vertical lift module, or VLM, is an automated storage and retrieval system designed to store small and medium-sized goods within a compact vertical structure.
The system normally consists of two columns of storage trays, a central lifting and extraction mechanism, one or more access openings, and intelligent control software. When an operator selects an item through the touchscreen, computer, or connected warehouse system, the VLM automatically locates the required tray and delivers it to the access point.
By making full use of warehouse height, a vertical lift module can significantly reduce the floor space required for storage. It is particularly suitable for spare parts, tools, electronic components, molds, documents, maintenance materials, and other goods that require organized storage and frequent access.
Smart VLMs can also integrate with WMS, ERP, barcode, or RFID systems to support inventory tracking, access control, picking guidance, and operational data management. They are widely used in manufacturing plants, automotive parts warehouses, electronics facilities, maintenance centers, laboratories, and industrial storage areas.
Top Smart Vertical Lift Module Manufacturers in China
1. DELIECN
DELIECN provides customized smart vertical lift modules and integrated warehouse automation solutions for manufacturing and industrial storage applications.
Rather than supplying a standard cabinet only, DELIECN designs each VLM according to the customer's available floor area, building height, item dimensions, load weight, storage capacity, picking frequency, inventory management requirements, and system integration needs.
Key Features of DELIECN Smart Vertical Lift Modules
High-Density Vertical Storage
DELIECN VLMs make use of vertical space to store a large number of trays within a relatively small footprint.
The system can automatically allocate tray positions according to the height of the stored goods, reducing unused space between trays and increasing overall storage capacity. This makes it suitable for factories and warehouses where floor space is limited.
Automated Storage and Retrieval
Operators can request goods through a touchscreen, computer, barcode scanner, or connected management system.
The internal lifting mechanism automatically locates the required tray and delivers it to the access opening. This reduces walking, searching, climbing, and manual material handling while improving picking speed and consistency.
Flexible Tray Configuration
DELIECN can customize tray dimensions, load capacity, compartment layout, and storage height according to the goods being stored.
Trays can be configured with bins, dividers, partitions, or dedicated fixtures to accommodate components, tools, spare parts, documents, and materials of different sizes.
Intelligent Inventory Management
The VLM can be integrated with WMS, ERP, barcode, and RFID systems to manage inventory information in real time.
The system can record item location, quantity, access history, operator information, and inventory changes. This helps improve stock visibility, picking accuracy, and traceability.
Safe and Ergonomic Operation
Goods are delivered directly to an ergonomic access height, reducing the need for operators to bend, climb, or handle materials at high levels.
The system can be equipped with light curtains, emergency stop devices, overload protection, access control, and position-detection sensors to protect personnel, equipment, and stored goods.
Energy-Efficient Operation
The VLM operates according to actual storage and retrieval tasks rather than running continuously.
Its compact structure can also reduce lighting, ventilation, and environmental control requirements compared with larger traditional storage areas, helping lower overall warehouse energy consumption.
Modular and Scalable Design
The system can be designed with different heights, tray quantities, access openings, and control configurations.
Multiple VLM units can also be connected through software to form a centralized storage and picking system, supporting future capacity expansion and changing business requirements.
Website: https://www.deliecn.com/
2. Kardex Remstar (China)
Kardex Remstar is a well - known global brand with a significant presence in China. The company has a long - standing reputation for innovation and excellence in the field of automated storage systems.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Dynamic Storage: Kardex Remstar's VLMs use a dynamic storage principle. The system automatically adjusts the position of trays based on usage frequency, ensuring that the most frequently accessed items are always at the optimal retrieval position. This significantly reduces retrieval time and improves overall efficiency.
- High - Speed Operation: The lift mechanism in their VLMs is designed for high - speed operation. It can achieve fast vertical and horizontal movement, allowing for rapid retrieval and storage of goods.
- Intelligent Software: Their software provides advanced features such as inventory optimization, order picking prioritization, and performance analytics. This helps businesses make informed decisions about inventory management and warehouse operations.
Advantages
- Global Experience: With its global operations, Kardex Remstar brings a wealth of experience to the Chinese market. It has implemented successful projects in various industries around the world, and can leverage this knowledge to provide the best solutions for Chinese customers.
- Product Quality: The company adheres to strict quality standards in its manufacturing process. The components used in their VLMs are of high quality, ensuring long - term reliability and durability.
- Training and Support: Kardex Remstar offers comprehensive training programs for operators and maintenance staff. Their support team is also available to provide on - site assistance and remote troubleshooting.
3. Dematic (China)
Dematic is a global leader in supply chain automation and has a strong foothold in the Chinese market. The company designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated systems for warehouses and distribution centers.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Integrated Solutions: Dematic's VLMs are part of its comprehensive supply chain automation solutions. They can be easily integrated with other automated systems such as conveyors, sorters, and robotic picking systems, creating a seamless and efficient warehouse operation.
- Scalability: The company's VLMs are designed to be scalable. As a business grows, additional modules can be easily added to the existing system, increasing storage capacity and throughput without significant disruption to operations.
- Data Analytics: Dematic's software includes powerful data analytics capabilities. It can collect and analyze data on system performance, inventory levels, and order processing times, providing valuable insights for continuous improvement.
Advantages
- Engineering Expertise: Dematic has a large team of highly skilled engineers with extensive experience in automation engineering. They can design and implement customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each customer.
- Global Support Network: With a global support network, Dematic can provide consistent and reliable support to its Chinese customers. Whether it is spare parts supply or technical assistance, customers can expect prompt service.
- Industry Reputation: Dematic has a long - standing reputation for excellence in the supply chain automation industry. Its products are trusted by many large - scale enterprises around the world.
4. SSI Schaefer (China)
SSI Schaefer is a leading global provider of intralogistics solutions, including smart vertical lift modules. The company has a strong presence in the Chinese market and offers a wide range of products and services.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Modular Design: SSI Schaefer's VLMs feature a modular design, which allows for easy installation, expansion, and modification. The modules can be configured to fit different warehouse layouts and requirements.
- Energy Efficiency: The company is committed to environmental sustainability. Their VLMs are designed with energy - efficient components and intelligent control systems, reducing energy consumption without sacrificing performance.
- Quality Assurance: SSI Schaefer has a strict quality control process. From the selection of raw materials to the final product testing, every step is carefully monitored to ensure the highest quality of its VLMs.
Advantages
- Comprehensive Product Portfolio: In addition to VLMs, SSI Schaefer offers a wide range of intralogistics products such as shelving systems, conveyor systems, and pallet storage systems. This allows customers to source all their warehouse equipment from a single supplier, simplifying the procurement process.
- Localization Strategy: The company has a strong localization strategy in China. It has local production facilities, sales offices, and service centers, which enables it to better understand and meet the needs of Chinese customers.
- Innovation: SSI Schaefer invests heavily in research and development. It continuously introduces new technologies and features to its products, keeping it at the forefront of the intralogistics industry.
5. Swisslog (China)
Swisslog is a global provider of integrated logistics solutions, and its smart vertical lift modules are well - regarded in the Chinese market.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Robotic Integration: Swisslog's VLMs can be easily integrated with robotic systems for automated order picking. This combination of VLM and robotics significantly improves order fulfillment efficiency, especially for small - parts picking.
- User - Friendly Interface: The control interface of their VLMs is designed to be user - friendly. Operators can easily access system functions, view inventory information, and perform retrieval and storage operations with minimal training.
- High - Density Storage: Swisslog's VLMs are designed to maximize storage density. They can store a large number of items in a relatively small footprint, making them ideal for warehouses with limited space.
Advantages
- System Integration Capabilities: Swisslog has extensive experience in integrating different types of logistics systems. It can provide a complete end - to - end solution that includes VLMs, conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and WMS, ensuring seamless operation across the entire warehouse.
- Research and Development Focus: The company invests a significant amount of resources in research and development. It is constantly exploring new technologies and concepts to improve the performance and functionality of its products.
- Customer - Centric Approach: Swisslog takes a customer - centric approach. It works closely with customers to understand their specific requirements and provides customized solutions that meet their business goals.
6. Daifuku (China)
Daifuku is a global leader in material handling systems, and its smart vertical lift modules are widely used in various industries in China.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- High - Performance Lift: Daifuku's VLMs are equipped with a high - performance lift mechanism. It can handle heavy loads and achieve high - speed operation, ensuring fast and efficient storage and retrieval of goods.
- Flexible Configuration: The company offers a flexible configuration of VLMs. Customers can choose different tray sizes, load capacities, and number of trays according to their needs. This flexibility allows for better adaptation to different product types and storage requirements.
- Remote Monitoring and Maintenance: Daifuku's VLMs can be remotely monitored and maintained. The company's service team can access the system remotely to diagnose problems, perform software updates, and provide technical support, reducing downtime and improving system availability.
Advantages
- Long - Standing Reputation: Daifuku has a long - standing reputation for quality and reliability in the material handling industry. Its products are known for their durability and high performance.
- Global Technology Sharing: As a global company, Daifuku can share its latest technologies and best practices across different regions. This ensures that its Chinese customers can benefit from the most advanced solutions in the market.
- Comprehensive Service: Daifuku provides comprehensive service, including project planning, installation, commissioning, and after - sales support. Its service team is well - trained and experienced in handling various types of material handling systems.
7. Murata Machinery (China)
Murata Machinery is a well - known manufacturer of industrial machinery and automation systems, and its smart vertical lift modules are popular in the Chinese market.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Advanced Tray Management: Murata's VLMs feature an advanced tray management system. It can automatically detect the position and status of trays, and optimize the storage and retrieval process based on this information. This helps to improve system efficiency and reduce the risk of errors.
- Noise Reduction Design: The company pays attention to the working environment of operators. Its VLMs are designed with noise - reduction features, ensuring a quiet and comfortable working environment.
- Compatibility with Other Systems: Murata's VLMs are highly compatible with other industrial automation systems. They can be easily integrated with production lines, assembly systems, and other material handling equipment, creating a more efficient and integrated manufacturing environment.
Advantages
- Technical Innovation: Murata Machinery has a strong focus on technical innovation. It continuously develops new technologies and features for its products, which helps to improve the performance and competitiveness of its smart vertical lift modules.
- Industry - Specific Solutions: The company has in - depth knowledge of different industries. It can provide industry - specific solutions for sectors such as electronics, automotive, and food and beverage, meeting the unique requirements of each industry.
- Local Support: Murata Machinery has local support teams in China. They can provide timely and effective support to customers, including on - site installation, maintenance, and training.
8. TGW Logistics Group (China)
TGW Logistics Group is a global provider of intralogistics solutions, and its smart vertical lift modules are making an impact in the Chinese market.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Adaptive Control System: TGW's VLMs are equipped with an adaptive control system. The system can automatically adjust the operation parameters based on the current load, traffic conditions, and other factors, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
- 3D Visualization: The company's software includes 3D visualization capabilities. Operators can view the entire warehouse and the position of each tray in real - time, which helps to improve the accuracy and efficiency of order picking.
- Fault Diagnosis and Prediction: TGW's VLMs have advanced fault diagnosis and prediction features. The system can detect potential faults in advance and provide early warnings, allowing maintenance staff to take preventive measures and reduce unplanned downtime.
Advantages
- Innovative Solutions: TGW is known for its innovative solutions in the intralogistics industry. It is constantly exploring new ways to improve the efficiency and functionality of its products, and its smart vertical lift modules are no exception.
- International Project Experience: With its international project experience, TGW can bring a global perspective to the Chinese market. It has successfully implemented large - scale projects in different countries, and can apply this experience to meet the complex requirements of Chinese customers.
- Customer - Driven Development: The company focuses on customer - driven development. It listens to the needs of customers and incorporates their feedback into the product development process, ensuring that its products meet the practical needs of the market.
9. Viastore Systems (China)
Viastore Systems is a provider of intralogistics solutions, and its smart vertical lift modules offer a range of features and benefits.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- Multi - Level Access: Viastore's VLMs support multi - level access. Multiple operators can access different trays simultaneously, improving the overall throughput of the system.
- Easy Integration with ERP: The company's VLMs can be easily integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This allows for seamless information flow between the warehouse and other business processes, such as procurement, production, and sales.
- Safety - Focused Design: Safety is a key consideration in Viastore's design. Their VLMs are equipped with safety features such as overload protection, anti - collision sensors, and emergency exit systems, ensuring the safety of operators and goods.
Advantages
- Tailored Solutions: Viastore understands that every customer has unique requirements. It provides tailored solutions based on the specific needs of each business, whether it is a small - scale enterprise or a large - scale corporation.
- Technical Support: The company offers comprehensive technical support. Its team of experts can provide on - site installation, commissioning, and training services, as well as remote technical assistance for troubleshooting.
- Cost - Optimization: Viastore focuses on cost - optimization. It helps customers to select the most suitable VLM configuration and features to meet their needs while minimizing the overall cost of ownership.
10. Interroll (China)
Interroll is a leading provider of material handling solutions, and its smart vertical lift modules are an important part of its product portfolio.
Features in Smart Vertical Lift Module
- High - Quality Conveyor Technology: Interroll's VLMs incorporate its high - quality conveyor technology. The conveyor system ensures smooth and reliable transfer of goods between the lift and the trays, reducing the risk of damage.
- Energy - Saving Features: The company has a strong focus on energy - saving. Its VLMs are designed with energy - efficient motors and control systems, which can significantly reduce energy consumption over the long - term.
- Remote Configuration and Monitoring: Interroll's VLMs can be remotely configured and monitored. This allows for easy system setup and management, as well as real - time performance monitoring from anywhere.
Advantages
- Global Brand Recognition: Interroll is a globally recognized brand in the material handling industry. Its products are known for their quality and reliability, which gives customers confidence in choosing its smart vertical lift modules.
- Continuous Product Development: The company invests in continuous product development. It is constantly looking for ways to improve the performance and functionality of its VLMs, keeping up with the latest market trends and customer demands.
- Wide Range of Applications: Interroll's VLMs can be used in a wide range of applications, from e - commerce fulfillment centers to manufacturing plants. This versatility makes them a popular choice for different industries.
Conclusion
The smart vertical lift module market in China is highly competitive, with these top 10 manufacturers leading the way. Each manufacturer brings its unique features, advantages, and technologies to the table. DELIECN stands out with its emphasis on customization, reliability, and cost - effectiveness. Global players like Kardex Remstar, Dematic, SSI Schaefer, and others offer a wealth of international experience, advanced technologies, and comprehensive solutions.
As the demand for efficient storage and retrieval systems continues to grow in China, driven by the expansion of e - commerce, manufacturing, and logistics industries, these manufacturers will play a crucial role in providing the necessary infrastructure. Whether it is high - speed operation, intelligent software, or seamless integration with other systems, these companies are well - positioned to meet the diverse needs of Chinese businesses and contribute to the development of the smart warehousing and logistics ecosystem in the country.
