{"id":28547,"date":"2023-08-08T08:00:28","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T13:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/?p=28547"},"modified":"2025-08-18T08:27:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T13:27:06","slug":"vlms-vs-vertical-carousels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/08\/vlms-vs-vertical-carousels\/","title":{"rendered":"VLMs Vs. Vertical Carousels: Critical Specification Factors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/video\/frame.aspx?id=927\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">Vertical carousels<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\"> and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">v<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">ertical <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">l<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">ift <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">m<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">odules<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">\u2014VLMs for short<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">\u2014<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">enhance organization, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">increase <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">storage density, i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">mprove <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">security<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\"> and speed throughput<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">. They serve <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">component<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\"> directly to picker<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\"> in waist-high ergonomic zones.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228834515 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"EOP SCXW228834515 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">While these systems are similar from a functional standpoint and look similar from the outside, they can have different use cases and application requirements. Kevin, a Cisco-Eagle Dallas account executive, zeroes in on the differences in this video.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<aside style=\"padding: 10px 20px 15px 25px; margin-bottom: 50px; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid #E4DDDD; margin: 4px 10px 4px 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19);\" data-type=\"summary\">\n<h4>TL;DR \u2013 Key differences between VLMs and Vertical Carousels<\/h4>\n<p>Both VLMs and vertical carousels save space, improve security, and boost throughput by delivering items directly to pickers. Carousels rotate all inventory like a Ferris wheel, while VLMs move only the needed tray with an extractor. VLMs handle taller heights, heavier loads, and flexible storage configurations, making them better for diverse inventories, while carousels are ideal for lighter, uniform items in lower-ceiling facilities.<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><span class=\"EOP SCXW228834515 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">Shared attributes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"EOP SCXW228834515 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">Both systems offer vertical, high-density storage and retrieval.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Products are enclosed in secure lockable chassis in carousels and VLMs. This enhanced security is often a driving reason for companies who utilize them for high-value inventory.<\/li>\n<li>Storage density is key to both systems, with thousands of storage positions that take full advantage of the vertical cube. The same amount of SKUs stored on shelving in bins tend to take up significantly more space than in either a carousel or lift module.<\/li>\n<li>You eliminate needless warehouse walking and transit times with either system. Both deliver product to pickers in ergonomic picking zones, rather than forcing workers to walk, bend, extend and stretch for items on shelves or stored in racking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Where do they diverge?<\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 508px; height: auto; border-width: 1px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/images\/category\/medium\/Lean-Lift-Rotomat-Banner.jpg\" alt=\"Side by side: VLM and Vertical Carousel\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>Left: vertical carousel. Right: vertical lift module<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Despite their similarities, these systems are deployed in different situations and for specific applications. So what are the distinct differences, and how should that factor in to your operational needs?<\/p>\n<h4>\u00a0Storage &amp; delivery specifications: Ferris wheel vs. elevator<\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 650px; height: auto; border-width: 1px;\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/carousel-vlm-storage.jpg\" alt=\"carousel vs vlm storage comarison\" \/><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/vector\/450\/automated-vertical-carousels\">Vertical carousels<\/a> have carriers in fixed locations attached to a chain drive that rotates inside the cabinet. Chain drives power the unit as it rotates and delivers the desired SKUs to the picking windows. The entire carousel inventory moves (this is reversible) every time anything is accessed.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/vector\/451\/vertical-lift-modules\">vertical lift modules,<\/a> a column of trays is stored in fixed locations within the cabinet. Between those storage positions, an extractor\u00a0<span class=\"TextRun SCXW47915458 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW47915458 BCX0\">travels up and down to select a carrier tray. Only the required tray moves when it&#8217;s called for in the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/08\/feel-it-coming-back-again\/\">Vertical carousels and your e-commerce facility<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4>Fitting in: dimensions and facility space factors<\/h4>\n<p>To enjoy these advantages, it&#8217;s crucial to select the right system for your footprint.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Widths:<\/strong> Both VLMs and carousels have the same width specifications, but VLMs can be twice as deep as carousels. VLM trays come in varying widths from 4 to 13 feet and depths of 2 to 3 feet, while both carousels and VLMs can accommodate product heights under 30 inches.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Heights:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Vertical carousels have fixed heights, ranging from 8 to 32 feet, whereas VLMs have a much broader height range &#8211; from 13 to nearly 100 feet.<\/li>\n<li>The modular design of VLMs lets you customize by adding or removing modules.<\/li>\n<li>When a carousel is taller, it may have slower throughput due to longer periods of vertical travel. This may have an impact on the choice you make.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><em>Carousels are ideal for spaces with lower ceilings, while VLMs can be much taller to take advantage of the vertical cube.\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4>Throughput capacity comparisons<\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 450px; height: auto; border-width: 1px;\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/VLMinaction.jpg\" alt=\"VLM being used in operating environment\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em>Above: Utilizing a VLM in order fulfillment operations<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Carousels and VLMs both improve throughput, but how do they differ in that regard? Which is faster?<\/p>\n<p>Carousels and VLMs typically move at similar speeds, although the actual performance varies depending on the load and application. In specific scenarios, carousels can be marginally faster than VLMs, but VLMs tend to have higher throughput rates for most applications. With a VLM, you can store the faster moving SKUs closest to the operator window, which means that those fast-movers only travel a few feet when accessed. Slower movers can be stored higher in the unit.<\/p>\n<p>Because a carousel rotates the entire inventory each time it moves, the desired product may be in different locations at different times.<\/p>\n<h4>Capacity, load profiles and load handling<\/h4>\n<p>When it comes to handling heavier weights, VLMs are the best choice. This aspect is critical as it allows you to store a wider range of heavier parts compared to carousels. Standard VLMs boast capacities of up to 2,204 pounds per tray and up to 132,000 pounds per lift.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, VLMs are more versatile due to their adjustable storage positions. Unlike vertical carousels with equally spaced bins, VLM shelves can be reconfigured to accommodate shorter and taller loads, enabling the storage of various sizes and types of products. Carousels excel when dealing with goods of similar dimensions and lighter weight. If your inventory remains relatively static, carousels present a robust option to consider.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid #E4DDDD; margin: 4px 10px 4px 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.19);\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-4\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/uploads\/brochures\/automationcisco-eagle.pdf\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"float: right; width: 100%; max-width: 200px; height: auto; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 18px;\" src=\"https:\/\/images.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CESystemsBrochure.jpg\" alt=\"Download the Cisco-Eagle systems and automation guide\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-sm-8\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<h3>Download Our Systems &amp; Automation Guide<\/h3>\n<p>Good systems design helps you build solutions that drive productivity and lower costs. Cisco-Eagle has completed many successful projects for hundreds of companies nationwide, helping clients create efficient material flow systems that deliver results. Our guide highlights what our systems group offers, and how we strive to be your trusted partner.<\/p>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/uploads\/brochures\/automationcisco-eagle.pdf\"><strong><em>Download the guide today<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Vertical carousels and VLMs offer improvements that benefit any facility. When choosing which fits your operation, what are the critical factors?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[232,238,763,894],"series":[],"class_list":["post-28547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-automation","tag-ergonomics","tag-industrial-carousels","tag-order-fulfilment","tag-shoptalk"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2027-04-05 04:34:53","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28547"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28578,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28547\/revisions\/28578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28547"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=28547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}