Vertical Lift Module Storage: The SSI Schaefer LOGIMAT®
A vertical lift module (VLM) is an automated storage system that holds inventory in stacked trays inside an enclosed column and delivers each tray to an operator at a fixed access point. It solves two problems that come up constantly in manufacturing, distribution, and MRO facilities: limited floor space, and too much staff time spent walking to pick inventory.
SJF Material Handling has partnered with SSI Schaefer to bring one VLM model, the LOGIMAT, to warehouse and production customers. The rest of this article covers how the equipment works, how it compares to other storage automation, what drives its cost, and how to tell if it fits a given operation.
How a Vertical Lift Module Works
1. Request:
An operator requests an item through a touchscreen or a connected WMS or ERP system.
2. Retrieval:
An internal lift locates and retrieves the correct tray automatically.
3. Delivery:
The tray arrives at a lit, ergonomic pick window at the front of the unit.
4. Return:
The operator picks the item, and the tray returns to storage while the system prepares the next request.
On the LOGIMAT specifically, an optional LogiPointer laser marks the exact pick location on the tray, and the LogiDual option stages the next tray while the current one is still at the window, which cuts wait time between picks.
Vertical Lift Module vs. Vertical Carousel
Both are goods-to-person systems, and both get compared often, but they suit different storage profiles. The table below lays out the practical differences.
| Vertical Lift Module | Vertical Carousel |
|
| Storage motion |
Trays move up and down inside a fixed column;
the tray comes to a single pick window |
Shelves rotate around a fixed track, bringing
the shelf to a fixed opening |
| Best for |
Dense mixed-SKU storage with variable item sizes |
High-frequency picking of smaller, uniform items |
| Footprint shape |
Tall and narrow; works well against a wall or in
a dedicated bay |
Round or oval footprint; needs clearance on all
sides |
| Access point |
Single opening at operator height |
Single opening, typically at one fixed height |
The short version: a VLM tends to fit better where SKUs vary widely in size and where floor footprint is tighter than ceiling height. A vertical carousel tends to fit better where the items are more uniform and pick frequency is very high. SJF's team reviews SKU data and facility layout before recommending one over the other; neither is a universal answer.
Where the Space and Labor Savings Come From
Floor Space
The unit uses ceiling height instead of floor footprint, which is why the space reduction figure (up to 90 percent) shows up across vendor literature for this equipment category. The actual number for a given facility depends on what the VLM is replacing; it is highest when replacing low-density static shelving.
Pick Time
Retrieval cycles shorten because the operator stops walking to the shelf. The size of the improvement depends on how far operators currently travel per pick; facilities with long aisle runs see more benefit than facilities where inventory is already close to the pack-out station.
Picking Accuracy
A lit access opening, and on the LOGIMAT an optional laser guide, point the operator to the specific tray and slot, which reduces the chance of pulling the wrong item or the wrong quantity.
Ergonomics
There is no bending, stretching, or ladder use required to reach stored items, since everything arrives at a fixed window. The LOGIMAT's optional LogiWork feature adjusts delivery height per operator.
What Drives Vertical Lift Module Cost
Unit height and tray count:
Taller units with more trays cost more than shorter units with fewer trays, but they also store more per square foot of floor space used.
Control software level:
A single stand-alone unit with touchscreen control costs less up front than a multi-unit system running WAMAS with barcode scanning and order prioritization.
Add-on features:
Add-ons such as LogiPointer, LogiTilt, or LogiGate add cost but also add speed or accuracy in higher-volume operations.
Integration complexity:
Connecting to an existing WMS, ERP, or SAP system adds integration work beyond the equipment cost itself. Because pricing depends on these variables, a specific quote requires a review of SKU data, throughput targets, and facility layout. SJF's warehouse layout and design team handles that review as part of a project quote.
Which Operations Get the Most Value
A VLM fits a wide range of industries where space, accuracy, or controlled access matter most:
- ● Manufacturing and Production: Fast access to components, tooling, and spare parts keeps production lines running without warehouse delays.
- ● Distribution and Fulfillment: High pick volumes and accuracy demands make goods-to-person automation a natural fit for distribution center operations.
- ● Automotive and Aftermarket: Dense SKU counts and high-value parts benefit from controlled access, accurate picking, and compact storage.
- ● Aerospace and Defense: Strict traceability and FIFO/LIFO control support secured access to sensitive components.
- ● Healthcare and Pharma: Secure, controlled dispensing with full audit trails supports compliance and reduces mis-picks in critical environments.
- ● Electronics and Technology: Small, high-value components are stored efficiently with laser-guided picking and restricted user access.
- ● MRO Operations: Maintenance parts stay centralized, cutting the time spent hunting for the right item and tracking usage through built-in reporting.
- ● E-Commerce and Retail: Rapid order cycles and accuracy requirements make a VLM well suited to picking small items at high volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much floor space does a vertical lift module save?
It depends on what it replaces, but vendor specs for units like the LOGIMAT put the reduction at up to 90 percent compared to static shelving covering the same storage volume, since the module uses ceiling height instead of floor footprint.
What is the difference between a VLM and a vertical carousel?
A VLM moves trays up and down inside a fixed column and brings each tray to a stationary pick window. A vertical carousel rotates shelves around a fixed track. VLMs tend to handle mixed SKU sizes better; carousels tend to handle high-frequency picking of uniform items better.
Can a vertical lift module connect to an existing WMS or ERP?
Yes. The LOGIMAT supports stand-alone touchscreen control, WAMAS software for item management and barcode scanning, and SPS EasyConnect for direct SAP integration, so the level of connection depends on what system is already in place.
How tall can a vertical lift module be?
The LOGIMAT scales from 8 feet to 78 feet in 4-inch increments, and multiple units can be linked together for larger storage needs.
Is a vertical lift module worth it for a small operation?
It depends on floor space cost, current pick times, and error rates. Operations with high real estate cost per square foot, long pick travel distances, or high-value SKUs needing restricted access tend to see the fastest return.