WMS for Vertical Storage Systems

Depending on how you use, or intend to use, your vertical lift modules (VLMs) or vertical carousels, software with different functionality may be required to manage your flow. The type of system used to manage stock balances and control stock flows is generally referred to as a warehouse management system (WMS). In this guide, you can read our tips on how to think about software for your vertical storage systems.

The background to WMS

Since the advent of ERP systems, warehouse management and logistics has always been one of the most central business processes – purchasing, logistics and finance, etc. In other words, it is very possible that your ERP system to some extent has a “built-in” WMS. However, as early as the 80’s, many businesses realized that they wanted their own, more specialized software to handle their inventory management – the WMS was born. A WMS can contain a wide variety of functions to manage a company’s inventory management, but basically, the standard processes a WMS should at least contain are as follows:

• Goods Receiving
• Storage
• Picking
• Pack
• Replenishment
• Stocktaking
• Warehouse moves

So what do you need for your Vertical Lift Module and vertical carousels?

The range of an organization’s software needs in the use of Vertical Lift Modules and vertical carousels can range from almost non-existent to very large – how and what to use them for is entirely up to you. Below we have listed 4 different levels that are common, maybe it can help you find your way forward.

Level 1 – Manual handling

• You manage the balance in your business system, excel – or not at all.
• You have one or a few Vertical Lift Modules and/or vertical carousels
• Surface saving is the most important thing for you, not picking efficiency.
• You have a simple flow, the Vertical Lift Modules are mainly used for storage

If you recognize yourself in the above, you have no need for a WMS for your Vertical Lift Module or vertical carousel. In this case, your vertical storage system can be seen as a very compact shelf rack. The control system that comes with the vertical lift module are manually selecting and retrieving the trays is more than enough.

Level 2 – Balance control but no connection to ERP system

• You need a simple system to manage balances.
• Space saving is the most important thing for you, not picking efficiency
• You don’t have long pick lists, mostly single picks per order
• Vertical Lift Modules are mainly used for storage

If you recognize yourself in the above, in most cases a simple WMS that the original manufacturer of the VLMs or vertical carousels often offers is suitable. With such a WMS, you can manage balances and simple basic processes that provide good balance control, a simple user interface and an uncomplicated IT environment with low maintenance costs.

Level 3 – Picking flow and connection to business systems

• You need a simple system for storage and picking in the machines, the balance management is in the business system.
• You have picking orders with many order rows that need to be sent automatically to the vertical storage system.
• You have several Vertical Lift Modules or vertical carousels where you pick 100 – 1,000 order lines / day.

If you recognize yourself in the above, in most cases the WMS offered by the original manufacturer of the VLMs or vertical carousels is still suitable, but with the addition that you connect it to your business system. In many cases, you can make a simple connection to the business system with relatively few integration messages. Important to consider if you have the above needs is to not only estimate the cost of the software itself, but also very carefully specify what it costs to implement it in the form of integration, configuration, training and start-up support.

Level 4 – High level of automation

• You already have a WMS or a well-developed business system that you use for your warehouse management.
• You have a large manual warehouse in addition to a number of Vertical Lift Modules or vertical carousels, and/or other automation such as conveyor belts and packing machines.
• You pick over 1,000 order lines / day.

If you recognize yourself in the above, you have probably come a long way in your warehouse management. In this case, there are often advantages to using the WMS or ERP system you already have.

Choosing the right software solution for your Vertical Lift Modules or vertical carousels can be tricky if it is the first time you do it. Take help from us, we have experience of hundreds of installations of warehouse storage systems and can help you decide what is most suitable based on your situation.