How is a Vertical Carousel different from a Vertical Lift Module (VLM)?

A VCM rotates carriers around a central track, while a VLM uses a central elevator to move trays. Carousels fit low to mid-height ceilings and standardized items; VLMs excel in taller buildings with mixed-size parts.

What carrier sizes and load capacities are available?

Carrier depths 17–24", widths 96–128", and per-carrier loads of about 397–1,400 lbs depending on model (RS180 / RS350 / RS650).

Where are Vertical Carousel systems used?

Common in healthcare, labs, manufacturing, and offices—storing kits, electronics, tools, and files that need frequent, secure access.

Can Vertical Carousels integrate with software?

Yes. Modern carousels connect to ERP, WMS, and barcode platforms to enable batch picking, restock alerts, reporting, and audit trails.

Vertical Carousel Solutions for Space-Saving, Faster Picking

Vertical Carousel systems bring parts to people; saving floor space, speeding picks, and improving safety across healthcare, manufacturing, and distribution. As a nationwide Kardex integrator, Southwest Solutions Group designs, installs, and supports Vertical Carousel storage tailored to your inventory and workflows. Get CAD resources to move faster by downloading Revit files or request a consultation to size carriers, calculate capacity, and plan integrations with WMS/ERP. From specification to go-live, our experts help you reclaim space and boost accuracy.

Workers using vertical carousels at logistics facility with inventory carts and integrated order-picking terminals for streamlined logistics

Compact Storage for Fast-Paced Workflows

Vertical carousels use a rotating chain of carriers to manage inventory more efficiently. These systems bring items to a fixed access point at waist height, which improves ergonomics and eliminates wasted motion. With enclosed design and programmable controls, vertical carousels increase accuracy while reducing the footprint needed for storage.

These industrial rotating storage racks use enclosed carriers to deliver parts directly to the operator.

Standard models can hold up to 1,433 pounds per carrier and reduce floor space use by as much as 85%. They're a great fit for shipping departments, parts storage, and maintenance rooms that need quick access to consistent item sizes.

Paternoster-style vertical chain design
Automated tray delivery to ergonomic height
Ideal for small parts and tools
Forward/reverse directional control
Enclosed footprint for security and cleanliness

Advanced Automation for Complex Inventories

Modern vertical carousel systems include user-friendly touchscreens, LED pick guidance, and integration with warehouse management software. These tools help reduce picking errors, support batch-picking, and maintain inventory visibility at all times.

Modern systems such as the Kardex Remstar Megamat RS vertical carousel include LED guidance, WMS integration, and ergonomic part access.

Operators can scan items, log transactions automatically, and even connect systems to conveyors or robotics. With support for RFID, cleanroom, and fire-safety configurations, these carousels serve highly regulated environments like electronics, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals.

Multi-touch control interfaces
Pick-to-light or LED location indicators
WMS/ERP system integration
Optional RFID, fire safety, and cleanroom compliance
Supports batch-picking workflows

Technician retrieving components from an automated vertical carousel storage system using picking technology in a cleanroom setting

Kardex vertical carousel storage system installed in a compact room with bright overhead lighting and a clean, sterile environment

Specialized Solutions for Unique Applications

Some facilities need vertical storage solutions for niche applications such as drying buffers, SMD reel storage, or staging in-process inventory. With FIFO rotation and flexible bin layouts, these systems ensure product freshness and traceability. Specialized inserts and dividers keep small items separated and protected, while software enforces correct picking sequences.

Each unit’s rotating vertical tray design supports FIFO control and secure small-parts storage.

These carousel systems are a smart fit for clean manufacturing zones, labs, or facilities with semi-finished products requiring precise handling and separation.

FIFO-compliant rotation and sorting
Dividers and bins for small components
Integrated tracking for traceability
Supports in-process staging or drying tasks
Cleanroom and electronics-ready configurations

Staff retrieving surgical kits from a Kardex vertical carousel in a hospital — Secure, ergonomic storage for pharmaceuticals, kits, and medical supplies.

Hospitals and providers use Vertical Carousel systems to organize sterile supplies, surgical kits, medications, and lab essentials. Items are delivered at waist height to reduce strain and keep teams moving efficiently.

The enclosed design supports cleanliness and inventory control, while light-guided picking and software tracking improve accuracy across shifts.

Ergonomic access point at ADA-friendly height
Clean, enclosed carriers reduce contamination risk
Pick-to-light options for fast, accurate pulls

Operator using a Kardex vertical carousel parts storage system on the plant floor — Improve pick speed and reduce walking time in production environments.

On lean assembly lines and in repair cells, Vertical Carousels deliver the right fasteners, tools, and sub-assemblies to the point of use—cutting search time and motion waste.

Integrations with WMS/ERP and labels/dividers keep parts organized by job, department, or kit to maximize throughput.

Batch picking with light guidance
Software integration for traceability
Configurable carriers, bins, and dividers

Row of Kardex Megamat 350 vertical carousels for high-density parts storage — Controlled storage for high-value components in ESD-safe environments.

Keep PCBs, avionics, optics, and tools protected and organized. Vertical Carousels support cleanroom and ESD workflows while providing controlled access.

Advanced logging ties every transaction to users and work orders for full auditability.

ESD- and cleanroom-ready options
Secure access and transaction logging
Modular trays for delicate components

Nurse operating a Kardex Lektriever vertical carousel in a supply room — Protect sensitive materials with enclosed, compliant storage systems.

Meet stringent handling and cleanliness requirements with enclosed carriers, touch-safe operation, and options for fire safety, RFID, and access controls.

Document chain-of-custody for controlled items while streamlining daily dispensing and restocking.

Enclosed carriers for contamination control
RFID and access control compatibility
Audit trails for regulated materials

Warehouse worker accessing bins in a Kardex Megamat vertical carousel — Increase order speed while saving up to 85% of floor space.

Consolidate inventory into a compact footprint and bring items to your pickers to minimize travel time and fatigue—no ladders or long aisles required.

Batch picking workflows accelerate fulfillment while reducing errors and returns.

High density storage in small footprint
Batch/cluster picking support
Improved ergonomics and safety

Frequently Asked Questions

A Vertical Carousel storage system (VCM), also known as a Vertical Storage and Retrieval (VSR) unit, uses motorized carriers that rotate vertically like a Ferris wheel to deliver stored materials to an ergonomic access point. The system’s automation eliminates unnecessary walking and bending, improving speed, safety, and accuracy in storage operations.

A VCM system uses rotating carriers around a central track, while a VLM uses a central elevator to move trays vertically. Vertical Carousels are ideal for low to mid-height ceilings (7–14 ft) and standardized items, whereas VLMs excel in taller buildings with mixed-size parts.

Typical Vertical Carousel pricing ranges from $4,000–$6,500 per linear foot of height, depending on configuration, carrier size, and software. Enhanced access controls, light curtains, or batch-pick modules can influence final pricing.

Carrier depths range 17-24", widths 96–128", and each carrier supports 397–1,400 lbs depending on model (RS180 / RS350 / RS650).

They are common in healthcare, labs, manufacturing, and offices, storing medical kits, electronics, tools, and files that need frequent, secure access.

All VCM systems include light curtains, load sensors, emergency stops, and hand-crank overrides for power-out recovery and operator protection.

Yes, modern VCMs connect to ERP, WMS, or barcode platforms to enable batch picking, restock alerts, and reporting.

Most Vertical Carousel systems operate on 120 V single-phase power; larger industrial models may require 208 V/230 V service.

Typical lead time is 14–17 weeks, depending on customization, controls, and manufacturing schedule.

Honest Results

“We are coming up on a year since we installed the file system here at Bill Heard Chevrolet, and we continue to be more than happy with the outcome. The barcode tracking software system tracks the documents for us and is easy to maintain and use. There is something to be said about keeping things simple.”

“We would like to extend a great big thank you to your shelving installation and file conversion team. Your team of installers are absolutely the best! They were quiet, polite and really acted as though they enjoyed their work. It was so refreshing to meet them. Everyone is very pleased with the installation and file conversion. Our file room looks great and the new file storage will give us the additional file space we need.”

“I deal with contractors and service people on a daily basis, and I have got to tell you that the crew that has been in here relocating the first two vertical storage machines for me are at the top of my list. They have been extremely professional and customer service oriented. You have some great employees and, if I were you, would value them highly. Guys like these are hard to find.”

“We are very happy with our filing system. We have more filing inches available in the vertical cabinets than we did in our old horizontal filing equipment. Everyone is very excited about the new system. The installation went very smoothly. Service has been exceptional from the first point of contact to planning to installation.”

Southwest Solutions Near You

With 7 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado, plus teams covering Alaska, Washington, Northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, and West Virginia, Southwest Solutions Group delivers expert vertical carousel sales, design, installation, and maintenace support.

Vertical Carousel Service Areas

Texas

Offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston & San Antonio w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Austin
Dallas
El Paso
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio

Oklahoma

Office in Edmond w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Broken Arrow
Edmond
Lawton
Norman
Oklahoma City
Tulsa

Colorado

Office in Englewood w/ sales, design, and installation coverage statewide

Aurora
Colorado Springs
Denver
Fort Collins
Lakewood
Boulder

Alaska