A vertical lift system stores goods automatically using the full height of a building. Trays are retrieved on demand and delivered to an operator at a service opening. This is the goods-to-person principle: products come to the operator, not the other way around.
Ferag Technologies offers three vertical lift configurations through its partnership with Modula. These are the standard Modula Lift, the depth-optimised Modula Slim, and the Modula Pallet for automated pallet handling. All three install quickly and improve space utilisation, picking efficiency, and operator safety immediately.
Why vertical lift systems improve warehouse efficiency
Automatic vertical storage systems solve the most common warehouse challenges in one installation. Here is what they deliver:
- Space reduction up to 90%. The system uses vertical building height instead of floor area. As a result, it stores the same volume of goods in a fraction of the footprint — freeing space for picking workstations or expansion.
- Goods-to-person access. Items arrive directly at the operator’s service opening. Therefore, operators skip aisle navigation entirely, reducing retrieval time and physical strain.
- Faster order processing. Automatic tray delivery speeds up pick rates. In addition, it accelerates order preparation and directly increases throughput.
- Fewer errors and full inventory control. Every retrieval is tracked automatically. Furthermore, visual aids guide each pick, reducing mis-picks and supporting accurate stock management.
- Safe and clean storage. Goods stay protected from dust, damage, and unauthorised access. This is especially valuable in sensitive or regulated environments.
Three vertical lift variants for every requirement
Each configuration suits a specific environment and operational need. Additionally, all three variants share the same goods-to-person principle and connect to existing warehouse control systems.
The Modula Lift is the versatile standard configuration. It suits companies of all sizes and stores items of various shapes, weights, and sizes. In addition, it frees up space in the distribution area while increasing efficiency and operator picking safety.
- Reliable and modern — guarantees order, inventory control, and warehouse automation
- Reduces floor space requirements by up to 90%
- Increases efficiency, throughput, and operator safety
- Handles a wide range of item types, shapes, and weights
The Modula Slim is the compact, depth-optimised configuration. It works best when building depth is limited but lift technology is still required. Moreover, it delivers all advantages of a standard vertical lift within the footprint of a vertical carousel.
Its minimal depth makes it suitable beyond industrial environments. Therefore, retail stores, pharmacies, workshops, and service counters also benefit from this solution.
- All advantages of vertical lift technology in a compact footprint
- Fast to install — immediate path to automated storage
- Cost-efficient alternative for depth-constrained spaces
- Improves efficiency, throughput, and operator safety
The Modula Pallet handles Euro pallets (1,200×800 mm), standard transport pallets, and similarly sized cartons — automatically and from ground level. Consequently, operators need no forklift and work without suspended loads at any point.
This system acts as an ergonomic alternative to traditional racking. Additionally, it serves as a buffer zone in inbound and outbound operations.
- Ground-level pallet handling — no forklift required
- Frees up floor space by using vertical building height
- Safe, ergonomic, and quick to install
How vertical lift systems integrate with intralogistics
Vertical lift systems work best as part of a connected intralogistics architecture. Combined with conveying systems like ferag.skymove or sortation systems like ferag.skysort, they provide the storage layer for a complete goods-to-person fulfillment system.
All Modula vertical lift systems connect to WMS and warehouse control systems via standard interfaces. Therefore, they integrate smoothly into existing or new intralogistics architectures. Furthermore, Ferag Technologies supports the planning, integration, and lifecycle management of vertical lift solutions across broader intralogistics projects.
Vertical lift in action
A vertical lift system is an automated storage solution that uses the full height of a building to store goods on trays. Items are retrieved automatically and delivered to an operator at a service opening — the goods-to-person principle. This eliminates aisle navigation, reduces retrieval time, improves picking accuracy, and can reduce floor space requirements by up to 90% compared to conventional shelving or racking.
A vertical lift uses a shuttle mechanism to retrieve individual trays from a column of storage compartments — delivering the correct tray directly to the operator. A vertical carousel rotates shelves in a loop to bring items to the access point. Vertical lifts are generally faster, more space-efficient in height, and better suited to a wider range of item types and weights. The Modula Slim combines vertical lift technology in a depth footprint comparable to a vertical carousel.
Choose the Modula Lift (standard) for versatile storage across a wide range of item types and company sizes. Consider the Modula Slim when building depth is limited and a compact footprint is the priority, also suitable for retail, pharmacies, and workshops. Choose the Modula Pallet for automated Euro pallet handling from ground level without forklifts. Ferag Technologies can advise on the right configuration for your specific environment and operational requirements.
All Modula vertical lift systems offer standard interfaces to warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse control systems (WCS). This allows the vertical lift to operate as an integrated component within an existing or new intralogistics architecture — with real-time inventory visibility, operator activity tracking, and order-directed retrieval.
Yes. Vertical lift systems work effectively as the storage layer in a connected intralogistics architecture. Combined with conveying systems such as ferag.skymove or tilt-tray sorters such as ferag.skysort, they form part of a complete goods-to-person fulfilment system. Ferag Technologies supports the integration of vertical lift solutions into broader intralogistics projects.
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