Kardex Remstar
Vertical lift modules and carousels for high-density parts storage
Kardex Remstar is the global leader in automated vertical lift modules (VLMs) and horizontal carousels for high-density small parts storage. Their systems deliver items to the operator, eliminating wasted travel time in parts rooms and tool cribs.
Parts rooms, MRO cribs, and tool storage needing maximum density and pick accuracy
Pallet storage, very high-velocity picking, or operations with low part value density
Strengths
- 140,000+ installations — most proven VLM vendor globally
- Broadest product range from desktop to full-height VLM
- Kardex Control Center software is mature and reliable
- Fastest ROI of any warehouse automation technology (typically < 2 years)
Weaknesses
- Limited to small-to-medium parts — not for pallet-level storage
- Requires dedicated floor space in fixed location
- Limited throughput for very high-velocity items
- Higher cost vs manual shelving for low-value parts
Practitioner analysis
Kardex Shuttle XP is one of the most reliable vertical carousel systems available — relatively simple technology with a strong track record. Installation is straightforward (2–4 weeks per unit) and ROI is fast in the right application. Their software integration with WMS is well-developed — they have pre-built connectors for most major WMS platforms.
The Shuttle XP is a vertical carousel, not a vertical lift module — there's a meaningful throughput ceiling per unit. If your throughput requirement exceeds 80–100 picks/hour from a single unit, you'll need multiple units or a different solution. Also: floor load capacity at your facility must be validated before installation — these units are heavy.
Parts distribution, MRO storage, manufacturing kitting, and pharmacy applications where high-density storage of medium-to-small items is the primary need.
Not suited for heavy items or high-throughput applications requiring more than 100 picks/hour per unit.
Questions to ask in your RFP / demo
- What is the throughput rate for our specific SKU profile and tray configuration?
- What floor load capacity is required and what does the structural assessment process look like?
- What does your WMS integration look like for our specific WMS?
Products
Vertical carousel storage for high-density parts and goods storage