Types of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)

What is an ASRS?

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) automatically store and retrieve products, parts, or materials – saving space, cutting down on picking mistakes, and reducing the need for repetitive, low-value manual labor. Whether you’re managing high-volume SKUs or sensitive materials, ASRS helps you do more with less – less space, less time, and less risk.

From warehouses and manufacturing to healthcare and retail, automated storage solutions are tailored to fit a range of industries and needs.

3 WAYS ASRS TRANSFORMS WAREHOUSES

Types of ASRS Systems

There are several categories of ASRS systems, each with distinct strengths. Here’s a look at the most common options from Vidir.

1. Vertical Lift Module (VLM)

Sometimes confused with Vertical Lift Systems (VLS). VLMs refer to tray-based systems with an extractor, while VLS can be used more broadly to describe vertical movement systems.

The Vidir VLM uses height-sensing technology to store trays just above the tallest item on the tray below – automatically optimizing storage density and saving up to 85% of floor space. With standard heights up to roughly 30 feet, it’s an ideal solution for those looking to take advantage of the unused vertical space in their facilities. Remote diagnostics, inventory software, and flexible tray configuration make it a powerful, scalable choice for modern operations.

Choose this option to:

Maximize ceiling height

Protect inventory from dust and light

Improve order picking accuracy

Think a VLM might be right for your operation?

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2. Vertical Carousels

Vertical carousels rotate vertically, like a narrow Ferris wheel, bringing stored items to the operator with the push of a button. These systems are particularly effective for items of consistent shape or category.

Vidir Vertical Carousel Solutions

Small Parts & Bins

• Pan Carousel: Highly configurable carriers with shelves, dividers, and optional intermediate trays. Saves up to 75% of floor space.
• Shelving Carousel: Flexible shelving for containers, boxes, and irregular items.

Heavy or Bulky Items

• Tire Carousel: Safe, efficient tire handling and storage.
• Wire Carousel: Built for cable, hose, or wire spools.
• Vinyl & Carpet Carousels: Designed for heavy roll storage with smooth retrieval.

Specialty & Industry-Specific

• Garment Carousel: Ideal for uniforms, costumes, or apparel.
• Textile Carousel: Protects rolled fabrics from damage.
• Paint Can & Print Cylinder Carousels: Secure cylindrical or oversized materials.

Using the product-to-person principle, vertical carousels deliver inventory directly to the operator, improving productivity and ergonomics. The system automatically chooses the shortest path for retrieval – speeding up pick times by up to two-thirds compared to static shelving.

Choose a Vertical Carousel for:

High-frequency picking

Storage of consistent items

Secure storage of specialty items

Vertical Carousels vs. VLMs: Which One’s Right for You?

Both vertical carousels and vertical lift modules offer big advantages when it comes to space savings, safety, and efficiency – but they shine in different scenarios.

Choose a Vertical Carousel if:

You’re storing items that are consistent in size and shape

You need frequent access to a rotating selection of SKUs

You want fast retrieval and shorter travel paths

Ceiling heights are under 18 feet

Choose a VLM if:

You’re storing a wide variety of item sizes

You want to maximize height and storage density

You’re planning to scale up or integrate with an ERP

You need remote diagnostics or tray-level flexibility

Still unsure? Our Buyer’s Guide outlines more detailed comparisons to help you decide, or connect with our automated storage experts. 

Connect With Our Automated Storage Experts

3. Horizontal Carousels

Horizontal carousels use shelving bins mounted on a horizontally rotating oval track to deliver items to an operator. They offer dense storage and fast retrieval – especially when grouped into pods for high-speed picking. Horizontal carousels offer some benefits – efficient picking, space utilization in low-ceiling areas, and improved ergonomics – but they’re not without their drawbacks. Here are some of the most common limitations:

• Consumes more floor space – not ideal for high-rent real estate 
• More difficult to scale or reconfigure as needs grow
• Typically limited to one picker per pod, which can restrict throughput
• Downtime can halt access to large sections of inventory
• Limited weight capacity per bin/carrier; not ideal for heavy or bulky items

4. Vertical Lift Systems (VLS)

Vertical Lift Systems (VLS) refer to vertical storage machines that lift and lower entire units – often long, heavy, or unwieldy materials that don’t fit well in trays or bins. Vidir offers two specialized VLS solutions designed to handle these specific needs:

• Bar Stock VLS: Built to safely and efficiently store long materials like bars, rods, and pipes. This system minimizes handling damage and reduces the footprint of bulky, horizontal storage racks.
• Sheet Metal VLS: Engineered to store and retrieve large, flat materials such as sheet metal. Operators can access sheets quickly, one at a time, without manual sorting or risk of injury.

Both systems bring automation and ergonomics to traditionally difficult-to-store materials – saving time, space, and strain on your team.

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How ASRS Fits Into the Warehouse Automation Journey

Most warehouse automation happens in stages – and adopting a VLM or vertical carousel is often the first major leap forward. It improves productivity, accuracy, and space utilization while laying the groundwork for future automation.

The Warehouse Automation Journey

Most companies don’t leap from Stage 1 to 3. Vertical ASRS is the smart first move.

About AMRs and Shuttle Systems

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are robotic systems that transport materials between picking stations, storage zones, or packing areas. When paired with ASRS, AMRs reduce labor demands, improve material flow, and allow flexible, scalable layout design.

Shuttle Systems use robotic shuttles that move horizontally and vertically through storage aisles to retrieve totes or trays from dense racking structures. These are often used in high-volume environments where speed and throughput are top priorities. 

Why It’s Rare to Skip Ahead

Jumping directly from a traditional warehouse to a fully autonomous system may seem appealing – but it’s a major leap that introduces several risks and barriers:

• Change management risk: You’re not just changing machines – you’re changing the job, the team structure, and how work gets done.
• Systems maturity: Most traditional warehouses aren’t equipped with the digital infrastructure needed to support fully autonomous coordination.
• ROI uncertainty: Without previous automation experience or benchmarks, it’s difficult to forecast returns or justify the upfront investment.

That’s why companies start with vertical ASRS systems like VLMs or vertical carousels. These systems offer meaningful gains – better efficiency, safety, and space utilization – while building the foundation for future automation.

Choosing the Right System for You: Key Considerations

Not all systems are created equal. Here’s what to evaluate:

• Space constraints – Vertical systems take advantage of overhead real estate
• Product mix – Consider the size, weight, and handling needs of your items
• Throughput requirements – High-volume operations may need faster retrieval speeds
• Integration potential – Will the system connect to your existing tech stack?

If you want help figuring out the best solution for your warehouse,
connect with our automated storage experts now. 

Why Vidir?

We specialize in vertical automated storage solutions – because they’re versatile, space-efficient, and scalable. Our systems are trusted by facilities across North America to improve performance, reduce injury risk, and streamline operations.

What sets us apart? Every system we build is designed with your operation in mind. Vidir machines are overbuilt for durability and tailored for your space and application, ensuring high performance and long-term reliability. That means fewer surprises, less downtime, and a lower total cost of ownership. In fact, the initial investment in a Vidir solution is often on par with the repair costs companies face from underbuilt alternatives.

Whether you’re storing tires, parts, tools, or wire, Vidir offers the confidence of proven solutions and the flexibility of customized builds – so you can focus on moving forward, not managing repairs.

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