Although similar in name, Vertical Carousel Modules and Horizontal Carousel Modules, are dramatically different automated storage and retrieval technologies when you take a closer look. The most obvious difference is in the way the machines operate. Per their naming - Vertical Carousel Modules rotate vertically and Horizontal Carousel Modules rotate horizontally. But there is WAY more to talk about when it comes to these two dynamic storage and retrieval beasts.
Download the Buyer's Guide: Vertical Carousel Modules vs Horizontal Carousel Modules
Vertical Carousel Modules are a series of carriers attached in fixed locations to a chain drive. Movement is powered by a motor, which sends the carriers in a vertical loop around a track in both forward and reverse directions—similar to a ferris wheel. Goods are stored or retrieved through an ergonomically positioned access opening with a work counter.
Horizontal Carousel Modules consists of an oval track supporting rotating bins with shelves. A motor located inside of the oval track powers the carriers around the track horizontally; stopping at a pre-designated access point for storage or retrieval of goods.
Both automated technologies have both been around since the 1950’s and are often given the unfair categorization of “ASRS dinosaurs” when nothing could be farther from the truth. In reality, their rich history and experience in material handling makes them steadfast and reliable storage devices. A variety of design tweaks and improvements over their lifetime have ensured these loyal dynamic storage units continue to deliver modern, world class manufacturing and distribution facilities improved material handling efficiencies such as:
Both units are generally rectangular in shape with Vertical Carousel Modules ranging 6 to 14 feet wide by 4 to 5 feet deep and Horizontal Carousel Modules 19 to 153 feet long. The difference here is that both carousels are accessed on the width dimension; making Vertical Carousel Modules wide and shallow and Horizontal Carousel Modules narrow and long.
Another big differentiator is unit height – Vertical Carousel Modules start at just over 7 feet and can reach up to 32 feet tall whereas Horizontal Carousel Modules start at just over 7 feet, but have a max height of 13.5 feet. While Horizontal Carousel Modules are indeed a good option for areas with ceiling heights under 15 feet – they can be double (or triple) stacked for higher ceilings – but more on that later.
The ultimate footprint of the unit always starts with the size and weight of the product you need to store – and then how much of it you have.
Vertical Carousel Modules store items on carriers ranging from 49 to 144 inches wide by 17 to 24 inches deep. The carrier width is roughly 2 feet shorter than the overall unit width allowing some room on either side of the carrier for the track. The height of the carrier can range from 8 to 19 inches. Carriers can be further subdivided with additional shelves for management of smaller items. Totes, containers, boxes or drawers can be used to organize smaller parts in a high density storage environment.
Vertical Carousel Module Carriers:
Horizontal Carousel Modules store items in carriers that hang from an overhead track. Carriers can be 24.5, 32.5 or 37 inches wide by 18, 22 or 24 inches deep. The carrier height ranges from 6 to 12 feet and determines the height of the overall unit. Carriers can be divided using intermediate shelving to create custom storage locations ideal for totes, containers or boxes holding smaller items.
Horizontal Carousel Module Carriers:
Product weight can also be a variable in your automated storage technology selection. Vertical Carousel Modules can handle weights up to 1,430 pounds per carrier; while Horizontal Carousel Modules can handle up to 2,000 pounds per carrier. In some cases a few pounds can make all the difference.
Now that you know the basics – which one should you use? Well it’s not always so clear cut – but let me give you four things to consider...
The physical space of your warehouse is a main consideration when it comes to deciding between a Vertical Carousel Modules and horizontal Carousel Modules – specifically ceiling height. A lower ceiling height might mandate a Horizontal Carousel Module over a Vertical Carousel Module. Although if space is really tight and you are looking for maximum cubic capacity a Vertical Carousel Module might be the better option.
Even at a lower ceiling height as Vertical Carousel Module provide a bit more capacity when compared to Horizontal Carousel Module. Another option is to build a tall attached exterior enclosure to house the Vertical Carousel Module and punch an access opening through an existing exterior wall – this is more common than you’d think – especially for low ceiling facilities that are out of space. It’s all about the balance of the physical space you have and the space (storage density) you require.
Another consideration is the system throughput requirement – which is dependent on your specific application. How fast you need to get product out of the system might determine the best technology for you. Throughput rates are highly dependent on the system configuration (layout and process), inventory locations (slotting), order profile (single line vs multi), picking strategy (single order or batch picking) etc.
Carousels are generally arranged into workstations, or pods. An operator(s) works within the pod picking stored product from each machine to fill orders – usually following light or voice directed picking commands. One of the main advantages to automated storage and retrieval systems is the good to person delivery. All stored goods are delivered directly to the operator, significantly reducing walk and search time and therefore increasing order picking throughput rates.
A word of caution when designing a workstation, always consider the operator walk time to the units. Vertical Carousel Modules are generally laid out in a straight line – 2 or 3 – in row next to one another. Arranging 3 Vertical Carousel Modules next to each other can quickly create a 36 foot (plus) work area. When there are 4 or more Vertical Carousel Modules you usually see them arranged 2 by 2; face to face. This allows the operator to work in the middle of the workstation and access all 4 units easily; with a 24 foot walking area, instead of 48 feet. In high throughput application, every step counts.
For high throughput, Horizontal Carousel Modules are also arranged in workstations or pods; but the difference here is the access point is variable and can be adjusted to create the most efficient layout. When using 2 Horizontal Carousel Modules side by side, the operator can access each carousel at an angle, creating a small workstation of only 5 or 6 feet. When multiple Horizontal Carousel Modules are positioned in a workstation the center carousels can be pushed back and accessed from the front, while the side ones can be directed to stop on a side or angle – creating a very tight workstation for the operator.
With the right configuration and process in place, Horizontal Carousel Modules can deliver at higher throughput rates; but conversely they take up more floor space than a Horizontal Carousel Modules. So there’s a tradeoff between throughput and storage density.
The stability of your product mix is also a decision criteria to consider. Vertical Carousel Modules provide highly dense storage for static product sizes. While intermediate shelves can be changed from storing 2 inch tall product today to 4 inch products tomorrow; there are carrier size limitations. Horizontal Carousel Modules are easier to adjust to a changing product mix. Carrier shelving can be added or removed and pick lights can be adjusted as needed.
It all comes down to how much does it cost and what’s your budget. Overall, the Horizontal Carousel Module is the least expensive option per cubic foot stored. While price is always a main consideration, it’s never all about price in the end - it’s about finding the best system to meet your needs now and into the future. Your decision should be based on the space you have, the requirements of your application and the cost. Ask a material handling specialist to analyze your application, provide you a comparison cost for both solutions and help you weigh the pros and cons.
You may also like: ASRS 101: Intro to Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
Or this comparison: Vertical Lift Modules vs Vertical Carousel Modules