As warehouse operations face increasing pressure to store more inventory in less space, many teams begin evaluating automated vertical storage. If you’ve already researched vertical lift modules (VLMs), one name likely keeps coming up: Modula.
But once Modula is on your shortlist, the real question becomes more nuanced:
Is a Modula VLM the right choice for your operation—or would a system from Kardex Remstar be a better fit?
This guide is written for buyers who already understand the basics of automated storage and are now in the decision phase. Rather than rehashing what a VLM is, we’ll focus on practical differences, real-world use cases, and selection criteria that help validate whether Modula is the best solution for your warehouse.
What Is a Modula VLM (and Why It’s So Widely Used)
A Modula VLM is a tray-based automated vertical storage system designed to store inventory in a compact vertical footprint and deliver items directly to an operator at an ergonomic access opening.
Unlike traditional shelving or static racking, VLMs maximize available ceiling height while drastically reducing walking, searching, and picking time.
What makes Modula stand out in practice is adaptability. These systems are commonly selected by operations that manage thousands of SKUs, frequently changing inventory profiles, or space-constrained layouts.
Key Strengths of Modula Vertical Lift Modules
While all VLMs share the same core concept, Modula systems are often chosen for the following reasons:
High SKU flexibility with dynamically adjusted tray heights
Strong performance in high-mix, low-to-medium throughput environments
Modular designs that scale vertically without expanding floor space
Intuitive software and operator-friendly interfaces
Excellent fit for controlled-access and high-accuracy picking applications
For many facilities, Modula VLMs act as a stepping stone toward broader warehouse automation without requiring a full AS/RS overhaul on day one.
Kardex Remstar Explained (and Why the Name Matters)
Before comparing systems, it’s important to clear up a common point of confusion.
Kardex Remstar represents the VLM division of Kardex, following Kardex’s acquisition of the Remstar brand. While people still search for “Remstar vertical storage,” modern systems are sold under the Kardex Remstar name.
From a buyer’s perspective, Modula and Kardex Remstar are true competitors, offering mature, proven vertical lift technologies used across manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare environments.
Modula VLM vs Kardex Remstar: Real Decision Factors (Not Spec Sheets)
Rather than comparing brochures, here are the practical differences that typically matter most when choosing between these systems.
1. SKU Variability & Tray Optimization
Modula VLMs are frequently selected in environments where:
SKU heights vary significantly
Inventory profiles change over time
New products are introduced regularly
Dynamic tray height optimization helps maximize storage density without frequent manual reconfiguration.
Kardex Remstar systems also handle mixed SKUs effectively, but operations with rapid SKU turnover often find Modula’s flexibility especially beneficial.
2. Software, Workflow & Operator Experience
Both manufacturers offer advanced software platforms that integrate with ERP and WMS systems. However, buyers often evaluate:
Ease of operator training
Speed of onboarding new users
Visibility into inventory and access controls
Many customers choose Modula for its intuitive workflows, especially in facilities transitioning from manual storage to automation for the first time.
3. Throughput Expectations and Picking Profiles
VLMs are not designed to replace high-speed sortation systems—but within their ideal use cases, throughput is strong.
Modula VLMs excel in consistent picking environments with high SKU counts
Kardex Remstar systems perform well in standardized, repeatable workflows
If your application requires extremely fast, repetitive picks, it may be worth evaluating Vertical Carousels or goods-to-person robotics alongside VLMs.
4. Service, Support & Long-Term Ownership
One of the most overlooked factors in VLM selection is long-term support.
Beyond the machine itself, consider:
Local service availability
Parts lead times
Experience with relocations and retrofits
Support for used or refurbished systems
At Vertical Storage USA, we help customers evaluate both new and used VLM options, ensuring the system aligns with operational needs today and five years from now.
When a Modula VLM Is Often the Right Choice
Based on real-world deployments, Modula VLMs are commonly chosen when a warehouse needs to:
Store thousands of SKUs in a minimal footprint
Reclaim valuable floor space without facility expansion
Improve picking accuracy and inventory security
Reduce labor costs and operator walking time
Scale storage vertically as inventory grows
These systems are widely used in:
Manufacturing and MRO environments
Pharmaceutical and medical supply facilities
Electronics and component storage
E-commerce parts fulfillment
Distribution centers with space constraints
For a deeper look at vertical storage use cases, visit our Storage Solutions Page.
When Kardex Remstar May Be the Better Fit
Kardex Remstar systems may be a strong option when:
Your organization already uses Kardex automation elsewhere
Standardization across multiple facilities is a priority
Internal teams are trained on Kardex platforms
Applications are highly repeatable and uniform
Again, this isn’t about one system being “better”—it’s about alignment with your operation and internal resources.
Are Modula VLMs Part of an AS/RS Strategy?
Yes—and often more than buyers expect.
A Modula VLM can serve as:
A standalone automated storage solution
An entry point into automated storage and retrieval systems
A complementary system alongside pallet shuttles, conveyors, or robotics
Many facilities start with VLMs to solve immediate space and picking challenges, then layer in additional automation later.
How to Choose the Right Vertical Storage Partner
Choosing between Modula and Kardex Remstar is important—but choosing the right integration partner is critical.
Before moving forward, a proper evaluation should include:
SKU data analysis and tray sizing
Ceiling height and structural constraints
New vs used system comparisons
Service and support planning
Future expansion or relocation needs
Our team provides layout planning and system selection guidance as part of a our optimization services to ensure the solution fits both current and future operations.
Final Takeaway
If you’re already familiar with automated vertical storage and are evaluating a Modula VLM, the question isn’t whether the technology works—it’s whether it fits your inventory profile, workflow, and long-term growth strategy.
Modula and Kardex Remstar both offer proven vertical lift solutions. The right choice depends on how you operate today—and how you plan to scale tomorrow.
If you’d like help validating your layout, comparing new vs used systems, or determining whether a VLM is the best next step, our team is here to help.
