How to Prepare Your Facility for a Vertical Lift Module Installation

If you’re considering bringing a Vertical Lift Module (VLM) into your facility, you’re already moving in the right direction. These systems improve storage efficiency, increase picking speed, and free up valuable floor space. But while the technology behind VLMs is impressive, many businesses underestimate how much preparation is required before installation even begins.

This article walks you through the planning and prep work needed for a successful vertical lift module installation. Whether you’ve just signed the contract or are still weighing your options, this guide will help you avoid delays, unexpected costs, and headaches once installation day arrives.

Why Facility Prep Is So Important for VLM Installations

A VLM isn’t a plug-and-play piece of equipment. It’s a tall, heavy, complex storage system that often integrates with your existing workflow and warehouse management software. If your facility isn’t properly prepared, installation can hit roadblocks, causing extended downtime or requiring last-minute changes that eat into your budget.

The goal here is simple: set your space up for success so the VLM install is smooth, efficient, and immediately beneficial.

Evaluate Your Space Requirements Early

You’d be surprised how many VLM projects get delayed because the machine doesn’t fit or can’t be installed where it was originally planned.

Check Ceiling Height and Clearance

Some units can reach up to 40 feet or more. Your facility needs to have adequate ceiling clearance, not just for the VLM’s height, but also for any maintenance or safety access required at the top.

Measure ceiling height carefully
Look for overhead obstructions like HVAC units, piping, or lighting
Consider seismic bracing requirements in your region

Analyze Floor Space and Load Capacity

Each VLM sits on a designated footprint that must be clear of obstructions. That includes not just the machine itself, but also room for technicians during installation and future maintenance.

Ensure the floor is level and rated to support the VLM’s static and dynamic loads
Look out for nearby support columns, doors, or other equipment that could interfere
Make space for operator access points, touchscreens, and staging zones

Pro tip: It’s a good idea to chalk or tape out the VLM’s footprint beforehand to help visualize how it’ll fit into your layout.

Prepare Your Power and Connectivity Infrastructure

A Vertical Lift Module requires electrical power and, in most cases, network connectivity. It’s important to have the infrastructure ready well before your VLM installation date.

Coordinate with Your Electrician

VLMs don’t run on standard wall outlets. Your system will need a dedicated power supply, which may involve:

3-phase power
Hardwiring to a disconnect switch
Voltage and amperage requirements that vary by model

Plan this out with a licensed electrician, and confirm everything matches the equipment’s specifications before the install team arrives.

Plan Network Access

If your VLM will connect to your Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, you’ll need:

A wired Ethernet connection or secure wireless network
IP addresses assigned in advance
IT personnel available during installation to help with system integration

Make sure these resources are ready to avoid delays in commissioning or software syncing.

Map Out Inventory Migration in Advance

A successful VLM installation doesn’t stop at getting the equipment in place; you also need a plan to migrate inventory into the system without disrupting operations.

Identify What Inventory Will Go into the VLM

Not all products are ideal for VLM storage. Focus on items that:

Are small to medium in size
Have consistent shapes and packaging
Are high-mix, low-volume, or require quick picking

Start cataloging SKUs in advance and create a migration plan that minimizes downtime.

Label and Organize Before the Move

To get the most from your VLM’s automation features, your products should be labeled and organized to match bin locations. This makes loading the system faster and reduces human error once it’s in use. Have a team ready to:

Pre-label items
Clean and repackage SKUs if needed
Stage inventory for loading in logical groupings

Confirm Software and Integration Readiness

Modern VLMs are often powered by sophisticated software that enables picking optimization, inventory tracking, and performance analytics.

Sync With Your IT and WMS Teams

Your IT team and WMS provider should be ready for the following:

Software installation
User account setup
Barcode scanner or printer integration
Data mapping for product SKUs, bins, and locations

Ask your VLM provider what technical support will be available during the install and commissioning phases.

Test the User Interface and Workflow

Make sure your staff understands how to:

Input and retrieve items
Run system diagnostics
Perform basic maintenance tasks

A short hands-on training session after installation can go a long way in building comfort and confidence.

Address Safety and Code Compliance

You’ll need to verify that your VLM installation will meet all applicable safety and building codes.

Involve the Right Authorities Early

In some locations, installing a VLM may require:

Building permits
Electrical inspections
Fire marshal approval for obstruction or egress concerns

Loop in your safety officer, facility manager, and local code enforcement as early as possible so you’re not scrambling during or after the installation.

Plan for Operator Safety

While VLMs reduce the need for ladders and heavy lifting, they still require safe operating conditions.

Install protective barriers around the machine’s perimeter if necessary
Post safety signage and user instructions
Schedule operator training to begin as soon as installation is complete

Coordinate Installation Timing and Operations

Installation isn’t always a quick one-day project. You’ll need to plan how your facility will function while the VLM is being installed and tested.

Set Realistic Installation Timelines

Professional installers can provide an accurate estimate based on:

System size
Complexity of integration
Number of units being installed

Make sure internal teams and external vendors are aligned on the schedule, and build in a little extra buffer time for testing and calibration.

Minimize Disruption to Daily Operations

If your installation takes place during work hours, consider how to reduce the impact on normal operations:

Block off the install zone with clear signage
Schedule work during lower-volume shifts
Re-route foot traffic or forklifts as needed

At Distribution X, we take the stress out of the process by handling every part of the VLM installation, from planning and prep to commissioning and training. Check out more about our installation process.

Our VLM Installs

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best equipment, a few missteps during preparation can lead to big headaches down the line. Here’s what to watch out for:

Waiting too long to prepare the installation site: Start early to avoid last-minute surprises.
Assuming power and networking are plug-and-play: VLMs need proper infrastructure planning.
Not accounting for expansion: Choose a location where you could potentially add another unit later.
Overlooking floor load ratings: Always verify that your floor can support the full weight of the system.
Skipping safety protocols: Compliance and training should never be an afterthought.

The Final Checklist Before Your Vertical Lift Module Installation

Here’s a quick rundown of what to confirm before the install crew rolls in:

Site cleared and footprint marked
Ceiling height confirmed and free of obstructions
Electrical setup completed and tested
Network access is available and configured
Floor level and structurally sound
Inventory identified, labeled, and staged
Internal teams are informed and trained
Compliance documents reviewed and permits obtained
Access path for delivery and installation is cleared

Getting all of this squared away ensures your vertical lift module installation is smooth, on time, and ready to start adding value from day one.

Get Your Facility VLM-Ready With Help From Distribution X

From footprint planning and compliance checks to integration support and training, every step matters. Distribution X brings proven experience to every VLM install, making sure your facility is set up for success from day one. Let us handle the prep so you can focus on performance.