Discover your next best step into warehouse automation with Automated Material Handling.
Choosing the right material handling system can feel overwhelming. Kardex offers everything from vertical lift modules to carousels, racking, and integrated software. But which system fits your space, storage, and picking goals? At AMH, we help manufacturers and warehouse managers build the perfect configuration. Compare the most popular Kardex systems to discover which would best fit your storage, picking, and automation goals.
Kardex System Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Storage Type | Applications | Key Advantage |
| Shuttle XP VLM | High SKUs, height savings | Vertical trays | MRO/Tooling, Service/After Market Parts & Distribution | Space efficiency, modular |
| Megamat RS Carousel | Repetitive, fast-access picking | Vertical bins | Distribution, tools | Fast access, ergonomic |
| Horizontal Carousel | Batch picking | Horizontal bins | Electronics, healthcare, & e-commerce distribution | High throughput |
| LR35 Buffer Module | Small fast-movers | Vertical bins | Electronics, pharma | Speed + integration |
| Moveable Racking | Bulky/heavy items | Pallet/bin storage | Machinery, MRO | High-density floor use |
Deep Dive: When to Use Each
Shuttle XP (VLM)
Perfect for storing thousands of parts vertically in minimal floor space. Ideal when you have high SKU volume and limited square footage.
Megamat RS (Vertical Carousel)
Designed for repetitive, high-density, fast-pick workflows like tool storage or spare parts. Operators stay in one spot while the machine brings items to them.
Horizontal Carousel
Optimized for high-speed order picking, especially in batch or wave picking scenarios. Popular in e-commerce and electronic component fulfillment.
LR35 Vertical Buffer Module
Blends speed and compact storage—ideal for light, fast-moving SKUs. Integrates easily with conveyors and robots.
Moveable Racking
Best for large or awkward items stored on pallets or shelves. Maximizes dense storage by removing fixed aisle space.
The Software Behind the Systems
Kardex systems are designed for more than just hardware efficiency—they’re also built to integrate smoothly with a wide range of warehouse management and ERP systems.
Kardex Power Pick System software enables real-time inventory visibility, precise order tracking, and user-friendly automation. This modular platform can be tailored to your operations, supporting everything from basic storage optimization to full-scale picking and replenishment workflows. With intuitive interfaces and robust data connectivity, Kardex software ensures your automated systems work smarter, faster, and more accurately.
Industry Examples: Mixing & Matching for Best Results
Automotive Manufacturer: Shuttle XP for WIP inventory + Megamat RS for tools.
Electronics Factory: LR35 + Horizontal Carousel + Kardex software for high-speed component picking.
Heavy Equipment OEM: Moveable racking + VLMs to manage bulky and serialized inventory efficiently.
Food & Beverage: VLMs for labels and maintenance and Megamat RS for quality retention
Healthcare: Megamat + Kardex software for sterile supplies
Build Your Custom Storage and Retrieval Automation System
Choosing a Kardex system isn’t about picking a product off the shelf—it’s about creating a solution tailored to your operations. At AMH, we help you do just that with expert guidance, layout design, and full integration.
Discover your automation opportunities with a custom Kardex system comparison and application analysis from an AMH automation expert today.