Kardex System Comparison: Automated Storage and Software Solutions

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
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

Which Kardex Storage System Is Right for Your Facility?

The best automated storage solution depends on what you store, how frequently items are picked, and what you need to improve.

Need to Reclaim Floor Space?

Consider a Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Module (VLM).

VLMs use available building height to store inventory in a compact footprint. They’re particularly useful for facilities managing a wide variety of parts while trying to reduce floor-space requirements.

Need Fast Access to Small, Frequently Picked Parts?

Consider a Kardex LR35 Vertical Buffer Module (VBM).

VBMs are designed for fast retrieval of smaller items, making them well suited for order picking, kitting, and production replenishment.

Need Reliable Access to Tools and Repetitively Picked Items?

Consider a Kardex Megamat RS Vertical Carousel.

Vertical carousels bring stored items to an operator at an ergonomic access point. They can be a good fit for tools, spare parts, and repetitive picking workflows.

Need to Automate Multiple Workflows?

Consider combining systems with Kardex software.

Different inventory types may require different storage solutions. AMH can help evaluate how multiple automated systems and Kardex Power Pick System software could work together to support storage, picking, and inventory visibility.

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.

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 Vertical Buffer Module with Kardex Power Pick System software for fast, accurate small-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

Frequently Asked Questions About Kardex Systems

What is the difference between a Kardex VLM and a vertical carousel?

A Kardex VLM stores inventory on trays and retrieves the requested tray for the operator. A vertical carousel rotates carriers to bring stored items to an access opening. VLMs are often selected for flexible, high-density storage, while vertical carousels can be effective for repetitive access to tools and parts.

Which Kardex system is best for small-parts picking?

A Kardex LR35 Vertical Buffer Module is often a strong choice for smaller, frequently picked items. The best system depends on inventory characteristics, picking frequency, and required throughput.

Can different Kardex systems work together?

Yes. Facilities can use different automated storage systems for different inventory and picking requirements. Kardex software can help connect storage and picking processes, depending on the facility’s integration needs.

How do I know which Kardex system my facility needs?

Start by evaluating inventory dimensions, picking frequency, available floor space, workflow requirements, and future growth. AMH can assess these factors and recommend an appropriate combination of automated storage solutions.

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.