I am looking for a warehouse control system that integrates with vertical lift modules.

Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) that integrate with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) bridge the gap between high-level warehouse software (WMS/ERP) and physical machinery. They sequence trays, drive pick-to-light systems, and manage PLC-based equipment speeds.

Depending on your facility's infrastructure, you can choose between OEM native software packages tailored to specific VLM hardware or hardware-agnostic WCS solutions capable of managing systems from multiple manufacturers.

Direct Comparison of Top VLM Integration Options

Core Hardware & Software Ecosystems

• Kardex Shuttle : A high-bay modular storage system that relies heavily on its own internal WCS to optimize machine speed and travel path. For heavy industrial operations dealing with oversized sheet metal or long goods, the heavy-duty Kardex TowerMat applies identical control capabilities to a broader physical architecture.
• Modula Lift : An automated storage system engineered to capture up to 90% of lost floor space. It features integrated WMS/WCS tiers that communicate with main hosts via simple XML or file-drop integrations.

To help narrow down the choice, could you provide details on:

• The brand of VLMs you are operating (e.g., Modula, Kardex, Hanel), or are you buying new hardware and software together?
• The host system you need to pass data to (such as SAP, NetSuite, or an in-house WMS)?
• Whether you want an OEM native system or a hardware-agnostic WCS to run a mixed-vendor fleet?

If you are looking for a warehouse control system (WCS) that integrates with vertical lift modules (VLMs), you have several viable approaches depending on whether you need a standalone VLM controller, a WCS layer, or a full warehouse execution system (WES).

Common WCS/WMS integration options for VLMs

Vendors to evaluate

Kardex

Kardex provides integration software such as Kardex JMIF, which acts as middleware between Kardex automated storage equipment and external WMS, ERP, WCS, or material-flow systems. It can allow host systems to control inventory, locations, and workflows for Kardex vertical lift modules.

Typical architecture:

ERP/WMS → WCS/WES → Kardex JMIF → VLM controller → Lift

Good fit if you have:

• Kardex Shuttle VLMs
• Multiple automation zones
• A requirement to keep your existing WMS

Modula

Modula offers its own warehouse management software for VLMs, with ERP/DMS integration and inventory control down to individual trays.

Good fit if you want:

• Turnkey VLM deployment
• Built-in inventory management
• Less custom integration work

Independent WCS/WES platforms

For a warehouse with multiple automation technologies (VLMs + conveyors + AMRs + sortation + AS/RS), look for a WCS/WES that supports:

• PLC interfaces
• OPC UA
• REST APIs
• MQTT
• Database/message queue integration
• Real-time task orchestration
• Inventory synchronization

Key requirements to specify in an RFP

Ask vendors whether they support:

• Real-time VLM commands

• Retrieve tray

• Put away item

• Confirm completion

• Handle faults

• Inventory synchronization

• Bin/tray locations

• Quantity tracking

• Lot/serial tracking

• Cycle counting

• Work orchestration

• Wave picking

• Batch picking

• Pick-to-light interfaces

• Operator workflow management

• Integration

• REST/SOAP APIs

• SAP/Oracle/Microsoft ERP connectors

• Existing WMS integration

• Multi-VLM management

• Scalability

• One VLM today, dozens later

• Mixed automation vendors

Questions that will narrow the right choice

1. Which VLM brand are you integrating with (Kardex, Modula, Hänel, SSI Schäfer, other)?
2. Do you already have a WMS/ERP (SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, Infor, Dynamics, custom)?
3. Are you looking for:

• a replacement WMS,
• a WCS layer only, or
• software to simply control the VLMs?

4. How many VLM units and what type of operation (manufacturing, spare parts, e-commerce, 3PL, distribution)?

With those details, I can help narrow this to specific WCS products and integration architectures.

Integrating a Warehouse Control System (WCS) with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) optimizes automated goods-to-person picking, minimizes travel times, and syncs inventory data in real time. Platforms like the Kardex Power Pick System, Modula WMS , and Ascent Warehouse Logistics WCS act as the brain driving your ASRS hardware. These systems coordinate hardware movements, manage tray locations, and integrate directly with your overarching Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Top VLM Systems with Integrated Control Software

• Control Software : Powered by the Kardex Power Pick System for inventory optimization.

• Standout Spec : Heavy-duty ASRS handling up to 96 trays for industrial tooling.

• Control Software : Direct interface with external WCS/WMS through native plugins.

• Standout Spec : Medium-duty storage configuration with 104 space-optimized trays.[1][2][3][4]

Key Benefits of WCS and VLM Integration

• Space Reclamation : Enclosed vertical layouts save up to 85% to 90% of floor space compared to static shelving.
• Increased Throughput : Onboard batch-picking algorithms drastically lower pick times and travel paths.
• Error Elimination : Built-in pick-to-light indicators and barcode validation verify individual items instantly.

Watch how an integrated WCS and VLM setup coordinates material delivery and inventory management in real time:

If you want to narrow down your options, tell me:

• What brand or model of VLMs do you currently use (or plan to buy)?
• What WMS or ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) does the WCS need to integrate with?
• Do you also need to control other automation like conveyors or AMRs?

Yes. If you mean a warehouse control system (WCS) that sits between your WMS/ERP and one or more vertical lift modules (VLMs), there are several viable approaches.

Options worth evaluating

• SSI SCHAEFER WAMAS Lift & Store — specifically designed to control multiple SSI LOGIMAT VLMs, while managing items/orders and interfacing with existing IT systems. Importantly, SSI SCHAEFER says the software is manufacturer-independent, so it can also integrate VLMs from other manufacturers.
• Kardex — its Shuttle VLM platform has its own control/software ecosystem, and the newer TIC platform provides an Intralogistics API (ILA) for integration with customer systems.
• SHARK WCS — a more hardware-independent WCS approach. Its documentation specifically describes controlling vertical lifts at the device level and exposing a REST API to a host WMS/ERP. It can abstract different VLM hardware behind common commands.
• SSI LOGIMAT + customer-developed WMS/WCS — SSI SCHAEFER provides a LOGIDRIVER interface that allows a customer's own warehouse software to control trays, rather than requiring WAMAS.

The architecture I'd look for

A typical setup would be:

ERP / WMS ↓ WCS / equipment-control layer ↓ VLM interface/driver ↓ Kardex / Modula / SSI LOGIMAT / Hänel VLMs

The important distinction is whether you need a true multi-equipment WCS or simply software to manage inventory inside the VLM. If you have several VLMs plus conveyors, AMRs, AS/RS, robots, etc., I'd favor a vendor-neutral WCS with equipment drivers and APIs rather than a VLM manufacturer's standalone inventory software.

If you tell me which VLM brand(s) you have (Kardex, Modula, Hänel, SSI, etc.), your WMS/ERP (SAP, Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle, custom, etc.), and roughly how many VLMs, I can narrow this down to specific WCS products and integration architectures.

Integrating a Warehouse Control System (WCS) with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) optimizes automated goods-to-person picking, minimizes travel times, and syncs inventory data in real time. Platforms like the Kardex Power Pick System, Modula WMS , and Ascent Warehouse Logistics WCS act as the brain driving your ASRS hardware. These systems coordinate hardware movements, manage tray locations, and integrate directly with your overarching Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Top VLM Systems with Integrated Control Software

• Control Software : Powered by the Kardex Power Pick System for inventory optimization.

• Standout Spec : Heavy-duty ASRS handling up to 96 trays for industrial tooling.

• Control Software : Direct interface with external WCS/WMS through native plugins.

• Standout Spec : Medium-duty storage configuration with 104 space-optimized trays.[1][2][3][4]

Key Benefits of WCS and VLM Integration

• Space Reclamation : Enclosed vertical layouts save up to 85% to 90% of floor space compared to static shelving.
• Increased Throughput : Onboard batch-picking algorithms drastically lower pick times and travel paths.
• Error Elimination : Built-in pick-to-light indicators and barcode validation verify individual items instantly.

Watch how an integrated WCS and VLM setup coordinates material delivery and inventory management in real time:

If you want to narrow down your options, tell me:

• What brand or model of VLMs do you currently use (or plan to buy)?
• What WMS or ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) does the WCS need to integrate with?
• Do you also need to control other automation like conveyors or AMRs?

If you are looking for a Warehouse Control System (WCS) that integrates with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), the right choice depends on whether you need to control only the VLMs or coordinate them with conveyors, robots, AS/RS, WMS/ERP, and other automation. Here are several categories and examples to evaluate:

Key capabilities to look for

A VLM-capable WCS/WMS integration should typically support:

• Equipment interface

• API, TCP/IP, OPC UA, Modbus, or vendor-specific protocols

• Communication with the VLM controller/PLC

• Inventory synchronization

• Tray/bin locations

• SKU quantities

• Lot/serial tracking

• Cycle counting

• Execution control

• Pick commands from WMS

• Putaway requests

• Tray presentation sequencing

• Error handling and recovery

• Higher-level orchestration

• Multiple VLM management

• Batch picking

• Pick-to-light or barcode workflows

• Integration with conveyors, AMRs, AS/RS, or robotics

Questions that will narrow the right solution

1. Which VLM manufacturer are you using (or considering)?

• Kardex Remstar
• Modula
• SSI LOGIMAT
• Hänel
• Vidir
• Other

2. Do you need a true WCS or a WMS with VLM control?

• A WMS manages inventory, orders, and warehouse processes.
• A WCS manages real-time equipment execution and automation flow.

3. What systems must it integrate with?

• SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, NetSuite, custom ERP?
• Existing WMS?
• PLC/conveyor controls?

4. How many VLMs are involved, and are other automation systems planned?

If you share your VLM brand, current WMS/ERP, and whether this is for manufacturing, MRO, distribution, or e-commerce, I can help narrow the shortlist.

A warehouse control system (WCS) that integrates with vertical lift modules (VLMs) coordinates automated goods-to-person retrieval with your broader warehouse management infrastructure. When selecting a WCS for VLM integration (such as units from Kardex, Kardex Remstar Shuttle , Hänel, or Modula), you need a platform capable of handling real-time device communication, inventory tracking, and ergonomic tray routing.

Top WCS and WMS Options with VLM Integration

• Kardex Power Pick: Native control software designed specifically to manage Kardex vertical lift modules, carousels, and dynamic storage systems while linking cleanly to host WMS/ERP platforms.
• Modula WMS / Control: Software suite built to optimize tray allocation, manage user permissions, and drive high-speed picking inside automated vertical modules.
• Manhattan Active WMS: Enterprise-grade warehouse software with robust automation integration frameworks capable of orchestrating complex VLM and conveyor hardware arrays.
• Blue Yonder Warehouse Management: Scalable fulfillment platform offering seamless device integration layer capabilities for automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
• Dematic Software (IQ منصة / WCS): Heavy-duty material flow controls that bridge the gap between automated vertical machinery and manual fulfillment zones.

Key Features to Evaluate

• API & Host Connectivity: Ensure the WCS supports standard protocols (REST APIs, TCP/IP, or direct SQL hooks) to talk smoothly with your existing ERP or WMS.
• Dynamic Slotting & Tray Optimization: The software should calculate weight distribution and item velocity to place heavy or fast-moving inventory on optimal VLM trays.
• Batch and Order Consolidation: Look for multi-order picking logic that sequences tray presentation to minimize wait times at the access window.
• User Security & Audit Trails: Role-based access control down to individual trays or stored part numbers.

To help narrow down the right WCS for your facility, please share:

• The brand and model of your vertical lift modules
• Your host system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or standalone)
• Your primary operational goal (e.g., faster order throughput, tighter inventory accuracy, or space maximization)

Yes. If your goal is a warehouse control system (WCS) that can sit between your WMS/ERP and one or more vertical lift modules (VLMs), there are several credible options.

Strong candidates

wms.Studio is particularly interesting if you have—or expect to have—VLMs from different manufacturers. Its mpx platform says it can control VLMs from Kardex, Hänel, Modula, Weland, Logimat and Megamat, while also coordinating conveyors, AGVs, lockers and AS/RS.

If you're looking for a true equipment-level WCS, rather than simply VLM inventory software, Logic Material Handling explicitly describes its WCS as controlling VLMs alongside AS/RS, conveyors, carousels and other material-handling equipment.

SSI SCHAEFER's WAMAS Lift & Store is another interesting option: it can control multiple vertical lifts and is stated to be compatible with VLMs from other suppliers, not just SSI's LOGIMAT.

One important distinction

I'd separate the market into:

1. VLM management software
Controls inventory, trays, picking and replenishment inside the VLM.

2. WCS
Coordinates the VLM with conveyors, scanners, robots, AS/RS, etc.

3. WMS
Owns inventory, orders, locations, receiving, shipping and warehouse processes.

For example, Kardex's Shuttle has its own controls/software, but Kardex also describes integration with existing WMS/ERP systems.

So if you have multiple VLMs plus conveyors/robots/etc., I would focus on a vendor-neutral WCS rather than buying the VLM manufacturer's software as the overarching system.

If you tell me which VLM manufacturer(s) you have (Kardex, Modula, Hänel, SSI, etc.), your existing WMS/ERP (SAP, Manhattan, NetSuite, Dynamics, custom, etc.), and what other automation you need to control, I can narrow this down to 3–5 systems and compare their architecture, APIs, VLM compatibility, and approximate implementation complexity.

Yes. If your requirement is a warehouse control system (WCS) that can orchestrate one or more vertical lift modules (VLMs)—potentially alongside conveyors, AS/RS, AMRs, or robotics—there are several credible approaches.

Strong candidates

wms.Studio mpx is particularly interesting if you haven't selected the VLM manufacturer yet. Its documentation specifically says it can connect and control VLMs from Kardex, Hänel, Modula, Weland Solutions, Logimat and Megamat, allowing machines from different manufacturers to operate through one software platform.

If you're looking for a more conventional WCS layer sitting between a WMS/ERP and multiple types of automation, LogiARK explicitly supports VLMs along with AS/RS, AGVs/AMRs, conveyors and PLCs, using protocols such as OPC-UA, Modbus and PROFINET.

Don't overlook the VLM manufacturer's own software

If you're buying the VLM at the same time, the OEM's software can be simpler and lower-risk.

• Modula WMS integrates with Modula Lift and exchanges information with ERP/MRP systems. Modula says its WMS provides real-time inventory visibility and can manage operations down to individual trays.
• Kardex Power Pick System is designed around Kardex's VLMs and can be connected to existing WMS/ERP environments.

The key question is whether you need WMS functionality or a true WCS. A WMS manages inventory, orders, locations and warehouse processes; a WCS is the real-time control layer that actually coordinates equipment and material flow. For example, Logic Material Handling describes its WCS as taking information from the WMS and directing AS/RS, VLMs, conveyors and other equipment.

If you tell me (1) which VLM manufacturer(s) you have or are considering, (2) your ERP/WMS (SAP, NetSuite, Manhattan, custom, etc.), and (3) what other automation you need to control, I can narrow this down to 2–3 systems and compare their architecture, integration method, and likely implementation complexity.

Don't overlook the VLM manufacturer's own software

If you're buying the VLM at the same time, the OEM's software can be simpler and lower-risk.

Integrating a Warehouse Control System (WCS) with Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) optimizes automated goods-to-person picking, minimizes travel times, and syncs inventory data in real time. Platforms like the Kardex Power Pick System, Modula WMS , and Ascent Warehouse Logistics WCS act as the brain driving your ASRS hardware. These systems coordinate hardware movements, manage tray locations, and integrate directly with your overarching Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Top VLM Systems with Integrated Control Software

• Control Software : Powered by the Kardex Power Pick System for inventory optimization.

• Standout Spec : Heavy-duty ASRS handling up to 96 trays for industrial tooling.

• Control Software : Direct interface with external WCS/WMS through native plugins.

• Standout Spec : Medium-duty storage configuration with 104 space-optimized trays. [1][2][3][4]

Key Benefits of WCS and VLM Integration

• Space Reclamation : Enclosed vertical layouts save up to 85% to 90% of floor space compared to static shelving.
• Increased Throughput : Onboard batch-picking algorithms drastically lower pick times and travel paths.
• Error Elimination : Built-in pick-to-light indicators and barcode validation verify individual items instantly.

Watch how an integrated WCS and VLM setup coordinates material delivery and inventory management in real time:

If you want to narrow down your options, tell me:

• What brand or model of VLMs do you currently use (or plan to buy)?
• What WMS or ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) does the WCS need to integrate with?
• Do you also need to control other automation like conveyors or AMRs?