Lean Lifts

Hänel Lean-Lift® Vertical Lift Module
Flexibility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Economy, efficiency and ecology – these are the demands that modern-day intralogistics must meet. The Hänel Lean-Lift® is a firstclass, high-tech system for storage organization and materials handling that saves time, storage space and money while making workflows much more efficient

Hänel Lean-Lift® VLM – benefits that speak for themselves

The Hänel Lean-Lift® uses the available room height – in a similar way to a high-bay warehouse or miniload system. Unlike these, however, it stores parts in height optimized positions so that no space is lost. This produces maximum storage capacity on a minimal footprint. This in turn saves costs and helps to utilize the area dedicated to storage more economically.

The ergonomic design minimizes the physical strain for employees at work. Hänel goes far beyond the requirements of today’s safety standards.

Countless companies throughout the world use the Hänel Lean-Lift® to increase the cost-effectiveness of their warehousing and materials handling. Hänel also offers customized special features to get even more efficiency out of the Hänel Lean-Lift®. One highlight is the Hänel EcoDrive® – efficient energy recovery with the Hänel Lean-Lift®.

The Hänel Lean-Lift® brings the requested item automatically to the access area in seconds, where it can be retrieved at the optimum ergonomic height. Goods to man is the motto instead of man to goods. Access times are radically reduced and order-picking performance substantially improved.

The state-of-the-art Hänel microprocessor controllers can be used as stand-alone inventory management systems or communicate with customers’ own data pro- cessing systems. An up-to-date overview of inventory is ensured at all times.

It goes without saying that production at our three plants meets the latest environmental guidelines. Only environmentally friendly, recyclable materials are used. But it’s not only the production that lives up to Hänel’s ecological principles – even the Hänel Lean-Lift® itself does so. Moreover, the Hänel EcoDrive® makes a contribution toward reducing CO2 emissions.

With the intelligent energy management feature Hänel EcoMode®, the Hänel storage systems can be switched to different standby modes. This allows energy consumption to be reduced to a minimum.

If you want to improve your intralogistics concept and reduce costs, you should talk to the specialists at Hänel first. They will work with you to develop your own ‘tailormade intralogistics concept’.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Hänel Lean-Lift®?

The Hänel Lean-Lift® is an automated vertical lift module (VLM) designed to maximize storage capacity while minimizing floor space. Using a "goods-to-person" retrieval system, it automatically delivers stored items to an ergonomic access opening, reducing walking, searching, and manual handling.

How much space can a Hänel Lean-Lift® save?

A Hänel Lean-Lift® can significantly increase storage density by utilizing unused vertical space. Depending on your facility layout and inventory, businesses can achieve up to 85% more storage capacity within the same footprint compared to conventional shelving or rack systems.

What types of products can be stored in a Lean-Lift®?

The system can store a wide variety of items, including:

  • Industrial parts and components
  • Tools and dies
  • Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies
  • Medical and pharmaceutical inventory
  • Electronic components
  • Automotive parts
  • Aerospace components
  • Documents and archives

Storage trays can be configured for items of different sizes, weights, and heights.

How does the Hänel Lean-Lift® improve productivity?

Instead of employees walking through aisles searching for inventory, the Lean-Lift® automatically retrieves the requested tray and delivers it to an ergonomic access point. This "goods-to-person" approach reduces retrieval times, increases picking accuracy, and improves overall warehouse efficiency.

Is the Hänel Lean-Lift® safe to operate?

Yes. The Lean-Lift® is designed with multiple safety features, including light curtains, enclosed storage, controlled access points, overload protection, and ergonomic retrieval heights that help reduce lifting strain and workplace injuries.

Can the Lean-Lift® integrate with inventory management software?

Yes. The Hänel Lean-Lift® can operate as a standalone inventory management system or integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP platforms, and barcode scanning solutions for real-time inventory control.

Can multiple operators use the same Lean-Lift®?

Yes. Depending on the system configuration, multiple access openings can be installed, allowing more than one operator to work with the same system simultaneously and increasing throughput.

Is the Hänel Lean-Lift® customizable?

Absolutely. Each system is engineered to fit your available ceiling height and storage requirements. Options include multiple access openings, wider units, pallet handling, weighing systems, LED lighting, automated doors, and industry-specific configurations.

What industries benefit from a Hänel Lean-Lift®?

The Lean-Lift® is widely used in:

  • Manufacturing
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Healthcare
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Government
  • Distribution
  • Electronics
  • Tool and die operations
  • Maintenance departments

Its flexible design makes it suitable for nearly any organization needing secure, high-density storage.

Does the Lean-Lift® help improve inventory accuracy?

Yes. By storing items in assigned locations and integrating with inventory software, the system helps reduce picking errors, improve inventory visibility, and maintain accurate stock records. Barcode scanners and pick-to-light options can further improve accuracy.

Is the Hänel Lean-Lift® energy efficient?

Yes. The system incorporates energy-saving technologies such as Hänel EcoDrive® for energy recovery and EcoMode® standby functions that reduce power consumption during idle periods.

Does SpacesaverVA provide installation and support?

Yes. Spacesaver Storage Solutions provides consultation, system design, installation, training, and ongoing support to help organizations maximize the value of their Hänel Lean-Lift® investment.

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