Multi-Tower Automated Storage Systems

Not all automated storage needs are created equal. A small tool-and-die shop has different requirements than a high-volume automotive supplier. That’s why modern tower-type automated warehouse systems come in three primary configurations—mono, double, and multi-tower—each offering distinct advantages in cost, capacity, and scalability.

Understanding these options is crucial for making an informed investment that aligns with your current operations and future growth.

Mono Tower: Simplicity and Focus

The mono tower is a single-column system served by one dedicated lift. It’s ideal for businesses needing to automate storage for one primary material type—such as a mold storage application or a dedicated sheet metal buffer near a single machine.

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Easy installation and maintenance
• Minimal footprint (as small as 2m x 2m)
• Perfect for pilot projects or departmental use

Best for: Job shops, R&D labs, or satellite workstations requiring localized automation.

Double Tower: Balanced Efficiency

A double tower configuration features two vertical storage columns sharing one central lift mechanism, often with a horizontal transfer trolley that shuttles loads between sides. This design doubles storage capacity without doubling the mechanical components—offering excellent ROI.

Pros:

• 2x storage in ~1.5x the footprint of a mono tower
• Shared lift reduces energy and maintenance costs
• Enables segregation (e.g., raw vs. finished, steel vs. aluminum)
• Supports higher throughput with minimal added complexity

Best for: Mid-sized fabricators, electronics assemblers, or plants running dual-shift operations.

Multi-Tower: Enterprise-Grade Automation

For large facilities managing hundreds of SKUs or serving multiple production lines, the multi-tower system creates a fully integrated vertical warehouse. Multiple towers are networked via conveyors, AGVs, or rail-guided vehicles, all controlled by a central WMS.

Pros:

• Massive storage density (thousands of SKUs)
• Full FIFO/LIFO control and batch traceability
• Seamless integration with end-to-end production
• Scalable—add towers as demand grows

Best for: Automotive OEMs, aerospace manufacturers, or distribution centers requiring high-velocity, high-accuracy material flow.

Making the Right Choice

Consider these questions:

• What’s your average daily retrieval volume?
• Do you handle multiple material types or just one?
• Is floor space extremely limited?
• Do you plan to expand in the next 3–5 years?

A mono tower might suffice today—but if growth is imminent, designing for double or multi-tower compatibility from the start saves costly retrofits later.

Regardless of configuration, all tower systems share core benefits: space savings, labor reduction, enhanced safety, and digital readiness. By matching the right architecture to your operational profile, you unlock the full potential of automated vertical storage—today and tomorrow.