Objective To investigate the efficiency of intelligent vertical storage system in transport of sterile surgical packages from central sterile supply department (CSSD) to operating rooms. Methods Sterile surgical packages used in 152 surgical patients in October 2018 were assigned into the control group, and the packages were kept in an enclosed cart and transported from CSSD to operating rooms by escort workers. Sterile surgical packages used in 174 surgical patients in November 2018 were assigned into the intervention group, and the packages were transported from CSSD via an intelligent vertical storage system. Transport time and pre-operation retrieval time of sterile surgical packages, incidence of adverse events regarding sterile surgical packages were compared between the 2 groups. Results Transport time and retrieval time of sterile surgical packages in the intervention group were significantly shorter than the controls;the incidence rates of missed sterile surgical packages during transport and retrieval in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01 for all). Conclusion Application of the intelligent vertical storage system has distinct advantages in expiration date management, localization, and check-in/check-out of sterile surgical packages. This method can ensure quality control of sterile surgical packages, optimize the work flow, and meet surgical demands.