In a vertical carousel storage and retrieval unit and the like, a restricted multi-compartment tote is used in conjunction with a height control such as a plurality of blocking rail. The tote is step-shaped and extends into the full depth of the unit. The blocking rail system allows sliding doors to be moved to one or more intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed positions in order to provide restricted authorized access to each of the compartments in sequential order from the first compartment at the front of the tote to the last compartment at the rear of the tote.