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tall pallet racking in narrow aisle configuration with rack end protectors

Very Narrow Aisle Racking (VNA)

Home - Warehouse Racking - Very Narrow Aisle Racking (VNA)

Very Narrow aisle racking (also known as VNA racking) is presents an advantage in pallet storage. Its configuration, coupled with a small aisle width, facilitates high-density storage, effectively optimising both floor area and roof height simultaneously.

Minimise damage and maintenance costs.

Easy access to every pallet is ensured through VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) forklift trucks, allowing efficient stock rotation management. The investment in such equipment can be justified by the long-term space and efficiency savings provided by this system. These savings extend to reduced maintenance and repair costs, as the carefully guided forklift trucks, employing wired transmission, significantly lower the likelihood of collisions with the structure, thereby minimising potential damage.

Understanding Narrow Aisle Racking

Narrow aisle or Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking maximises both height and floor space simultaneously. By constructing taller racks, it effectively utilises overhead space, while reducing the distance between each row to create room for additional rows. The height of the racks and the aisle width depend on the cubic space in your facility and operational requirements. In situations where floor space is limited and more racks are needed, this becomes a practical solution, enabled by evolving technology in specialist forklift trucks designed to navigate narrow aisles and reach towering racks.

How Narrow Aisle Racking Can Enhance Your Operations

Specialist trucks navigating these aisles are guided by rail or wire, moving in a single direction to minimize the risk of bumps and knocks to the racking structure. Even at the highest level, every pallet can be directly accessed, allowing for maximum storage capacity within the same area.

Accessible pallets, all accounted for, contribute to a more efficient picking process by eliminating time wasted on searching for pallets stored in various locations. The taller racks are particularly beneficial for managing seasonal stock, stored at height until needed, and for safeguarding delicate or high-value items stored at elevated positions.

Is Narrow Aisle Racking Suitable for Your Warehouse?

Pallets with no designated storage space can lead to issues such as lost items, clutter, and safety hazards. If you recognise these challenges, it might be time to thoroughly assess your space. Considering both height and floor space might reveal more usable space than anticipated. If you have sufficient height space, uniform pallet sizes, and a flat floor, narrow aisle racking could be a suitable option. For expert advice and a warehouse assessment, contact our design team to arrange a free site survey.

Constraints with Narrow Aisle Racking

Narrow aisle racking is characterised by narrow aisles accessible only by VNA trucks. However, pallets still need transportation between the racks and goods-in. While VNA trucks are efficient within the aisles, they become less practical once they leave wire or rail guidance. Counterbalance/Reach trucks (standard FLT) with flexible movement and speed can complement activities around the racking structure.

Why Opt for Narrow Aisle Racking?

Choosing the right narrow aisle racking system for your storage facility offers numerous benefits, optimising your warehouse space to accommodate the maximum number of pallets.

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Narrow aisle racking allows you to maximise floor space by reducing aisle width by up to 50% compared to standard aisles. This combined with stacking pallets at greater heights, significantly increases storage density—often approaching double the density of standard aisles.

  • Achieve 100% Accessibility: Enjoy easy and individual access to all pallets, regardless of their storage level.

  • Improved Safety: Advanced handling features on narrow aisle trucks, including the "man up" design, enhance the safety of load handling for your staff.

  • Reduced Damage & Maintenance Costs: Narrow aisle trucks, guided by rail or wire systems, mitigate the risk of rack damage due to collisions, consequently reducing maintenance costs.

runs of pallet racking with bridge bays for forklift access

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO OPTIMISED STORAGE

Getting started is easy. Just arrange a short call with a member of our team to talk through your requirements.