Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking – VNA
Very Narrow Aisle Racking – Advantages and Benefits
Narrow-Aisle Pallet Racks are selective pallet racks arranged with narrow aisles between them. The arrangement enables access to every pallet and First-In First-Out (FIFO) inventory management.
Because fork trucks can work in aisles up to half the width needed in conventional pallet racking, narrow-aisle pallet racking is popular for its space efficiency benefits – both through efficient use of floor space and because it maximises the height at which goods can be stacked.
Erect-A-Rack’s narrow aisle pallet racking storage solutions are designed for safe and efficient load handling in businesses that are space-constrained.
Narrow-Aisle systems do require special handling trucks, super flat floors and Pick-up and Deposit (P&D) stations to achieve designed productivity levels and reduce operating expenses.
Narrow-aisle Pallet Racking Storage Suits:
Medium to high Volumes (over 3000 pallets)
High Land cost
Direct access to each pallet
High clear storage areas
Narrow-Aisle Pallet Racking Benefits.
Narrow-aisle pallet racking solutions are a popular choice for businesses that are short on storage racking space. In deciding whether it’s the right storage solution for you, you’ll need to consider some of the following factors:
Narrow-aisle pallet racking advantages & disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Low unit load cost when volumes are high | Special trucks required |
| High through-put rates when storage systems and software are formulated for the purpose | Super flat floor level is critical. |
| Narrow aisles | Limited storage height (15-16m) |
| FIFO inventory management | Wide transfer aisles required for rack entry |
| Trucks not suitable for transport outside rack area | |
| System cannot be automated | |
| High maintenance cost |
Narrow-Aisle Pallet Racking Truck Specifications.
Narrow-aisle storage systems are LOW cost when building, racks and trucks are taken into consideration. However, critical floor requirement and system layout must be carefully considered.
Talk to one of the expert teams at Erect-A-Rack to learn more about narrow-aisle pallet racking inspection or click on the button below to get a fast quote.
| Aisle widths | Storage area | Operating Aisle area | Lift height | Transfer aisle | Through-put rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 to 2.0m | 49% | 51% | 13-14m | 4.5 – 6.0m | 16 to 24 pph (subject to WMS and transport) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does narrow aisle pallet racking save space in Australian warehouses?
Narrow aisle pallet racking halves the aisle width required by conventional systems, operating efficiently in aisles as narrow as 1.6 to 2.0 metres. This maximises both your available floor footprint and vertical storage capacity (stacking up to 15–16 metres high), making it highly cost-effective for commercial areas with high land costs.
Do I need special equipment to use a narrow aisle pallet racking system?
Yes, narrow aisle pallet racking requires specialised narrow-aisle fork trucks designed to navigate tight spaces. Because of the exact tolerances required, your warehouse must also have super flat floors and designated Pick-up and Deposit (P&D) stations to ensure safe and efficient load handling.
What type of inventory is best suited for narrow aisle pallet racking?
Narrow aisle pallet racking is perfect for handling medium to high volumes (over 3,000 pallets) that require First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management. Because it functions as a condensed selective setup, operators maintain 100% direct access to every individual pallet without sacrificing storage density.
What are the layout requirements for installing very narrow aisle (VNA) pallet racking?
While the internal aisles are highly condensed, VNA pallet racking requires wider transfer aisles (typically 4.5 to 6.0 metres) at the ends of the racking blocks so the specialised trucks can safely enter and exit. Additionally, the handling trucks used inside the narrow aisles are generally not suitable for transporting goods outside the racking area.
