Differences of Narrow Aisle Racking Vs. VNA Racking

Optimising your warehouse can be simpler than expected with the right storage solutions. We have been asked multiple times about the distinction between Narrow Aisle Racking (NAR) and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking. This is understandable because of the slight similarity in their names. We want to clarify that both options are used to boost storage capacity by narrowing aisle widths (as suggested in the phrase “narrow”), but they are two different solutions for different environments.

Narrow Aisle Racking Vs. VNA Racking

NAR is intended for companies seeking to boost storage space without making major changes to loading equipment. NAR systems enable the utilisation of additional rows of racks within a designated floor area due to aisle widths varying from 2.5 to 3 metres. This can greatly boost storage compared to wide aisle systems while accommodating standard forklifts. Nevertheless, the requirement for precise navigating in the aisles leads to reduced speed of operations and slight decrease the efficiency of pallet retrieval. One of the narrow aisle racking advantages is that it can boost storage capacity without the need for specialised equipment.

VNA Racking is designed to optimise pallet storage space while ensuring convenient access to each pallet. Ideal for companies seeking to maximise warehouse space, this system offers aisle widths varying from 1.7 to 2.2 metres. The phrase “very narrow aisle” emphasises the main benefit of this system, which is its capability to greatly decrease the space between racks, resulting in a higher storage capacity. Companies can boost their storage capacity by up to 40% by narrowing aisle width and raising rack height, as opposed to conventional racking systems.

Additional Information On VNA Racking

• Besides the increased      capacity, VNA racking comes with a lot of other advantages. A significant      aspect is the utilisation of specialised material handling equipment      equipped with radio frequency controls, enabling operators to effectively      oversee pallet movements. This technology enables maximum pallet cycles      per hour, a handy benefit for high-demand warehouses.

  
  

• However, operating in such      narrow aisles requires specially designed equipment like combination order      pickers, turret trucks, or VNA trucks. These machines are guided along the      aisles by wireless control systems, and their masts or forks can rotate to      retrieve and deposit pallets as needed. This setup optimises the use of      space, but it also requires a perfectly level floor to maintain the      stability of the tall racks, which can reach up to 17 metres in height.

  
  

• VNA racking is an      excellent choice for businesses that need to store a large volume of stock      in limited floor space, offering significant advantages in storage      capacity and operational efficiency. By investing in this system,      companies can dramatically enhance their warehouse’s performance, making      it a powerful solution for those prioritising both space and speed.

  
  

Key Differences Between Narrow Aisle Racking and VNA Racking

• Aisle width: NAR systems      have aisle widths of 2.5 to 3 metres, while VNA racking reduces aisles to      1.7 to 2.2 metres, significantly increasing storage capacity.

  
  

• Forklift requirements: NAR      systems can be navigated using standard forklifts, though care is needed      in narrow spaces. VNA systems require specialised VNA trucks equipped with      wire or rail guidance, designed to move within very narrow aisles without      turning.

  
  

• Storage density: While NAR      improves storage density over wide aisle systems, very narrow aisle pallet      racking offers the highest density, potentially increasing storage      capacity by up to 40%.

  
  

• Operational efficiency:      NAR systems, though space-efficient, can lead to slower pallet retrieval      times due to careful navigation. VNA systems are optimised for speed,      using guided trucks to maximise the number of pallet cycles per hour.

  
  

Benefits of VNA Racking

The benefits of VNA racking go beyond just storage. By reducing aisle widths and increasing the height of racks, businesses can store more pallets without expanding their warehouse footprint. VNA racking also improves safety, as the use of specialised VNA trucks with radio frequency controls minimises the risk of accidents and maximises operational efficiency. Additionally, VNA systems are ideal for businesses that need to store large volumes of stock but have limited floor space.

Conclusion

When comparing narrow aisle racking vs. VNA racking, it’s clear that the choice depends on your warehouse’s specific needs. While narrow aisle racking offers a cost-effective solution with standard forklifts, it doesn’t match the storage density and efficiency provided by very narrow aisle pallet racking. For businesses seeking to maximise space and streamline operations, VNA racking is the way forward.