Narrow Aisle Racking
Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking Solutions
If your facility is reaching capacity, increasing storage capacity doesn’t always have to mean investing in expansions or moving premises. Instead, you can look at how to adapt your storage equipment to boost productivity and increase stock capacity. This is where Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking can help.
This racking works on the principles by minimising the aisle space between each run while still allowing access to your pallets. This type of pallet racking is a cost-effective way to make the most of your existing warehouse footprint.
By narrowing the aisles, businesses can reclaim up to 45% of their warehouse floor space.
Why not speak to one of our specialists?
What is Narrow Aisle Racking?
This type of racking is essentially an adaptation of standard pallet racking, but the aisles are up to half the aisle width of conventional systems. By shrinking the space between the runs of racking it allows you to create more storage within the same floor space.
Combining the reduced aisle width of the aisles and increased height can deliver significant improvements when looking for high-density storage solutions.
Here’s what you get:
- Increased storage capacity without the need for a building expansion
- Fewer order picking errors, thanks to the controlled access
- Higher operational efficiency with faster movement through guided trucks
- Better safety - with wire-guided or automated material handling equipment
- Compatibility with semi-automated and fully automated systems for throughput optimisation
Does this sound like the right fit for your warehouse?
What’s the difference between Narrow Aisle and Very Narrow Aisle Racking?
There are two different types of this racking: Narrow Aisle Racking (NA) and Very Narrow Aisle Racking (VNA). Both maximise the storage density within your warehouse, but they do differ on the width between the aisles and the handling equipment required.
What is Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking?
Narrow aisle racking utilising an articulated forklift is a high-capacity storage solution, designed to optimise warehouse space by reducing aisle widths to approximately 1.7m – 2.2m. These forklifts are equipped with a pivoting mast, enabling movement and stacking of pallets without the need for turning the vehicle. This design significantly enhances storage efficiency, increasing capacity by up to 30% compared to traditional reach trucks.
What is Very Narrow Aisle Racking
The aisles on VNA pallet racking range from only 1.5m up to 2.0m in width. It is possible to build VNA systems taller when compared to standard pallet racking enabling efficient use of the vertical space.
While the narrow aisles of VNA systems further increase the amount of stock held within the same floor space, it does require specialist equipment and guided access to pick the stock.
This width of the aisles is too narrow for a conventional truck to operate and instead requires specialist forklift trucks. There are three main methods:
- Man-down VNA trucks
- Man-up VNA trucks
- Turret trucks
Guided systems keep trucks central in VNA racking aisles, allowing higher travel speeds and reducing the risk of accidents. Systems can also work with warehouse management software, which helps improve overall operations.
What Are The Main benefits of Narrow Aisle and Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking?
Maximised storage in the same footprint
Reduced picking errors through controlled handling
Improved productivity with faster, guided truck movement
Scalable and flexible layout to suit your stock types and volumes
Enhanced safety through wire guidance (very narrow aisle trucks only)
Need A Storage System? We’ve Got You Covered
At Teepee, we design storage solutions that work hard for your warehouse and the stock you hold. We also design, supply and install push back racking, drive-in racking and cantilever racking. Why not get in touch and see how we can boost your business.