When renting a warehouse, the size of a rented warehouse, no matter how small, can greatly impact its storage capacity, cost, and efficiency. Most traditional pallet racking systems, including the aisles, usually take up to 80% of a warehouse's available floor space.
So if you want to increase your warehouse's storage capacity, it is time to think of ways to make optimal use of the available floor space.
Enter Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking solutions!
VNA racking solutions have revolutionized how warehouses function by capitalizing on the available space to its fullest potential.
What is Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking?
VNA racking systems are highly-compact space configurations separated by just a few feet. They are designed to utilize the high space of your warehouse.
In other words, you can now increase the capacity of your warehouse without expanding the storage footprint.
So if you are tight on space, VNA systems can help you use the available area to the best.
VNA Racking system lets you :
1. Store up to 50% more products in the same space.
2. Be flexible to adjust the racking based on your storage needs.
3. Ensure direct and immediate access to each pallet/ unit load.
4. Manage with reduced floor space by utilizing the vertical space with the help of a very tall narrow aisle design.
Applications of VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Racking Systems
VNA racking systems are a flexible and effective solution for maximizing storage space and improving warehouse operations. They are commonly used in warehouses in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, machinery/ auto parts, distribution centres of supermarkets, home appliances, etc.
Businesses that deal with a large number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) and require efficient order picking can greatly benefit from these systems.
According to the specifications for the VNA forklift, the warehouse needs to have a minimum net height of 8 meters, and the maximum lifting height should not exceed 16 meters.
Advantages of VNA Racking in Warehouses
VNA racking systems are a popular choice for optimizing warehouse space and improving operational efficiency due to their numerous advantages.
1. You can store up to 40-50% more inventory.
2. There is no need for external/ off-site storage. You can avoid the hassles of shifting to another facility.
3. It makes your storage system more compact by using vertical space.
4. Simple to assemble, disassemble, and re-adapt the load levels.
5. Easily adjust the racking system to match your changing storage needs.
6. Facilitates selective racking by providing flexibility in design, setup, and pallet storage.
7. Easy to move around and locate products during order picking.
VNA systems facilitate faster and more accurate storage and retrieval operations, increasing warehouse productivity.
Factors to Consider Before Adopting a Very Narrow Aisle Design
If you're planning to implement a VNA racking system in your warehouse, it's a good idea to keep a few things in mind to make the most out of your investment. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Consider the available space and analyze how you want to use the vertical space to maximize storage.
2. Type and volume of products stored in your warehouse. Uniform products with similar sizes and shapes are an ideal use case for VNA racking.
3. Evaluate your operational needs; how frequently do you need to move the products or equipment?
VNA racking systems make use of automation technologies to enhance efficiency and, at the same time, ensure safety. The systems often incorporate high-reach forklifts or specialized automated guided vehicles (AGVs) that can navigate the narrow aisles and reach higher storage levels.
Read More: Different Types of Forklifts used in VNA operations
You will need to have operational protocols, training, and safety measures to prevent accidents when operating on a VNA storage system.
Assess the installation and all other relevant costs of implementing VNA solutions for your warehouse. Consider how it can scale with your business and meet future storage needs too.
Components and Accessories Required for VNA Pallet Racking
Like any other adjustable pallet racking system, the basic structure of VNA racking comprises racks and beams.
You can customize and improve the VNA racking structure by adding various accessories to help address your specific storage needs.
Here are some of the essential components of very narrow aisle pallet racking:
1. Racking Frames
It is the most important vertical component of the VNA racking structure.
Racking frames must be designed and manufactured to meet relevant safety and engineering standards to ensure their structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
These frames are made up of the following:
1. Two upright frames with a galvanized finish to improve the frame's resistance to adverse conditions.
2. Baseplates fixed to the vertical frames to help distribute the racking load over the floor.
3. Welded base plates if you have higher loads or taller frames.
4. Shims positioned on the baseplate that is used to level the VNA racking on uneven floors.
The configuration of these frames is influenced by various factors, such as the width of the aisle, how much weight they can hold, the type of equipment used for moving items, and the design of the warehouse.
It's important to make sure that workers and stored goods are safe, which means you need to take some safety measures. That includes checking that the frame is stable, putting labels on to show their load capacity, and making sure equipment is installed properly.
2. Racking Beams
VNA racking beams, along with vertical racking frames, are essential for creating an efficient and space-saving storage solution. The design, load capacity, and compatibility with handling equipment of these beams directly affect the effectiveness of the VNA racking system.
Beams support the pallet loads by connecting adjacent frames using connectors that fit into the holes of the upright structures. These beams help distribute the weight evenly across the racking frames, preventing any excessive stress on specific points and ensuring the structure's stability.
Different types of VNA racking beams:
1. Orange 2C beams are formed by welding two "C" shaped profiles together to increase the resistance and load capacity of the beams.
2. Orange light beams to manage medium or light load storage needs, such as pallet loads, or for picking solutions.
3. Hot dip galvanized beams made with a zinc bath to improve corrosion resistance (suitable for warehouses storing chemic ls or saline products).
4. Beams formed with a "Z" shaped profile to support picking functions or adding metal or wooden panels that enable cartons or manual goods storage.
5. A racking safety pin is placed on the connector to hold the beam. It prevents accidental displacement of the beam from the upright.
Beam levels may include safety accessories such as safety bars, wire mesh decking, or pallet supports to prevent items from falling and enhance the safety of workers and stored goods.
Some VNA racking systems offer adjustable beam levels, allowing for customization based on the height of the stored items and the needs of the warehouse. Standard beam profiles include box beams and step beams.
3. Storage Panels and Trays
Storage Panels and Trays are designed to optimize the use of space, improve accessibility, and enhance safety within the narrow aisles of VNA racking structures.
Some of the important storage panels and trays used in VNA racking include:
1. Metal mesh panels are used as a load level to support the goods of the pallets and their different loads.
2. Wire mesh decking allows light and air to pass through, making it suitable for fire safety regulations and providing visibility to workers below.
3. Rectangular meshes can be attached to the support bars to create a rigid and safe structure.
Metal trays are used in combination with Z beams to address picking needs.
4. Chipboard panels (boards) are placed directly on the beams with the help of retainers at the ends, primarily to support heavy loads.
5. Protection and fall-arrest meshes are placed on both the base and sides of the racking to prevent unwanted displacement or falling of the unit loads.
Utilizing storage panels and trays helps maintain a well-organized storage environment. It becomes much simpler to locate and retrieve items. The storage panels and trays can be tailored to fit specific product sizes and storage needs, optimizing the available space within the VNA racking system.
When selecting storage panels and trays, it's essential to ensure compatibility with the VNA racking system, including the beam dimensions and load capacity.
Making VNA a Profitable Investment
To make a Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking system a profitable investment, you need to plan carefully, implement strategies strategically, and optimize various aspects of your warehouse operations.
1. Have you thoroughly analyzed your storage requirements?
Before deciding to adopt a VNA racking system, it's important to know if you have considered SKU diversity, inventory turnover, and available warehouse space.
This assessment will help you determine if a VNA system is the right fit for your business.
2. Have you calculated your costs?
VNA racking requires specialized equipment, such as turret trucks and drum transporters, for handling materials.
The initial expenses for creating narrow aisles and buying and upkeeping specialized equipment can also be high.
There would also be a need to invest in high-quality and compatible material handling equipment, such as reach trucks or AGVs, that can precisely navigate the narrow aisles and high racks.
3. Is your warehouse staff trained to operate and manage specialized equipment safely?
It is important for warehouse personnel who operate VNA equipment to receive thorough training on the particular type of equipment they will be handling.
The training should encompass essential aspects such as equipment controls, proper handling techniques, navigating narrow aisles, and emergency procedures.
It is also important to adhere to safety protocols to prevent collisions and identify potential hazards while navigating the narrow aisles.
Final Say
One of the primary benefits of VNA systems is space utilization. VNA racking systems are a viable and feasible solution for warehouses where space is at a premium.
View your VNA investment as a long-term strategy. Continuously monitor and analyze your VNA operations. Identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and adapt your strategies to evolving business needs and market demands.
While upfront costs may be higher, the long-term benefits of increased efficiency, reduced storage costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction can lead to substantial profitability over
time.
Are you looking for flexible warehouse facilities that offer VNA solutions? Get in touch with our storage specialist now!