4 Critical Installation Tips for Your Very Narrow Aisle Warehouse

Installing VNA Rack for Compatibility with VNA Lift Trucks

Warehouse space is becoming scarce, and price per square foot is increasing — so, what can you do to keep up with demand while maintaining costs? Consider very narrow aisle storage racking. Very narrow aisle (VNA) rack can add 20% – 25% more storage capacity vs. traditional wide-aisle pallet rack. In addition, a double-deep rack VNA configuration can increase capacity by as much as 40% – 50%.

Advantages of Very Narrow Aisle Rack Systems

• Increase storage capacity upwards of 20% – 25% for standard rack
• Maximize value of pallet storage cost per square foot
• Easy inventory access & 100% selectivity
• Cost-effective solution to inventory growth

Aisle space less than 9 feet wide is considered narrow, with very narrow aisles as tight as 5 ½’ – 6 ½ ‘ wide. Additionally, VNA pallet rack can be constructed up to 40’ to take advantage of vertical space.

VNA Rack Meet VNA Truck

VNA rack systems are accessed by specialty lift trucks built to maneuver within the tight confines of the narrow aisle and reach up to top heights of the structure. Both automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and manually operated trucks access VNA racking — hybrid trucks also are an option. VNA vehicles are available for man-up case picking/order picking or full pallet handling. VNA trucks often use wire, rail, or optical guidance to ensure pinpoint maneuverability within those tight spaces.

The relationship of the VNA rack to the lift truck is critical to the success of your storage application. Installing VNA rack systems requires exact measurements and aisle spacing to accommodate the lift trucks. Two key measurements are the aisle width between the racks and the width of the corridor connecting one aisle to the next.

4 Critical Installation Tips for VNA Design & Installation

1. Minimum aisle width – your aisle must accommodate the VNA truck to complete the storage or picking application between the rack systems.

Note: the width of the aisle is not simply measured upright to upright. Account for any pallet overhang. Next, clarify if the measurement is column to column or footplate to footplate.

2. Aisle to aisle corridor width – the VNA truck must be able to turn from one aisle to the next safely considering any fixed structures along this aisleway. VNA trucks differ in their turning ability and radius, so it is essential to know what equipment you will be using to access the VNA aisles before committing to the rack installation.

Your measurement should include the forklift length, load length including pallet overhang, and upwards of 12” for maneuverability.

3. Pallet rack plumbness – according to RMI, there are two critical plumb measurements to ensure the rack is safe and can be loaded to capacity. Installers must check each system for the following: 

• Out-of-Plumb Ratio – Maximum horizontal distance (inches or millimeters) from the centerline of the column at the floor to a plumb line that extends downward from the centerline of the column at the top shelf elevation divided by the vertical distance (feet or meters) from the floor to the top shelf elevation.
• Out-of-Straight Ratio – Maximum horizontal distance (inches or millimeters) from the centerline at any point on the column to a plumb line from any other point on the column divided by the vertical distance (feet or meters) between the two points.

4. Scheduling imperative – the rack is typically installed before cutting the concrete floor for wire installation. The rack and flooring contractors need to coordinate this schedule to complete the installation on time.

WOI — Very Large Advantage When Installing Your Very Narrow Aisle System

The Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. professional installation team is well acquainted with the challenges of installing very narrow aisle warehouse storage systems. The WOI team is a Safety First team that abides by OSHA 10 Standards for all installation supervisors. Our rack system design engineers can also configure and equip the best system to meet your needs. We provide turn-key services and Guarantee a thorough, professional, and pleasant experience for our customers. 

The WOI 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™ is the process that ensures success. We will:

1. Listen to your needs and execute a solution
2. Execute your project with special attention to your unique application
3. Commit to and communicate project timelines
4. Ensure a safe environment and safe installation
5. Pay close attention to the detail  of the finished product

Call WOI today, and let’s talk about your order processing strategy and expectations. Call (865) 540-4004 or reach out to info@warehouseoptimizers.com for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast, including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.

For More Information on very narrow aisle rack systems: Visit Our Blog – VNA Racking Systems