VNA Racking UK FAQs
Looking to maximise warehouse space through very narrow aisle pallet racking? We’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
For anything else, please get in touch with The Logical Storage Solutions team.
What Is Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking?
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) pallet racking is a high density warehouse storage system. VNA pallet racking allows maximum storage per square metre while still allowing for direct access to every pallet.
Considered one of the best high density pallet racking solutions to increase pallet storage capacity, VNA pallet racking requires aisle widths to be reduced to between 1.6 and 2 metres. This is compared with 3-4 metres found in conventional racking. These narrower aisles use specialised forklifts (i.e. wire or wire-guided systems) to access pallets for safety and efficiency.
When Should You Use VNA Racking?
Very narrow aisle pallet racking is ideal to store more pallets in a warehouse without having to extend or relocate (high density storage requirements).
Also, when sacrificing selectivity isn’t ideal, meaning other types of warehouse storage solutions are unsuitable.
Some of the best use cases of VNA racking are when there is limited floor space but high ceilings, allowing for vertical expansion of the warehouse storage. Similarly, VNA racking is an excellent fit for fast turnover environments which require both high speed and precise operations.
Very Narrow Racking Vs Double Deep - What Saves More Space?
Make no mistake that both very narrow aisle pallet racking and double deep racking can work to maximise space in a warehouse.
However, while double deep is cheaper initially, VNA can deliver a lower cost per pallet stored over time due to higher density.
Therefore, the best storage system for a distribution centre is often very narrow aisle racking. This is especially the case if floor space is limited, full selectivity for SKUs is required and when long term storage efficiency is the priority.
That said, in instances where large quantities of the same SKU will be stored or the warehouse height is limited, double deep racking may prove to be the better option.
Unsure which storage system is best for your UK warehouse? The experts here at Logical Storage Solutions can offer you tailored advice when you get in touch.
What Aisle Width Is Required For VNA?
VNA racking systems require an aisle width of up to 2 metres, although the average range is usually 1.5m to 1.6m.
In contrast, standard aisles are between 3-4 metres, while narrow aisles are classed as being between 1.8 m and 2.4 m. Therefore, this highlights the space saving efficiency that a VNA racking system can bring.
Furthermore, for warehouses curious about how to reduce aisle width safely, a VNA system is certainly worth exploring.
What Height Can VNA Racking Reach?
VNA systems can typically reach heights of 12 to 16 metres or more, depending on the structural capacity of your building and the specification of your guided trucks. To make full use of available height, your warehouse will need adequate clear height to the underside of roof steelwork or sprinkler systems and the floor specification will need to support the increased load concentration that comes with taller, denser racking.
At Logical Storage Solutions, we always carry out a full structural and dimensional assessment of your site before recommending a system height, ensuring the design is safe, compliant and maximises your available cubic capacity.
Is VNA Racking Worth It?
VNA racking is absolutely worth it if you want to maximise pallet positions per m² and you also want every pallet to remain accessible. Based on the very narrow aisle installations we’ve carried out across the UK, we find they are best suited to high rise warehouses such as distribution centres, ecommerce warehouses, cold storage facilities, manufacturing warehouses and third party logistics centres.
If VNA racking isn’t the right fit, there is an array of other solutions we can provide. Take a look around our website to learn more or feel free to contact us to discuss your warehouse storage requirements.
Very Narrow Racking Cost Vs Standard Racking
Very narrow aisle (VNA) racking is usually more expensive than standard racking. The higher upfront cost is due to the specialised trucks, precise floor levelling and guided systems required. However, as VNA racking can deliver up to 50% higher storage density, it often provides superior ROI over the longer term. In particular, VNA racking often avoids the need for future warehouse expansion.
At Logical Storage Solutions, our team specialise in all types of pallet racking, including standard and VNA racking. Therefore, if standard racking is a better fit for your budget or warehouse setup, we can still help!
If you want to know more about whether VNA or standard racking is the best option for your warehouse, please contact us for tailored advice.
What Is The Best Racking System For A Small Warehouse?
At Logical Storage Solutions, we can offer several solutions when in search of high density racking, but space in your warehouse is limited.
VNA racking is ideal when the goal is to maximise density while still allowing for full pallet access. However, in other scenarios, we may suggest other solutions such as drive-in pallet racking, push back racking, cantilever racking or mobile racking.
The best solution will need to take into account how your warehouse works, including the type of items it stores and the access that is required.
In search of high density racking for your warehouse space? The experts here at Logical Storage Solutions can suggest the best solutions when you contact us.
Which Forklifts Are Compatible With VNA Racking Systems?
The primary forklift solution for VNA pallet racking is VNA turret trucks.
To operate safely in very narrow aisles, these VNA forklift trucks often have embedded wire in the floor, which automatically guides the trucks. Wire-guided VNA racking also reduces steering errors and allows for narrower aisles to be safely navigated.
Additionally, VNA forklift trucks make use of rail guidance, also known as a rail guided VNA system. In combination, both wire and rail guided systems keep forklifts centred to reduce damage or collisions.
In some instances, it is also possible to use articulated trucks, which are also known as ‘4-way’ or ‘Bendi trucks’ for VNA racking. Reach trucks, stackers and order pickers can also be used under the right conditions.
For any help on forklift suitability for VNA racking, please contact us for tailored advice.
How Does VNA Racking Perform In Cold Storage Environments?
VNA racking is extremely well suited to cold storage and freezer warehouse applications, where maximising pallet density is particularly valuable given the high cost of refrigerated space.
However, cold storage installations require specific consideration around material specification. In particular, racking components in sub-zero environments need to be rated for low-temperature use to avoid embrittlement, as well as floor performance, since temperature cycling can affect concrete flatness tolerances over time. Guided truck systems also need to be specified for cold store operation.
We have experience designing and installing VNA systems for temperature-controlled environments and can advise on the additional specification requirements that apply.
Should We Extend The Warehouse Or Reconfigure It?
Our warehouse and distribution clients often wonder whether it is cheaper to install new racking or move premises. Likewise, if they have to extend the warehouse to gain extra storage space.
The benefits of reconfiguring a warehouse are that it can often solve many common challenges, especially a lack of space or an inefficient flow of goods.
In short, if you haven’t really looked at improving your existing warehouse in terms of its layout or storage solutions, there is a good chance that simple yet highly impactful improvements like VNA racking can solve any existing pain points.
If you can relate, then our warehouse refurbishment services can explore the full range of possibilities for your UK warehouse.
How Much Space Does VNA Racking Save?
Based on industry averages, VNA systems typically increase pallet capacity by 30%-50%.
Consider the cost of renting or buying a new warehouse space to gain up to an additional 50% of space, and the benefits of VNA systems soon become clear!
For this reason, VNA racking for distribution centres has become increasingly popular in recent years. Ultimately, by installing very narrow aisle racking, you can gain extra warehouse space without having to extend or relocate. Not only is reformatting your storage more cost-effective, but it also saves a lot of time and hassle.
VNA Vs Selective Racking - Which Is Better?
Both VNA racking and selective racking can help improve space efficiency in your warehouse. Therefore, it’s not a case of one being better outright, but rather what will be best for your specific needs.
VNA is ideal if your warehouse is running out of space, but expansion or relocation is too expensive. On average, VNA systems can increase pallet capacity by 30-50% within the same footprint. Unlike drive-in or push-back systems, very narrow aisle racking keeps direct access to every pallet. Warehouses that have at least 8m of height benefit the most.
However, selective racking might be the better option if you need more flexibility since the layouts can be adjusted more easily. Also, when you use standard forklifts, your warehouse has a low height or when your budget is limited.
Logical Storage Solutions specialises in VNA and selective racking systems. When you contact us for a free quote, we can offer you tailored advice to determine which system is best for your warehouse space.
What Floor Specification Is Required For VNA Racking?
Floor flatness is one of the most important requirements for a VNA system and is often overlooked during the planning stage. VNA trucks operate on very precise guidance systems and any significant deviation in floor levelness can affect both the safe operation of the truck and the alignment of the racking itself.
The standard referenced for VNA floor surfaces is TR34 (Concrete Industrial Ground Floors), which defines the flatness tolerances required for defined and free movement areas. For VNA applications, a defined movement area (DMA) specification is typically required, with tighter tolerances than standard warehouse floors.
If your existing floor does not meet the required specification, remedial grinding or a new floor slab may be needed before installation can proceed. Rest assured that this is something we assess as part of our site survey.
What does SEMA say about Very Narrow Aisle racking?
The Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association (SEMA) publishes specific guidance covering the design, installation and use of VNA racking systems. SEMA's Code of Practice for the Design of Static Steel Pallet Racking sets out the structural requirements that all compliant systems should meet, while their guidance on safe use of racking covers operational considerations specific to high-density systems like VNA.
VNA Racking Near Me - Which Areas Do You Cover?
Logical Storage Solutions is headquartered in Leicestershire, which sits in the heart of the so-called ‘Golden Logistics Triangle’. Crucially, our location makes us well positioned to provide our warehouse storage services right across the UK.
Wherever your business is based, our very narrow aisle pallet racking can make your warehouse or distribution more efficient.
Some of our most popular installation locations include Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Felixstowe, Hounslow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Peterborough, Rugby, Telford, Thames Gateway, Tilbury and Wolverhampton.
Don’t see your location above? Please contact us as we likely still cover your area.
