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store more products in less space with easy access to every pallet
Very narrow aisle pallet racking condenses standard selective pallet racking into a smaller area with very narrow aisles that are accessed by a specially designed forklift called a turret truck or VNA (very narrow aisle trucks) and narrow aisle stock pickers.
This storage solution provides an increase in productivity and creates a high-density storage system with the ability to store more product in less space.
Saving on building and production costs, narrow aisle racking is mainly used in high volume and busy traffic areas.
This system using the controlled forklifts provides a safe and damage free environment and with easy access of pick locations provides very good stock rotation throughout the warehouse.
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), where machines retrieve product and inventory on demand and automatically place in set locations with precision, accuracy and speed can be combined with very narrow aisle pallet racking improving your throughput rate even further.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking Layout
The aisle width is specifically designed is reduced to the minimum for the load yet maintains the required clearance for pallet turning for servicing by a specially designed forklift called a turret truck or VNA (very narrow aisle trucks) and narrow aisle stock pickers
Racking can be up to 30 metres in height, utilising the vertical building space available.
Improved Safety
Where there is a reduced aisle space, there is a greater emphasis on engineering to provide a continuously safe working environment. Warehouses with narrow aisle racking installed require the racking to be made with the highest possible steel tolerances due to the large loads the system is designed to hold.
This is achieved by manufacturing the Colby brand of racking to meet all Australian standards AS4084-2012
key features and benefits
100% Accessibility
Immediate access to any pallet, at any time to the full height of the warehouse, maximizing valuable vertical warehouse space.
Automated Systems
Space efficient storage system
Achieve increased storage capacity within your warehouse. VNA is the perfect choice for areas where floor space is limited.
Faster Picking Rates
Pallets stored in a dense configuration enables picking and packing tasks to be carried out quickly and efficiently, as all pallets are available for immediate access
high strength australian steel
Designed and manufactured in Australia with high strength tensile steel
Maximise building height
Maximises the height at which goods can be stacked. The combination of full height and tightly placed rows makes excellent use of the available floor space within a facility
Structural Engineering
The racking must be made with the highest possible steel tolerances due to the large loads the system is designed to hold
tailored solution
Available in a variety of different beam & upright dimensions to handle variable pallet heights, size and weight.
Easy to install
Modular design means quick easy installation, able to relocate, adjust or add to at any time.
Damage rate reduction
As turret trucks are often guided by wire or rail damage is reduced.
conveyor integration
Use with Gravity Roller Conveyor and Carton Live storage (CLS) system to condense the pick face & improve picking performance & stock rotation.
able to create shelves
Particle board and mesh decks are available to create shelf levels in the racks.
use of very Narrow Aisle pallet racking
Narrow aisle racking, including very narrow aisle racking, offers benefits primarily relating to increased storage density and efficiency, and so are particularly beneficial to businesses wanting to achieve high levels of productivity within a limited floor space.
Double deep racking is a last in, first out (LIFO) inventory management system. In a LIFO system, the first pallet loaded into a location is the last pallet to be removed. Therefore double deep racking is ideal for the storage of products with a longer shelf life and is not suitable for the storage of perishable goods. This is the same inventory management system as First in, last out (FILO) system.
Double deep pallet racking will provide 30% more storage than selective pallet racking. This allows for a high volume of storage in a limited space. Double deep racking is perfect when you want to utilise your existing space to provide more storage space, eliminating the need to relocate or expand, saving you money.
When to use narrow aisle pallet racking
- When you need maximum storage capacity and a high density solution
- If your warehousing or storage floor space is limited
- Ideal for lower throughput items and bulk reserve storage
- Suitable for high-bay applications
- Looking to add more storage space to your warehouse
- Need direct and immediate access to all products
- Require faster picking rates through automation and design
- Storage space is at a premium within a warehouse and needs to be used as effectively as possible
- You need access to 100% of pallets.
When not to use narrow aisle racking
- Your floor level is not completely flat
- You do not have the specialised forklift trucks called turret trucks that can manoeuvre between the narrow aisles
Each warehouse storage facility has its own unique set of challenges and goals, therefore we recommend consulting a warehouse layout and design specialist for a professional opinion to assist you in achieving the optimum storage solution for you.
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Do you have any other Questions?
We are here to help you choose the best racking for your business.
Here is a list of our frequently asked questions about pallet racking.
Please get in touch if you have any other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking
Select the + to open the answer to the question.
What is Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking?
Narrow aisle racking is a highly space efficient pallet storage system.
It enables businesses to achieve increased storage capacity within a warehouse and is the perfect choice for areas where floor space is limited, while enabling efficient access to every pallet for picking, processing or retrieval.
How much does narrow aisle racking cost?
The cost for narrow aisle pallet racking depends on various factors. For the most accurate pallet racking price please contact us for a quote.
Which type of forklift is suitable for narrow aisle racking?
Narrow aisle racking systems generally require the use of specialist forklift trucks that are designed to operate in a space smaller than traditional pallet racking systems. However, the additional investment that may be required for narrow aisle forklifts is usually recovered for the improvements in storage and picking rates that can be achieved.
Suitable forklifts mean pallets can be accessed using either ‘man-down’ or ‘man-up’ variants, using either counterbalance or reach trucks.
What are the Beam Dimensions?
Standard beams sizes:
1370mm, 1520mm, 2590mm, 2740mm , 3050mm and 3810mm.
Custom beams:
Made to order at a reasonable price with a short lead time.
Standard Beam Depths:
Box Beam – Our standards versatile beam: 110mm
Open Beam – For light duty applications: 55mm / 75mm
Heavy Duty Beam – Helps resist frontal impact damage: 110mm
Standard Beam Material:
1.5mm thick high tensile steel. Designed and Manufactured in Australia
Heavy Duty Beam Material:
2.0mm thick high tensile steel, Designed and Manufactured in Australia
What are the Frame Dimensions?
Frame heights:
2475mm, 3075mm, 3675mm, 4275mm, 4875mm, 5475mm, 6075mm, 7575mm, up to 12,000mm
Frame widths:
400mm, 600mm, 760mm, 840mm, 1070mm, 1170mm, 1220mm, 1370mm
What are the Upright Dimensions?
Width: 90mm Steel thickness 1.5mm /1.9mm / 2.4mm
Width: 110mm Steel thickness 1.9mm / 2.4mm / 3.0mm
Width: 125mm Steel thickness 1.9mm / 2.4mm / 3.0mm
Width: 150mm Steel thickness 1.9mm / 2.4mm / 3.0mm
Does pallet racking need to be certified?
Pallet Racking system also known as steel storage systems installed in a workplace require regular inspection with compulsory annual audit and certification
Shelf Decking Options?
Mesh Desks or Particle Boards
The mesh and particle board decking solutions provide greater performance and flexibility
Does racking come with guarantees or warranties?
Does racking meet AS4084-2012 Australian Standards?
Colby Pallet rack meets and exceeds the Australian standards AS 4084-2012.
Can Pallet racking be used outdoors
Colby Rack Upright Frames are made from a gal-bond material suited for the outdoors and the base plates used are Hot dipped Gal base-plates.
Usually uprights will be thicker steel than normal and cross bracing for any wind load and as such we use hot-dipped gal beams.
Do I need rack protection (column guards)
It’s highly recommended to have rack protection to protect your uprights, especially if you have a lot of forklift traffic around your warehouse. Racking protection could save you thousands worth of potential damage in the long run.
Rack Protection Options:
Protect-a-Rack Upright Protector
Rack End Protector
Rear Upright Protector
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