When it comes to optimizing your warehouse storage, the right racking system can make all the difference. Every square meter matters in warehousing, whether you’re managing a tight urban facility or dealing with high seasonal inventory demands. Two of the most common racking systems for maximizing storage capacity are Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking and Wide Aisle racking.
Selecting the proper system can help businesses strike the perfect balance between space efficiency, accessibility, and cost. This post will break down VNA vs. wide aisle racking to help you determine which pallet racking system best suits your warehouse needs.
What Is Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking?
VNA racking is designed to maximize available storage space by dramatically reducing the width of aisles—typically between 1.5 and 2 meters wide. By narrowing the aisles, warehouses can add more racking rows and achieve high-density storage. Narrow aisle pallet rack systems are highly suitable for facilities with vertical storage potential, making them ideal for multi-story warehouses.
Key Features of VNA Racking:
- Vertical efficiency: Tall racks are combined with slim aisles, encouraging maximum utilization of overhead space.
- Special machinery required: Operating in narrow aisles demands specialized equipment like turret trucks or VNA forklifts with precision steering.
- Effective for high SKU count: VNA is ideal for warehouses managing large numbers of stock-keeping units that require immediate pallet accessibility.
Common Applications:
- Retail distribution centres
- Pharmaceutical storage facilities
- Small and medium-sized warehouses with limited floor space
What Is Wide Aisle Racking?
Wide Aisle racking offers accessibility and ease of navigation within the warehouse. This system uses standard aisle widths of 2.5–3.5 meters, allowing traditional forklifts to maneuver comfortably. Although it sacrifices storage density compared to VNA, it provides excellent flexibility, speed, and handling convenience.
Key Features of Wide Aisle Racking:
- Simplicity: Works with traditional forklifts and does not require specialized equipment.
- Accessibility: Wider aisles mean quicker and easier pallet handling.
- Versatility: Suitable for a range of warehouse operations due to its adaptability.
Common Applications:
- Warehouses handling bulky or palletized goods
- E-commerce operations needing frequent order picking
- Facilities with ample floor space
Key Differences Between VNA and Wide Aisle Racking
When deciding between VNA and Wide Aisle racking, it’s crucial to understand their key differences and how they align with your warehouse’s operational goals.
| Aspect | Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Racking | Wide Aisle Racking |
| Aisle Width | Typically 1.5 to 2 meters | Typically 3 to 3.5 meters |
| Storage Density | High; optimizes floor space utilization | Moderate; requires more floor space |
| Forklift Requirement | Requires specialized VNA forklifts or turret trucks | Standard forklifts can be used |
| Access Speed | Slower due to restricted maneuvering space | Faster due to wider aisles |
| Cost | Higher initial investment for racking and equipment | Lower initial investment |
| Space Efficiency | Maximizes vertical and horizontal storage | Less efficient; more space allocated for aisles |
| Suitability | Ideal for high-volume, small SKU operations | Best for low-to-medium volume, varied SKUs |
| Safety | Requires advanced training for forklift operators | Easier and safer to operate standard forklifts |
| Flexibility | Less flexible; designed for specific equipment | Highly flexible for various forklift types |
| Applications | Warehouses with high storage needs and limited space | Warehouses with more space and varied operations |
Pros and Cons of VNA and Wide Aisle Racking System
VNA Racking
Pros:
- Maximizes storage capacity, especially vertical space.
- Ideal for warehouses where floor space is limited.
- Provides 100% pallet selectivity without deep lane storage.
Cons:
- Requires expensive specialized equipment.
- Slower accessibility due to the narrow aisles.
- Demands extremely level flooring to maintain safety and efficiency.
Wide Aisle Racking
Pros:
- Offers flexible and accessible storage.
- Accommodates standard and readily available forklifts.
- Faster picking times, making it ideal for high-turnover operations.
- Lower installation costs compared to VNA.
Cons:
- Less space-efficient, requiring more floor area.
- Higher operational footprint compared to VNA racking.
Which Racking System Is Right for You?
Consider the following factors:
Warehouse Size
- If your warehouse lacks floor space but has high ceilings, VNA racking will help you maximize storage.
- Warehouses with more floor area can capitalize on wide aisle racking’s flexibility.
Inventory Turnover
- High-turnover facilities or businesses focusing on speed should opt for wide aisle racking due to its easier accessibility.
- Warehouses with large SKU volumes requiring dense storage will benefit from VNA racking.
Budget
- Wide aisle racking is often the cost-effective choice for businesses that want to keep initial investment low.
- VNA may have higher upfront costs due to specialized forklifts and installation requirements, but it can save costs in the long run by optimizing storage.
Operational Needs
- Warehouses focusing on order picking and frequent pallet movement might prioritize wide aisle systems.
- Facilities aiming for long-term storage density and warehouse organization might invest in VNA systems.
Choose the Perfect Racking System with Canadian Rack Technologies
Choosing the right racking system is critical to optimizing your warehouse’s efficiency, capacity, and cost-effectiveness. At Canadian Rack Technologies, we specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining warehouse racking systems customized to your specific needs. Whether you need a VNA storage rack setup to utilize every inch of vertical space, or a flexible wide aisle system for high-frequency order picking, our experts are here to guide you.
We bring decades of experience in providing businesses with streamlined and scalable warehouse storage solutions. Don’t leave your warehouse storage decisions to guesswork—contact us today for tailored, data-driven advice.
About: Kevin Ausman
Kevin Ausman is the founder of Canadian Rack Technologies. He has over 30 years of experience in providing safe and efficient turn-key storage solutions and he specializes in pallet racking, pick systems, industrial shelving, mezzanines, cantilever racks, and more. Kevin is dedicated to providing great customer service, listening to client’s needs, and supplying the best products available.