When it comes to incorporating more space for your warehouse, two of the options that many companies are looking at are Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) and Double Deep Pallet Rack.

The concepts of the Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) and Double Deep Pallet Racking have been changing the way warehouses are looking at their space. If your company has been looking at options, here’s a little background to each, as well as some tips to keep in mind when moving to one of these pallet storage designs.

Through growth and expansion, companies had been looking at bigger spaces to contain product, rather than work with the space they were already using. Because of the standard forklift used to move pallets of inventory, warehouses were forced to keep their aisles wider, so that those trucks could easily maneuver in and out. That changed with the advent of the very narrow aisle forklift truck that allowed warehouse teams to operate in aisles as narrow as 6 to 7 feet, which allowed those same companies to store much more in less space. It also allowed the utilization of a taller racking system, which aided in more storing space efficiency.

One drawback that came with VNA was speed of pallet loading/unloading. While the narrow aisles allowed more use of space, maneuvering in and out of the space had to be more deliberate and steady. As previously mentioned, VNA also requires a specialized forklift to handle this type of pallet racking and aisle space.

The second way that warehouses looked at adding more space to their warehouse was integrating a double deep pallet rack. This type of racking consisted of two rows of pallet set together, or back-to-back. This type of pallet racking is also known as the First In, Last Out (FILO) system or has often been referred to as “honeycombing”. Double deep pallet racking, like VNA has its own advantages with saving warehouse space. With the elimination of unneeded aisles, warehouse space becomes more efficient.

The drawback to double deep racking is that like VNA, in order to take advantage of this system, warehouses need a specialized forklift to access those pallets, as most trucks are only able to access single-deep pallets. Using the FILO system can be another challenge when arranging pallets/product. Double deep racking may also require a 10 foot aisle due to the extra reach length of the pantograph.

One of the great things about working with a company like HOJ Innovations, they take all of this into consideration. Through the design and engineering process, HOJ makes sure that you have the racking system that best suits your company’s needs. Big or small, HOJ’s process allows your company to create as much space possible, in the most cost-effective way.

HOJ Innovations also carries the forklift(s) that your warehouse needs to take advantage of these different racking solutions. With brands such as Flexi, Hyundai, Unicarriers, Linde, and so much more, they have everything that compliments your warehouse space and design.

At HOJ, we have over 50 years of experience in creating the perfect solution for your warehouse. Whether your material handling needs are simple, complex, or state of the art: HOJ has you covered.

For more information, call us at 801-266-8881 or contact us HERE.