With the expansion of brands and recovery of the global economy, many distribution centers are bursting at the seams and running out of space especially in a city like Dubai where there’s also a shortage of warehouses. Expanding the footprint of the warehouse is often not an option for several reasons, in that case, companies go for creative techniques and effective solutions such as using narrower aisles to improve space utilization for storage.
Very narrow aisle racking is just the solution for those looking to add storage space and make use of existing warehouse without physically moving their operations elsewhere. Standard racking aisles are at least 12 feet or wider whereas narrow aisle racking is 8 to 10 feet wide. However, very narrow aisle racking (VNA) can be as narrow as 6 feet, which will enable you to store up to 50% more product in the same footprint. By reducing unnecessary aisle space, you are able to make further room for more racks.
Still unsure? Here are six reasons why you should consider converting to a VNA layout for your warehouse.
1. More Space
First and foremost, the space utilization is significantly improved. You can have more pallets in less space and store 40%-50% more inventory.
2. Cost Reduction
Converting to a VNA configuration can also represent major cost savings if compared to purchasing or moving to a new facility altogether as the cost per square foot or per pallet stored visibly reduces. You may consider raising your roof at the same time as you’re converting to a VNA system and you’re looking at even more cost savings.
3. No Need for Off-Site Storage
It eliminates the need for offsite storage or the need to move to a bigger warehouse while creating storage space within your facility. More often than not, it’s out of budget, in that case, Storall has innovative and secure storage services that you can avail in Dubai.
4. Improved pick rates
VNA is defined by the type of equipment used. One of the trucks used is a high-level order picker, where the operator has to handball the items in and out of the location. These trucks move and lift at the same time. And due to its stable construction, the travel speed is higher than average even at high lift heights. At Storall, we have the top-tier technology that makes the entire procedure of moving, lifting and picking seamless.
5. Gain direct access to all pallet locations
Very narrow aisle racking systems are completely selective, which means there is access to every pallet in the facility. In addition, pallet racking can be customized to very exact specifications depending on the needs of your organization. For example, VNA racking can be configured and modified using roll-formed or structural rack components. The objective is optimal storage at the lowest cost possible.
6. Increased Safety for Workers
With plenty of storage space, it is easier for workers to function in the spacious cab. And with narrower aisles, there is lesser floor space available, which can be beneficial towards workers’ safety because the more floor space there is, the more likely workers are to leave empty pallets and other debris lying around, which could be a safety concern. While freight storage and management may seem like an arduous task, experts at Storall perform these functions seamlessly on a day to day basis and that is why we encourage companies to outsource their warehouse operations so that they can focus on their core competencies.
