Did you know that a Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) system can boost your warehouse storage capacity by up to 40%? Or that up to 25% of logistics organisations are investing in innovative storage technologies such as cantilever racking? These data highlight an important fact: selecting the correct storage solution is about more than simply logistics; it is about revolutionising efficiency and maximising potential.
Making the proper decision between VNA racking or cantilever may revolutionise the way your warehouse functions. Each system has various advantages, and the best solution is determined by your individual storage requirements. Here’s an in-depth look at both alternatives to help you decide.
VNA Racking and Cantilever Racking
VNA Benefits
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) racking is a space-saving storage solution that allows warehouses to optimise vertical capacity and hold more pallets within a smaller footprint. Narrower aisles and taller racks make this system ideal for facilities handling high volumes of stock. Specialised handling equipment, such as turret trucks or combination order pickers, is used to navigate the slim aisles, which are only slightly wider than the machines themselves. Equipped with wireless guidance and radio frequency controls, these machines help speed up pallet handling cycles while maintaining an organised and efficient layout.
To support the taller racks, which can reach heights of up to 17 metres, a flat and level floor is essential for stability. Forklifts with counterbalance features or a shorter reach are required to operate effectively in the confined spaces of a VNA system. This setup is particularly beneficial for businesses with limited floor space but a need for high-density storage. With faster pallet handling, fewer errors in inventory management, and better use of vertical space, VNA racking increases productivity and cost savings.
Cantilever Racking Advantages
Cantilever racking offers numerous advantages, making it ideal for storing long, heavy, or oddly shaped items such as pipes, timber, textile rolls, and furniture. Its design makes it easier to store large products without the hassle of uprights or barriers getting in the way. A solid base anchors the rack to the ground, while strong arms extend outward to hold items securely. The Krost cantilever system also gives businesses the choice of using one or both sides of the rack to maximise storage space.
This system is also highly adaptable, with adjustable arms that make assembly simple and allow changes as storage needs grow. It can handle everything from lightweight goods to very heavy materials, offering plenty of flexibility. The open design speeds up loading and unloading, reducing the risk of damage during handling. For businesses that need a durable and practical solution for hard-to-store products, cantilever racking is both reliable and easy to use.
VNA Racking vs. Cantilever Systems
Deciding between VNA racking or cantilever systems depends on the type of goods your business handles. VNA racking is ideal for operations that require high-density storage of standardised or uniform items, such as pallets in retail or manufacturing. On the other hand, cantilever racking is better suited for oversized, long, or irregularly shaped products like timber, steel beams, or furniture, making it a great fit for industries like construction and hardware supply.
Equipment is another important consideration. VNA systems require specialised forklifts, such as turret trucks or order pickers, to operate in the narrow aisles, which may increase costs upfront. In contrast, cantilever racks can be accessed using standard handling equipment, offering a simpler and more cost-effective setup. While both systems are durable and efficient, their distinct designs and applications mean that the choice ultimately comes down to the specific storage requirements and operational priorities of your business.
VNA Racking or Cantilever: How to Choose the Right System
To choose the right system, consider your current inventory and how it might evolve over time. If your stock consists mostly of standard-sized, uniform items that don’t vary much, VNA racking is an excellent choice for maximising storage in a smaller footprint. However, if your operations frequently involve oversized, irregularly shaped, or bulky items, then buy a cantilever racking system for the adaptability required to handle these products with ease.
You should also think about how you want your warehouse to function. VNA systems excel at creating highly organised layouts and speeding up inventory management, making them a great option for businesses with high-volume, predictable workflows. In contrast, cantilever systems prioritise simplicity and flexibility, making them an ideal solution for industries where product variety and custom storage setups are essential.
Conclusion
Choosing the right storage system can completely change the way your warehouse operates, helping you save space, improve workflow, and increase productivity. Very narrow aisle racking offers high-density storage for uniform items, while cantilever systems provide the flexibility needed for larger, irregular goods. At Krost Shelving and Racking, we help businesses optimise their storage solutions to match their specific needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you transform your warehouse and streamline your operations.
