DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR NARROW AISLE PALLET RACKS

Narrow-Aisle Pallet Racks are SPR arranged with narrow aisles between them. The arrangement enables access to every pallet and First-In First-Out (FIFO) inventory management.

Narrow-Aisle systems require special handling trucks , super flat floors and Pick-up and Deposit (P&D) stations to achieve designed productivity levels and reduce operating expenses.

Narrow-Aisle storage systems are suitable for:

• Medium to high Volumes (over 3000 pallets).
• High Land cost.
• Direct access to each pallet.
• High clear storage areas.

Advantages

• Low unit load cost when volumes are high.
• High through-put rates when storage systems and software are formulated for the purpose.
• Narrow aisles.
• FIFO inventory management.

Disadvantages

• Special trucks required.
• Super flat floor level is critical.
• Limited storage height (15-16m).
• Wide transfer aisles required for rack entry.
• Trucks not suitable for transport outside rack area.
• System cannot be automated.
• High maintenance cost.

FOR NARROW-AISLE TRUCKS

• Aisle widths – 1.6 to 2.0m.
• Storage area – 49%.
• Operating Aisle area – 51%.
• Lift height – 13-14m.
• Transfer aisle – 4.5 – 6.0m.
• Through-put rate – 16 to 24 pph (subject to WMS and transport)
• (Cubic capacity is based on pallet height and available clear storage height).

SUMMARY
Narrow-aisle storage systems are LOW cost when building, racks and trucks are taken into consideration. However, critical floor requirement and system layout must be carefully considered.