If you’ve ever shopped online, you probably didn’t realize that there are many processes that go on behind the scenes before your ordered items reach you.
One of the important processes that determine the speed and accuracy of shipping goods is the work of the warehouse picker. Then, who is a warehouse picker and what are its duties?
The following is a brief explanation of the warehouse picker profession that may not be widely known.
Understanding Warehouse Picker
The warehouse picker is the person in charge of picking up the order in the warehouse before handing it over to the packing department. Warehouse pickers must have accuracy and speed in the process, because if not, there will be a high risk of shipping goods to consumers. Therefore, the work of the warehouse picker is one of the important roles for the smooth running of the company and customer loyalty.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Warehouse Picker
The task of a warehouse picker is not easy. The following are some of the main tasks that must be done by a warehouse picker:
1. Ensure goods entering the warehouse
The warehouse picker must identify the goods that enter the warehouse, whether they are in demand or not. The staff will get a list of items with high selling power so that the next warehouse picker’s task is to categorize them according to unique codes and put them in place. This activity also affects the laying of goods, where goods that sell well need to be placed near the packing division in order to speed up delivery from the warehouse to consumers.
2. Create inventory and out-and-out reports
The warehouse picker must also make reports related to inventory, namely reporting what items are available and the amount of stock. In addition, they are also required to record the number and description of incoming and outgoing goods. Then, the following records will be reported to the warehouse head.
3. Confirm the number of items available in the warehouse is the same as the record
The next task of the warehouse picker is to ensure that the number of items in the warehouse is the same as the inventory record. More accuracy is needed on this task, because of its role in providing information to customers about the existing stock of goods.
4. Using a barcode scanner for efficient warehouse picker work
The use of barcode scanners for job efficiency is also the job of warehouse pickers. Because researching one by one stocks or categories of goods takes a lot of energy. Therefore, using a barcode scanner to record incoming and outgoing items will help reduce errors and simplify their work. In addition, the ability to use an inventory management system with tasks similar to barcode scanners will help the efficiency of warehouse picker tasks.
5. Classification of goods based on unique codes to organize warehouses
The next task of the warehouse picker is to classify goods according to a unique code. This code will help in the process of tidiness and placement of products in the warehouse.
6. Collect product orders from the given list and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the order.
As a Warehouse Picker, his main task is to collect product orders according to the given list. The warehouse picker will read the order list carefully, understand its instructions, and visit the designated storage location. With good precision and foresight, a warehouse picker will ensure that orders are taken accurately and there are no errors in product collection.
7. Using auxiliary devices such as lifters or carts to retrieve products from designated storage locations.
The warehouse picker will use tools such as lifters or carts to facilitate the retrieval of products from a predetermined storage location. Their ability to operate the tools will help increase efficiency and productivity in product picking tasks.
8. Check the physical condition of the product and ensure the absence of damage before packaging it.
Before packing the product, the warehouse picker will check its physical condition. The goal is to ensure that each product is in good working order and there is no damage or defect that might affect the quality or safety of the product. With meticulousness and attention to detail, they will inspect each product thoroughly.
9. Carefully arrange and pack the products in suitable packaging for shipment.
After inspecting the products, the warehouse picker is also in charge of organizing and carefully packing them in suitable packaging for shipment. Through skills and expertise in neat packaging, warehouse pickers will ensure that products are well organized and safely protected during the shipping process.
10. Ensure that the label and product identification are in accordance with the order taken.
One of the tasks of the Warehouse Picker is to ensure that every product taken has labels and identification tags that match the predetermined order. By carefully and accurately, you will verify the match between the product picked and the existing order. Proper installation of shipping labels on the packaging will also be your responsibility.
11. Comply with work safety procedures and warehouse guidelines in every operational activity.
The warehouse picker is also tasked with complying with established work safety procedures and complying with applicable warehouse guidelines in every operational activity. Following proper safety rules and observing warehouse guidelines will help keep yourself, your co-workers safe, and ensure a safe and orderly work environment.
Warehouse Picker Qualification
- Minimum high school education or equivalent.
- Good physical ability and able to lift and move products of appropriate weight.
- Good organizational skills and able to work in a busy environment.
- Have good communication skills and can work well in a team.
- Meticulous and meticulous in inspecting and packaging products.
- Ability to read and understand work instructions and order lists.
- Basic understanding of work safety and good warehouse procedures.
- Flexible in working hours which may include shifts and weekends.
Skills that a warehouse picker must have
A qualified Warehouse Picker must possess the following skills:
1. Have a good understanding of the product (product knowledge)
A warehouse picker must have a deep understanding of the characteristics, types, and categories of products stored in the warehouse. The ability to recognize and differentiate products with accuracy will ensure proper order picking.
2. Have Skills in Using Warehouse Tools
A warehouse picker should also be proficient in the operation of auxiliary equipment such as lifters or carts. A good ability to use this equipment will facilitate the picking and moving of goods with efficiency and safety.
3. Precision and Attention to Detail
A warehouse picker must be able to work with a high level of precision to properly verify orders, check the physical condition of products, and ensure the conformity of labels and identification marks. Accuracy is the key to maintaining customer satisfaction.
4. Organizational Skills
A warehouse picker must be able to manage orders well, group goods logically, and maintain order in the work area. The ability to manage time and manage priorities will help increase efficiency in the order collection process.
5. Communication Skills
A warehouse picker must be able to communicate well in interacting with colleagues and related departments. The ability to report problems or errors, coordinate with the team, and establish effective communication will facilitate smooth cooperation in the work environment.
Warehouse Picker Career Path
The career path for a Warehouse Picker can develop to various higher positions in logistics and warehouses. Here are some career paths that a Warehouse Picker might follow:
1. Warehouse Supervisor
As a Warehouse Supervisor, you will oversee and coordinate the daily operations of the warehouse. Your responsibilities include direct supervision of the picker team, managing stock and inventory, and ensuring compliance with warehouse procedures and policies.
2. Logistics Coordinator
As a Logistics Coordinator, you will be responsible for managing the overall logistics process, including coordination with other departments, delivery arrangements, supply chain monitoring, and improved operational efficiency.
3. Shipping and Distribution Specialist
In this role, you will focus on shipping management and distribution of goods. Your responsibilities include planning delivery routes, choosing the right courier or delivery service, and ensuring the smooth and accurate delivery of goods.
4. Warehouse or Logistics Analyst
As a Warehouse or Logistics Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing data and performance of warehouses or logistics processes. You will use analytical tools and management systems to identify opportunities for improvement, improve operational efficiency, and optimise supply chains.
5. Warehouse or Logistics Manager
As a Warehouse or Logistics Manager, you will have strategic responsibilities in managing and overseeing overall warehouse or logistics operations. You will manage teams, develop operational policies and procedures, and work closely with other departments to achieve the company’s business goals.
6. Career Development to Related Fields
Along with the experience and knowledge gained, you can also choose to develop your career into related fields, such as Supply Chain Management, Production Management, or Operations Management.
Tips for Pursuing a Career as a Warehouse Picker
A warehouse picker is a worker who is responsible for picking up goods from warehouse shelves and preparing them for shipment. This job requires speed, precision and physical endurance. Warehouse pickers usually work under time pressure and must meet productivity targets.
Although warehouse picker jobs look simple, there are some abilities and skills that you can develop to increase your chances of moving up the career ladder. Here are some tips you can apply:
1. Learn the warehouse inventory system
A warehouse inventory system is a way to track the location, quantity, and condition of goods stored in a warehouse.
By understanding this system, you can work more efficiently and reduce errors in picking up goods. You can also assist warehouse managers in managing stock and conducting audits.
2. Improve communication and cooperation skills
Communication and cooperation are key to working well in a warehouse environment. You must be able to communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and customers clearly and politely.
You should also be able to work closely with your team to complete tasks together and assist fellow warehouse pickers if needed.
3. Take relevant training and certifications
Training and certification is a way to improve your knowledge and skills as a warehouse picker. You can look for training and certifications related to occupational safety, lifting aid operation, goods packing, or logistics management.
By having relevant training and certifications, you can demonstrate your competence and professionalism to superiors and customers.
4. Find a mentor or role model
A mentor or role model is a person who has successfully pursued a career path as a warehouse picker or other related position. You can learn from their experience, advice, and motivation to develop yourself. You can also build a professional network with your mentor or role model and get a chance for a promotion or move to a higher position.
By applying the tips above, you can improve your performance and quality of work as a warehouse picker. You can also attract the attention of superiors and customers with your positive and proactive attitude. Thus, you can open up opportunities to move up the career ladder as a warehouse picker or other positions that are more challenging and profitable.
Conclussion
Warehouse picker is a challenging job but it also offers quite good career opportunities for those willing to work hard and learn constantly. By having high skills, experience, and motivation, warehouse pickers can earn a decent salary and meet their living needs in big cities.
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