A Warehouse Order Picker is a professional who plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of a warehouse or distribution center. Their primary responsibility is to accurately pick and prepare orders for shipment, ensuring that the right products are delivered to the right customers in a timely manner. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Warehouse Order Pickers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Warehouse Order Picker

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Warehouse Order Picker:

Adapt to

Adapt to changing priorities or work demands in a fast-paced environment.

Adhere to

• Adhere to all safety procedures.

• Adhere to company policies and procedures, including those related to security and confidentiality.

• Adhere to government regulated health and safety requirements and company safe work practices.

Assist in

• Assist in loading and unloading trucks, containers, or delivery vehicles.

• Assist in the completion of inventory and cycle counts.

• Assist in the implementation of process improvements and workflow enhancements.

• Assist with the training staff in job duties, safety procedures and company policy.

Associate

Associate will utilize the Voicepick equipment to pick orders throughout the warehouse.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet daily production goals.

• Collaborate with the shipping department to ensure on-time dispatch of orders.

Collect

Collect, sort, store and distribute materials.

Communicate

Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments to coordinate order fulfillment.

Complete

Complete all other tasks or projects as assigned.

Conduct

Conduct inventory counts and update stock records as needed.

Contribute to

Contribute to a positive team culture by promoting collaboration and teamwork.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate a strong attention to detail to avoid picking errors.

Document

Document errors in database.

Drive

Drive Order Picker / Reach between racks and pick and pack order from warehouse racking.

Ensure

Ensure orders are complete and accurate.

Follow

• Follow established procedures for handling hazardous materials, if applicable.

• Follow established safety protocols and participate in regular safety training.

Handle

• Handle clerical demands of the position.

• Handle returns and exchanges in accordance with established guidelines.

Identify

• Identify and report any discrepancies, damaged goods, or quality issues.

• Identify and report, potential safety hazards to supervisor.

Inspect

Inspect and verify the accuracy of picked items to ensure they match the order requirements.

Keep

Keep facility clean of waste.

Lift

Lift / carry / push / pull 50 lbs. repetitively and up to 165 lbs..

Maintain

• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.

• Maintain a clean and organized work area to promote safety and efficiency.

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

• Maintain a strict housekeeping standard.

• Maintain clear and open communication between Management, Sales and Operations.

• Maintain / exceed the quantity of Audits required by client.

• Maintain organized work area according to policies, procedures and safety regulations.

• Maintain safety, quality, and productivity standards established by management.

Manage

• Manage and maintain all required paperwork and records for reporting and tracking.

• Manage pick ticket orders for in and out of town customers.

Mark

Mark materials with identifying information using appropriate method.

Match

Match product with purchase orders and verify received product expiration codes.

Monitor

Monitor and report inventory levels to assist in replenishment planning.

Noise

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Open

Open and seal crates, boxes, cartons, and other containers.

Operate

• Operate in compliance with industry regulations and quality standards.

• Operate material handling equipment and forklift.

• Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts or pallet jacks, to move products.

• Operate material handling equipment to move product through facility as required.

• Operate Walkie in a safe manner to move received product.

Optimize

Optimize warehouse layout and storage techniques for efficient order picking.

Order

• Order picking of glass parts.

• Order picking will require the operation of forklifts and swing reach trucks.

Oversee

• Oversee stock replenishment.

• Oversee the secure and accurate loading and unloading of deliveries.

Pack

• Pack and / or check orders as required (method may vary by client).

• Pack orders securely and neatly, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.

Participate in

Participate in pre-picking and merchandising of products as needed.

Perform

• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment to minimize downtime.

• Perform daily pre-inspections of Order Pickers & Reach Trucks.

Pick

• Pick orders and wrap / pack them with label.

• Pick orders in a timely manner using the WMS hand held.

• Pick products from designated shelves or storage areas based on order specifications.

• Pick items to fulfill customer orders.

Prepare

• Prepare orders for shipment and move orders to the staging area for shipment.

• Prepare receiving dock to accept incoming product.

Prioritize

Prioritize and manage multiple orders simultaneously to meet deadlines.

Process

• Process all required paperwork and maintain adequate records for reporting and tracking.

• Process customer orders accurately and timely to meet daily production goals.

• Process merchandised orders.

• Process orders from requisitions and dispense stock items.

• Process picked orders to prepare each box for shipment to client.

Provide

Provide exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries or issues promptly.

Read

• Read order sheet accurately.

• Read work orders, assemble customer orders from stock, and place orders on pallets.

Receive

Receive order lists and locate items within the warehouse.

Report

Report safety and security issues to your direct supervisor.

Resolve

Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity and product quality.

Rework

Rework / repack tasks as needed.

Sort

Sort and distribute incoming shipments.

Stage

• Stage items correctly for verification prior to delivery.

• Stage orders for delivery.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on product knowledge, including new arrivals and inventory changes.

Use

• Use of proper safety procedures will eliminate any potential hazards.

• Use totes or cardborad boxes to pack product.

• Use weighing scales, scanners, or other equipment to ensure accurate product quantities.

Utilize

• Utilize computerized systems and handheld devices to track and record inventory movements.

• Utilize RF Scanner and Voice Pick System.

Work

• Work in a warehouse environment, which includes working throughout seasonal temperature variations.

• Work proficiently against Productivity and Quality targets.

• Work well under moderate supervision.

• Work with warehouse supervisor to ensure productivity standards are acceptable.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Warehouse Order Picker:

1. Proficiency in operating material handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or reach trucks.

2. Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control software.

3. Ability to accurately read and interpret order lists, invoices, and packing slips.

4. Familiarity with safety regulations and proper handling of hazardous materials.

5. Strong physical stamina and the ability to lift and carry heavy items.

6. Basic math skills for counting, measuring, and calculating quantities.

7. Experience with order picking methods, such as batch picking or zone picking.

8. Competence in using handheld devices, scanners, or barcode readers.

9. Understanding of shipping and receiving processes, including loading and unloading techniques.

10. Knowledge of proper packaging and labeling procedures for various shipping methods.

11. Familiarity with quality control practices to ensure accurate and defect-free orders.

12. Ability to operate computerized systems for inventory tracking and order processing.

13. Proficient in using MS Office or other software for basic data entry and record-keeping.

14. Experience with organizing and optimizing warehouse layout for efficient storage.

15. Understanding of basic maintenance and troubleshooting of warehouse equipment.

16. Knowledge of occupational health and safety guidelines to prevent workplace accidents.

17. Familiarity with lean principles or continuous improvement methodologies.

18. Ability to handle high-volume and fast-paced work environments.

19. Proficiency in using hand tools or equipment for assembly or disassembly tasks.

20. Understanding of transportation logistics and coordination for outbound shipments.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Warehouse Order Picker:

1. Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in order picking and documentation.

2. Time management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.

3. Communication: Effectively exchanging information with team members and other stakeholders.

4. Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues to achieve common goals.

5. Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to changes in work requirements.

6. Problem-solving: Identifying and resolving issues that may arise during order fulfillment.

7. Organizational skills: Maintaining a neat and orderly work area.

8. Reliability: Consistently demonstrating dependability and trustworthiness.

9. Customer service orientation: Providing excellent service to internal and external customers.

10. Physical fitness: Possessing the stamina and strength to perform physically demanding tasks.

Conclusion

Warehouse Order Pickers are vital contributors to the efficiency and effectiveness of warehouse operations. Their responsibilities encompass various tasks, ranging from order picking and packaging to inventory management and equipment operation. Possessing a combination of hard skills, such as equipment proficiency and technical knowledge, along with essential soft skills, including attention to detail and teamwork, can greatly enhance their performance and contribute to the overall success of the warehouse.