Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Distribution Associate
A Distribution Associate is a professional who plays a crucial role in the efficient and smooth operation of distribution centers or warehouses. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, ensuring the timely and accurate movement of goods and materials within the facility. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Distribution Associates.
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Main Responsibilities of a Distribution Associate
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Distribution Associate:
Accompany
Accompany inventory shipments in transit and assist with driving and navigation.
Achieve
Achieve your daily goals consistently.
Adhere to
Adhere to all safety, maintenance and housekeeping policies / procedures.
Adhere to deadlines and prioritize tasks to meet productivity goals.
Adhere to Distribution Center attendance policy.
Adhere to quality control standards and processes.
Apply
Apply appropriate amount of dunnage into carton.
Apply stretch wrap to completed pallets.
Assist in
Assist customers with transactions.
Assist in conducting physical inventory audits.
Assist in conducting regular quality checks to ensure product integrity.
Assist in maintaining proper documentation and paperwork related to shipments.
Assist shipping and receiving unloading trucks and checking in merchandise.
Assist the Lead in the department as required by the Lead, Supervisor and Manager.
Assist with preparation of outgoing inventory.
Assist with special requests to search for supplies on shelves throughout the warehouse.
Assist with the packaging of finished goods as needed.
Attach
Attache and remove security devices.
Carry
Carry or transports replenishment cartons, to appropriate location.
Check
Check and sets post office postage meters.
Check goods received for distribution against purchase orders and / or invoices.
Check, verify and fill customer invoices.
Clean
Clean, repackage and / or repair item (if necessary).
Collaborate with
Collaborate with other team members to fulfill customer orders efficiently.
Collaborate with transportation providers to coordinate outgoing shipments.
Collect
Collect and verify all quarantined product to be transported between facilities.
Collect paperwork from dispensaries and hubs for delivery to production facility.
Communicate
Communicate clearly with internal and external clients, both verbal and written.
Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding work progress.
Communicate user issues to the PRX tech team.
Complete
Complete export documentation related to each shipment.
Complete written and computerized documentation.
Conduct
Conduct inventory counts and assist with cycle counting activities.
Conduct product inventories by counting items on hand.
Confirm
Confirm accuracy of information on all shipping labels.
Confirm replenishment label matches carton and location marker matches item.
Contribute to
Contribute to an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation among all distribution center staff.
Coordinate with
Coordinate with other departments to resolve customer inquiries or issues.
Cut
Cut, open and remove contents of replenishment carton.
Deliver
Deliver shipments to appropriate destinations throughout the facility.
Demonstrate
Demonstrate teamwork and cooperation with colleagues.
Distribute
Distribute or warehouse all parcels as needed.
Document
Document receipt transactions and follow warehouse technology procedures to process order.
Ensure
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Ensure excellent customer service through distribution accuracy and on-time delivery.
Ensure proper trailer docking procedures are followed.
Ensure that all materials and finished goods adhere to FIFO.
Examine
Examine incoming and outgoing shipments.
Examine stock and distribute goods in inventory and in other areas.
Explain
Explain the nature of your limitations and the accommodation.
Facilitate
Facilitate the delivery of station-specific promos created by PRX broadcast shows.
Fill
Fill and / or process orders for shipment.
Follow
Follow all security, safety, and quality standards.
Follow packing slip process and apply to carton as necessary.
Follow safety and manual handling guidelines.
Follow safety protocols and maintain a safe work environment.
Follow specific packing and shipping instructions.
Foster
Foster collaboration and teamwork.
Gather
Gather product and material used for packaging as required by work orders.
Grab
Grab constructed cartons from queue.
Grasp
Grasp and lift by hand (floor to overhead) and carry heavy and / or bulky merchandise.
Handle
Handle merchandise without damaging during processing.
Identify
Identify opportunities for process improvement and suggest solutions.
Inspect
Inspect products for defects and damages.
Inspect return item for quantity and quality assurance.
Inspect completed order for quality.
Keep
Keep the distribution center aisles clear and maintain integrity of storage locations.
Label
Label and tag products for identification and tracking.
Label and tie out mail for dispatch and other related duties for distribution.
Lead
Lead with integrity and respect.
Lift
Lift and move medium and heavier weight items (up to 50 pounds).
Lift heavy items and may operate a forklift.
Load
Load and unload trailers by hand, floor to ceiling.
Load finished orders to their appropriate carrier and mode of transport.
Load product into vehicle while verifying all quantities and lot numbers.
Maintain
Maintain accurate inventory surgical products.
Maintain accurate records of received and shipped items.
Maintain a clean and organized warehousing space.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment following all policies and procedures.
Maintain a positive attitude and engaged in your work.
Maintain assigned work area free of debris and spills using standard cleaning supplies.
Maintain cleanliness and orderliness of the warehouse or distribution center.
Maintain fork truck certification and safety guidelines.
Maintain pleasant and effective.
Maintain professional and effective.
Maintain records of goods and rejects unsatisfactory items.
Maintain safe and clean work environment by keeping shelves, pallet area, and work stations neat.
Maintain the housekeeping and sanitation standards of the distribution center.
Maintain warehouse cleanliness and organization.
Make
Make emergency carrier relays.
Make shipping labels and METRC tags for all orders.
Meet
Meet safety, accuracy, attendance, and production standards for all assignments.
Monitor
Monitor inventory levels and notify supervisors when stock is low.
Observe
Observe incoming and outgoing merchandise for manufacturers' defects and damage.
Obtain
Obtain and loads raw material into box erector.
Obtain appropriate item and quantity from pick locations.
Off-load
Off-load product at dispensaries and hubs while verifying all quantities and lot numbers.
Operate
Operate distribution computers systems as required to efficiently control merchandise flow.
Operate foot control to obtain boxes.
Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or hand trucks.
Order
Order fulfillment (picking, packing, manifesting).
Order set up and prep within order selecting areas.
Order shipping and truck loading.
Organize
Organize and stock shelves, racks, or bins with inventory.
Oversight
Oversight and participate in order QA.
Participate in
Participate in safety meetings.
Participate in training programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
Perform
Perform basic packaging and software operations.
Perform counts on specified items and report results to the Distribution Manager.
Perform distribution and a variety of sales and customer support services for products.
Perform distribution and a variety of tasks to support sales of products and services.
Perform general physical activities in the warehouse, including but not limited to.
Perform putaway and replenishment process utilizing RF scanners.
Perform regular equipment maintenance and report any malfunctions.
Perform routine maintenance on SSKs and mPOS, including trouble shooting.
Perform visual inspection of delivery vehicles and incoming materials.
Pick
Pick and pack customer orders utilizing RF scanners.
Pick and pack items for shipment according to specifications and the transportation method used.
Pick and pack orders according to specified guidelines.
Pick and verify orders.
Pick in accordance with the FIFO method.
Pick orders from assigned bin, bulk or reserve locations by using RF equipment.
Pick orders from inventory room to fulfill sales orders.
Pick, pack, and accurately confirm goods prior to shipment.
Pick product from shelves.
Place
Place carton / bags on conveyor or rolling equipment for transport to appropriate staging location.
Place receipt tickets on correct item(s) on pallet.
Place appropriate safety or quality peripherals on item as needed.
Place cartons on conveyor or cart and enters them into the picking system.
Place shipping / pick label on carton and prepare carton.
Place individual items into proper location.
Place item(s) into carton or bag.
Place order or bags inside carton or attaches to Priority Clip.
Practice
Practice safe work and identify unsafe situations to the appropriate individuals.
Prepare
Prepare and maintain records of items shipped.
Prepare and maintain records of merchandise shipped.
Prepare daily reports such as, inventory labelling record, Daily output, etc..
Prepare necessary documentation for shipment, i.e., packing list.
Prepare packages for shipment, including proper packaging and labeling.
Prepare reports or documentation related to warehouse activities.
Print applicable Return Goods Report.
Process
Process domestic and international shipments and upload to client folders for internal client access.
Provide
Provide additional information regarding.
Provide customer support for PRX's broadcast and podcast distribution services.
Provide emergency support as needed after hours.
Provide flexibility to rotational schedules as assigned by Supervisor.
Provide sales and customer service support by greeting customers and explaining store layout.
Provide support to the material management groups and quality assurance.
Push
Push carton through tape machine.
Push completed carton onto conveyor (if applicable).
Rearrange
Rearrange contents of carton as necessary.
Rearrange location as needed.
Rearrange prior items in carton (if necessary).
Receive
Receive and document all returns and direct them to the Return Area.
Receive goods, verify items using shipping records and inspect condition.
Receive incoming shipments and verify their contents.
Receive product and places it in storage locations.
Receive, unload and place incoming inventory items appropriately.
Record
Record received and shipped items using procedures.
Remove
Remove and dispose of empty cartons from pick location.
Remove carton(s) from pallet, green rack or cart and place in designated warehouse location.
Replenish
Replenish and order inventory when shelves are emptied.
Report
Report to the Distribution Center South Entrance.
Represent
Represent the ethics and culture of the Lush brand and follow all policies and procedures.
Request
Request for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process.
Resolve
Resolve any discrepancies or issues related to shipments or inventory.
Respond to
Respond to all requests quickly.
Respond to producer and station inquiries in a timely and accurate manner.
Restock
Restock shipping / warehouse supplies.
Retrieve
Retrieve supplies from upper level rack locations for distribution associates when needed.
Route
Route materials, supplies and equipment to inspection or stock areas.
Scan
Scan replenishment label and location marker (if applicable).
Secure
Secure and stabilize cartons and pallets throughout the loading process.
See
See the Standard Position Description for the Occupation Code given above.
Shrink
Shrink wrap pallets as necessary to prepare for shipping to complete the orders if needed.
Sort
Sort and place materials or items on racks, shelves or in bins according to organizational standards.
Sort pallet between bulk and shelf items.
Sort and apply shipping labels in appropriate location on empty carton.
Stack
Stack constructed boxes to appropriate height.
Stage
Stage pallets and load truck.
Stock
Stock and replenish shelves, racks, cases, and bins in accordance with the FIFO method.
Stock, store and transport materials in accordance with transport regulations.
Support
Support customer requests as needed.
Support miscellaneous shipment requests for inventory items and non-inventory requests.
Support the company goals for quality and continuous improvement.
Transport
Transport pallet or cartons to appropriate zone or location.
Transport constructed stacked boxes to appropriate staging area.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot FTP and automation system issues with station operations staff.
Understand
Understand and demonstrate United Stationers' Core Values.
Understand and follows department safety policies and other company policies.
Understand that compliance with the Code of Conduct, as it may be amended by.
Unload
Unload and sort merchandise or materials.
Unload fulfilled carton / bags and stage for shipping on appropriate pallet.
Unload pallets and receive goods, notify Lead Hand / Supervisor of any damages or discrepancies.
Unload trailer, stage product and inspect pallets for quantity and damages.
Use
Use a computerized system, accepting and delivering packages and accountable mail.
Use a handheld scanner to pick and pack orders accurately and efficiently.
Use company desktop to print online labels.
Use computer systems or software to update inventory records.
Use floor scale to weigh shipments and record.
Use Shipping Software systems such as Fedex and UPS Worldship to ship products daily.
Verify
Verify and Label orders at pack out.
Verify, receive and put-away incoming inventory of materials.
Work
Work as part of the Distribution Team, reporting to the Distribution Supervisor / Lead Hand.
Work scheduled holidays in order to maintain service levels for customers.
Wrap
Wrap pallets before putaway.
Write
Write appropriate information on pallet placard or shrink wrap.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Distribution Associate:
Inventory management software proficiency.
Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS).
Familiarity with material handling equipment operation.
Understanding of shipping and receiving procedures.
Ability to read and interpret product labels and barcodes.
Basic math and numerical skills for counting and calculating inventory.
Competence in using handheld scanners or devices for data entry.
Knowledge of safety regulations and practices in a warehouse setting.
Ability to operate computer systems and software for inventory tracking.
Familiarity with packing and packaging techniques.
Basic understanding of transportation logistics and routing.
Ability to operate and navigate within a warehouse environment.
Knowledge of quality control processes and standards.
Basic knowledge of import/export regulations and documentation.
Proficiency in using productivity tools such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
Ability to work with product codes, SKUs, or part numbers.
Understanding of order picking and packing procedures.
Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and storage.
Familiarity with inventory control and replenishment processes.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot basic warehouse machinery or equipment.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Distribution Associate:
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Effective communication and listening skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Time management and organizational skills.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing work demands.
Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
Physical stamina and the ability to handle repetitive tasks.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
Positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Adaptability to fast-paced and deadline-driven environments.
Strong work ethic and reliability.
Attention to workplace safety and adherence to protocols.
Good decision-making skills under pressure.
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
Detail-oriented approach to work.
Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Willingness to take on additional responsibilities when necessary.
Ability to follow instructions accurately.
Conclusion
As a Distribution Associate, you play a vital role in the efficient and effective distribution of goods. Your responsibilities range from receiving and organizing inventory to picking and packing orders for shipment. It's important to possess the necessary hard skills such as proficiency in inventory management software, knowledge of warehouse systems, and familiarity with material handling equipment. Additionally, soft skills such as attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial to excel in this role.
