What does working as an order picker actually involve?

As an order picker, you play a crucial role in a warehouse or distribution center. Without your contribution, products would not reach customers, stores, or businesses on time. But what exactly does an order picker do? What does a typical workday look like? And which skills and certificates do you need to get started? In this blog, we’ll tell you everything about this varied and important role.

 

What are your tasks as an order picker?

An order picker collects products from a warehouse or distribution center and ensures that orders are completed accurately and prepared correctly for shipment. This can involve all kinds of products: from food and clothing to technical equipment and construction materials. The type of product strongly depends on the client you are working for. As an order picker, you work with a list or an automated system, such as a handheld scanner, to locate and (re)pack the correct items.

 

What does your workday look like?

A typical workday as an order picker often starts with a short briefing. Important points are discussed, such as expected workload, special orders, or safety instructions. After that, you start collecting orders. This can be done in different ways:

• Manual order picking: using a list or scanner, you walk through the warehouse to collect products.
• Pick-to-light or voice picking: a system with light signals or voice commands helps you find the correct products.
• Using a forklift or EPT: working with larger or heavier products? In that case, you often use an electric pallet truck (EPT) or a forklift.

In between picking orders, you may also ensure that products are properly packaged and sometimes labeled. With some employers, you will have a more all-round logistics role and may be asked to perform additional tasks. At the end of the workday, you often check the final orders and, together with your colleagues, tidy up the warehouse.

 

The advantages of working as an order picker

Would you like to start working as an order picker? Then you can count on several benefits:

• Varied work: although you are picking orders almost every day, no two days are the same. Each day involves different orders or products.
• Active job: you are on the move all day, which promotes good physical fitness.
• Career opportunities: with experience, you can progress to positions such as team leader or warehouse supervisor.
• Flexible working hours: many logistics companies work with flexible schedules, allowing you to indicate which days and/or hours you prefer to work. In addition, many companies operate in shifts, where you can specify which shift suits you best.

 

What skills and certificates do you need?

In general, you do not need a specific education or diploma to work as an order picker. However, we increasingly see clients asking for certain skills and/or certificates:

• Accuracy: placing the wrong label on a shipment, adding goods to the wrong order, or incorrectly positioning a pallet can have major consequences. In such cases, the customer will not receive the correct goods or products. That’s why it is important to work accurately.
• Physical fitness: the job of an order picker can be physically demanding, so good physical condition is important.
• Basic knowledge of logistics: experience in a warehouse environment is not required, but it is often considered a plus.
• Forklift or EPT certificate: if you work with a forklift or electric pallet truck, a certificate is often mandatory. We can help you obtain one. Read more about this below.
• Proficiency in Dutch or English: this is important to properly understand instructions and work safely. Do you not speak either language sufficiently? Through Logistic Force Training, you can follow a language course. Read more about this below.

 

Would you like to start working as an order picker?

Do you recognize yourself in the requirements for the position of order picker? We would love to hear from you, as we always have interesting opportunities at logistics companies. Take a look at the order picker vacancies on our website or contact one of our 28 branches directly. There is always one near you.