Order Picker

Also known as:

Picker, Order

Introduction

Order pickers work in warehouses or large stores. They collect together all the items listed on a customer's order form and send them to the relevant department to be packed and despatched.

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Work Activities

In warehouse and wholesale work, 'picking' means taking items from stock to match a specific order. Someone who does this is called an order assembler, an order picker or a picker. The work may overlap with that of a warehouse assistant.

Items that have been ordered by a customer or company are listed on a picking slip. The picker reads the slip, selects the items from the shelves or racks where they are stored, and puts them into a trolley or assembly carrier. An appropriate picking slip is stuck on to each item and the items are marked off on the order sheet.

Pickers or their supervisors check that the brand and quantities are correct. The load is then taken or sent to be packed, or direct to the collection/delivery bay.

The picker may monitor and report on the level of stock held. If an item is out of stock, the picker may decide to send an alternative to the customer. Large or heavy items may have to be moved with a fork-lift truck or other technical equipment.

In a large warehouse, computers are used to monitor and control many of the operations. Pickers receive batches of picking slips for goods in their part of the warehouse and have to select and partially sort items within a certain time limit.

In a small warehouse, the picker may be expected to pack goods and help with filling shelves.

Pickers usually work indoors in spacious and airy warehouses, which may be cold in winter.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to be able to work quickly, carefully and methodically. You must pay attention to detail. Many warehouses stock many thousands of items, so organising ability can be an advantage.

A good memory is useful in order to remember where various items have been stored. You should be honest and trustworthy.

You should be able to carry out basic figure work. You may also need to read computer coded numbers. You should be adaptable and willing to learn how to use and work with new technology and specialised machines.

Physical fitness is usually essential as you will spend a lot of time on your feet. The work can also involve bending, lifting, carrying and pushing, so you may need physical strength.

Some employers use colour coded systems for stock identification so applicants may require normal colour vision.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates vary from company to company.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Order pickers earn in the range of £220 - £250 a week, rising to £300 - £370. Higher earners can make around £440 a week.

Order pickers usually work a 37-40 hour week, which may include shift work, evening and weekend work. Overtime, part-time work and temporary work is common.

Employment opportunities are with major retailers, mail order companies and warehousing and distribution firms. All wholesalers and most retailers have warehousing and stock control jobs, and there are opportunities throughout the UK.

Wholesalers may specialise in cash-and-carry or mail order operations, or in a particular range of products such as food or building materials. There are also opportunities for pickers in manufacturing companies. Jobs tend to be located in towns and on industrial estates.

Some workers move from one type of warehouse work to another, or from picking to packing.

In larger warehouses, particularly those operated by mail order companies, jobs are graded and there are promotion prospects to supervisory posts. It is also possible to move into management.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

• 64% of people in occupations such as order picking, work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 5% work on a temporary basis.

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