Warehouses have become a very important part of industrial development and the supply chain during the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to maintain the hectic pace of modern warehouses, qualified and efficient workers are needed – warehouse stockers in particular.
A warehouse stocker is responsible for the proper functioning of all the activities that take place in a warehouse. If they do a good job, they will help the company to obtain optimal results with a consequent increase in the quality of service and customer satisfaction.
A warehouse stocker is in charge of meeting the requirements regarding the supply of materials, spare parts, equipment and other items from a warehouse, i.e. receiving them, classifying them, coding them, dispatching them and inventorying them to satisfy the needs of customers.
What are the functions of a warehouse stocker?
The functions of a warehouse stocker may vary depending on the company and the sector to which it belongs. However, some of a warehouse stocker’s activities are inherent to all areas, including:
- Warehouse stockers are responsible for receiving, storing and shipping goods from a warehouse.
- They review specifications and the physical conditions of all the incoming and outgoing merchandise to make sure there are no lost or damaged items.
- Once the order has been reviewed, they sign a delivery form. They load and unload goods, either by hand or by handling forklifts, pallet trucks or other equipment.
- Warehouse stockers keep records of the items and check the level of stocks, placing new orders if necessary.
- When warehouse stockers receive an order, they select the goods that have been ordered. They work with an order sheet, and prepare and arrange merchandise for delivery to a customer.
- Warehouse stockers may carry out management tasks. These involve keeping accurate records, for example, of stocks and orders, and often involve using computer support systems.
- They register the merchandise’s departure by computer and issue the necessary documents for this, such as delivery notes.
- Warehouse stockers coordinate and monitor the preparation of the purchasing plan in accordance with the regulations.
- Last but not least, they supervise and uphold health and security principles.
What are the requirements for a warehouse stocker?
Although warehouse stockers are sometimes considered to be unskilled, this is far from true. Companies depend on selling their items and warehouse stockers are the people who ensure those items are stored, transported and delivered carefully. Therefore, you should hire somebody only when you have no doubt they will take on these duties with responsibility and care.
Here are the most important traits and skills for a warehouse stocker:
- Good physical shape.
- Ability to change shifts.
- Knowledge about health and safety regulations.
- Ability to work both alone and in a team.
- Computer skills.
- Communication skills.
- Ability to keep records accurately.
- Ability to drive forklifts and pallet trucks.
- Ability to cope with a routine job.
- Punctuality.
- Responsibility.
- Time management.
- Organizational skills.
- A good memory.
Does the profession of warehouse stocker require education?
It is interesting to note that the work of a warehouse stocker will not always be within the warehouse itself, but it also includes customer relations, something that we have already mentioned when we talked about the activities of a warehouse stocker. Although in most cases they do not have a formal education, warehouse stockers can undertake basic studies that will help them perform their functions in the best possible way. Among the things that are necessary or that would help them in their job are courses on programs such as Excel or any other program that helps with administration.
Where can I find a warehouse stocker?
With online delivery continuing to soar and customers returning to brick-and-mortar retail, there’s never been a better time to upscale your business by hiring a warehouse stocker.
Download the Workee app for iOS or Android to post your vacancy and start hiring now!
Read more: How to write a job description to fill any position
