Job zoom: Referent order picker
"I love this job for the challenge it brings".
Christine, preparation coordinator at Logisseo
The order pick er manages a specific part of the logistics warehouse. On the one hand, he/she is an order picker, responsible for assembling products and items ordered by individuals or stores. The job requires a good knowledge of the different types of products and good organization, as well as compliance with the specifications of the various customers.
On the other hand, he is responsible for communicating with the preparation manager to ensure that each operation runs smoothly. He or she acts as a relay and must be able to respond to unforeseen situations.
The daily tasks of the reference order picker
In addition to the order picker's day-to-day tasks, the role of the picking coordinator includes a coordination aspect. They are responsible for optimizing operations according to the volume of daily orders in their zone, through scheduling, among other means. This action enables orders to be prioritized.
Depending on the number of orders per customer, the referents, supported by the preparation manager, distribute the workload by assigning each picker one or more customers for the day. This ensures optimum productivity and a good balance of tasks. Their role is to ensure that orders are processed on time, and that procedures are respected.
The referent also minimizes the risk of malfunctions and errors. This requires good communication with the other referents throughout the day, as well as with the manager and pickers.
What's more, he's in constant contact with the preparation manager, to whom he acts as a relay and to whom he gives the alert if necessary. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the preparer informs the manager, who is responsible for rapidly finding appropriate solutions.
The referent therefore plays an important role in the smooth running of a day in preparation. When operations have been completed, he or she checks that all assignments have been carried out on schedule, and updates the shipments accordingly.
The skills needed to make a good order picker
In addition to technical skills such as the use of business software, the order picker must also possess other technical skills such as :
- Knowledge of proper handling gestures and postures
- Packaging techniques
- Compliance with established procedures
- Compliance with safety rules and instructions
The referent must also have the " soft skills " needed to carry out day-to-day activities:
- Concentration
- Team spirit
- Organization
- Perseverance
- Precision
- Rigor
- Anticipation
- Exemplarity
They are essential to ensure good communication and collaboration within the team, as well as good task management and optimal order quality.
What training and qualifications are required to become an order picker?
To become a preparation consultant, we recommend specific training in management or logistics. In-depth training in these areas provides the skills needed to master the fundamentals of team management and logistics operations. Courses focusing on planning, organizing, coordinating and solving logistics problems will be particularly beneficial.
But it's not compulsory! You can also start out as an order picker, trained in-house, without necessarily having any experience, and then become a referent after some time with the company. Yes, some logistics professions are easily accessible without a diploma.
The CSR aspect of the reference order picker job
To bring a company's CSR approach to life, all stakeholders must be involved. Like their colleagues, preparation managers must take this objective into account in all their actions.
He ensures that his team implements CSR recommendations. If necessary, he can advise on how to improve procedures and make adjustments. In this context, he/she is in contact with the CSR manager, who can provide guidance and advice.
The Lead Preparer must also ensure that he and his colleagues comply with safety instructions, such as gestures and postures, to limit the risk of accidents or musculoskeletal disorders.
Also, when order preparationHe must optimize his use of adhesive and cushioning, and select the most suitable cartons to pack his parcels.
Development prospects for a referent in preparation
As far as career prospects are concerned, a preparation coordinator can consider a career progression to the role of preparation manager, offering a natural transition to broader responsibilities within the logistics environment.
Depending on the company, they may also benefit from internal mobility and work in other departments such as reception or stock management.
The example of Christine, Renan and Johanna, Logisseo's reference order pickers
Christine:
Christine works at Logisseo as a preparation referent. She arrived in September 2019 on a packaging assignment and then moved on to a preparation position . Her enthusiasm, optimism and team spirit enabled her to move up to referent.
In her opinion, the qualities needed for her job are organization and speed, but also a human touch: for Christine, good relations with those around her are the keys to success!
What does she enjoy most about her job as a preparation consultant? Working with high-volume customers. But what Christine likes most of all is being able to challenge herself.
Renan:
Before joining Logisseo in 2020, Renan was already working in logistics.
What are the most important qualities for this job? According to Renan, logic, memory and adaptability are the watchwords of a preparation consultant!
What he loves about his job is the variety of tasks and the fact that he's always in action!
Johanna:
Johanna has been working at Logisseo since 2018. When she arrived, she was an order picker. It was after about a year that she became a preparation referent.
Johanna enjoys managing her team: in her opinion, a lead order picker needs to be organized and rigorous to ensure that orders run smoothly and deadlines are met.
Now you know everything there is to know about the job of referent order picker! To find out more about the day-to-day life of a logistics company, follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram.