What tasks do the production employees perform in logistics, dispatch and order picking?

The work in logistics, dispatch and order picking covers a wide range of different tasks. However, these are all necessary to ensure that the processes run smoothly. In other words, this is the only way to ensure that the products that have been manufactured reach the customer without any problems.

But logistics goes even further. It also consists of receiving and storing goods. Order picking prepares the individual deliveries according to the customer's specifications. In addition, there are further steps that include dispatch, warehouse organisation, quality control and the preparation of documentation.

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What do the tasks in logistics, order picking and dispatch look like in detail?

Warehousing includes the receipt of deliveries, such as goods and semi-finished products. The goods are stored for later despatch. The semi-finished products are kept ready for production, which then uses them to manufacture the company's own products. Here too, they must be stored properly. In addition, they must be ready for use so that they can be utilised immediately if required.

• In order to ensure this, there is also the logistics Inventory control. This means that the production employees manage the goods, semi-finished products and raw materials. They ensure that these are always optimally available so that production can continue and dispatch to customers can take place after picking in the warehouse.
• In addition, there is the task of Organisation and care. The warehouse must be organised. It and the systems and equipment used must also be maintained. To do this, the whole thing must be organised in such a way that the material flow can take place efficiently.
• Dispatch then begins with the order picking. The work in one of the order picker jobs consists of picking the goods from the warehouse according to the customer's orders. They are then put together in such a way that a complete delivery is created and then prepared for dispatch.
• The startup Preparations for dispatch include ensuring that the picked goods are properly packed. This ensures that they survive transport safely and without damage. The production employees also prepare the shipping documents and coordinate the transport.
• The employees who work with the Quality control check the completeness of the goods and whether they meet the required quality. They also check the packaging and shipping documents.

How do you become a production employee in logistics, dispatch and order picking?

Work in warehousing, despatch and order picking generally does not require specific training. This makes it easier for new workers to enter the market and it also makes it easier for career changers to move into the warehouse worker, packer or another warehouse worker job.

So while the training itself is not always absolutely necessary, it can improve the prospects of finding a job. It also increases the chances of a good career. The training programmes themselves, which are helpful here, come from the field of warehouse logistics and related occupational fields.

Applicants should also have other skills. This includes a good level of fitness, as employees have to move a lot of weight. They should also have good organisational skills, IT knowledge and be reliable overall.

Training in the field of warehouse logistics or as a warehouse specialist quickly paves the way to a management position. This not only involves more responsibility, but also higher salary prospects.

Relevant work experience is also welcome. This should relate to work as a warehouse assistant or similar work, for example. It is also good if you have certain language skills. Good German, both spoken and written, is an absolute prerequisite. Thanks to globalisation, knowledge of English is also becoming increasingly important. A class B driving licence and for LGW is also good. Warehouse workers with a forklift licence are also welcome.

There are various options to choose from for further training. The simplest is the specialist for warehouse logistics. You can also aim for further training to become a logistics foreman.

How much do production employees in logistics, dispatch and order picking earn?

The earning potential in warehousing, order picking and dispatch depends on several factors. These include the region in which the company is located, the qualifications of the employee and their professional experience. However, a logistician salary of between €2,300 and €3,500 gross per month can usually be expected. Unskilled workers and newcomers receive lower pay, while skilled workers receive more.

Without specific training, the starting salary is between 2,300 and 2,500 euros gross per month. However, there are also cases where it is in the range of 1,600 to 2,100 euros.

For qualified specialists, on the other hand, who also have the relevant experience, for example as a forklift truck driver in logistics, you can expect more than 3,000 euros gross per month. Depending on the industry, however, salaries can also exceed 5,000 euros gross per month. This is particularly the case if you have additional qualifications. These can consist of further training, a forklift licence or collective agreements.

Certain bonuses further improve the earning potential. These are for public holidays, Sundays and shift work in general. Many companies also offer special payments and bonuses.

What are the special aspects of working in warehousing, dispatch and order picking?

Working in logistics, order picking and despatch involves particular challenges. This applies both mentally and physically. The physical strain results from lifting and carrying heavy loads. This must also be done quickly enough and with sufficient precision. Delivery deadlines must be met and attention must also be paid to the picking and despatch methods.

The handling of technical equipment is also necessary again. This includes industrial trucks, for example forklift trucks, and warehouse management systems. Employees must also observe the principles of warehouse logistics. These include, for example, tidiness, cleanliness and clarity.

There are also a number of relevant safety regulations. These relate to work in the warehouse as a whole or specific aspects, such as working with industrial trucks. This is particularly important when employees work with or stack many or heavy goods.

Another special feature to bear in mind is the pressure of deadlines. There may be times with little work, alternating with times of great hecticness. This is because customers often want to see their orders processed at short notice. Not only do the goods have to be put together, but they also have to be packed correctly and fulfil other requirements in this respect.

Conclusion

The work in logistics, order picking and dispatch is varied and comes with its own challenges. Heavy loads have to be moved, customer requests, safety regulations and delivery deadlines have to be observed and there is a lot of technical equipment to operate.

It is possible to work in this field without training, but a relevant qualification, for example as an industrial truck driver, makes it easier to find a position. It also offers your own career opportunities and better prospects of a higher salary.