What does a warehouse specialist do?

A warehouse material handler is responsible for assisting warehouse operations, moving merchandise from one place to another, labeling products, performing quality check procedures, packaging goods, and loading and unloading items from distribution vehicles. Warehouse material handlers operate warehouse tools and equipment for production, as well as ensuring the adequacy of stock inventory needed for orders and deliveries. A warehouse material handler also updates product information on the database and do administrative tasks, such as writing reports and responding to customers' inquiries and concerns.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a warehouse specialist are more likely to require skills like "logistics," "safety rules," "data entry," and "rf." On the other hand, a job as a material handler/warehouse requires skills like "warehouse environment," "ladders," "production schedules," and "rf scanner." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

A general warehouse worker takes responsibility for doing various duties in warehousing. General warehouse workers receive and process incoming materials and stock, pick and file orders, and pack and ship these orders. The workers manage, organize, and retrieve stocks from the warehouse. They make sure that the orders are picked up and/or delivered on time. It is expected from them to have working experience in the job. They have to be proficient in terms of inventory software, systems, and databases. Among the other necessary skills for this career are time management, analytical, communication, and good organizational skills.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, warehouse specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "logistics," "shipping receiving," and "storage locations." Meanwhile, a general warehouse worker has duties that require skills in areas such as "inbound trucks," "order processing," "rf scanner," and "quality standards." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Inventory control specialist ensures company inventory is accurate in all levels to increase the company's profitability. The specialist should maintain stable stocks and should manage the procurement of inventories. He/She or she is responsible for managing the flow of inventory in and out together with the shipment, package, and the storage activities then record them accurately for audits and reporting to the management. Specialists are often employed by various industries. They usually work in warehouses or in local retail locations.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, warehouse specialists are more likely to have skills like "logistics," "pallets," "shipping receiving," and "inventory control." But a inventory control specialist is more likely to have skills like "inventory control procedures," "stock merchandise," "stock room," and "inventory adjustments."

A warehouse driver is responsible for transporting packages and other merchandise from the warehouse to different locations. Warehouse drivers strictly follow route sheets to avoid delays in the delivery. They check all the loaded items to ensure that the orders are correct, return defective items, and update the inventory sheet. A warehouse driver must operate the delivery vehicle, perform engine repairs, and follow safety practices and procedures. A warehouse driver also responds to the customers' inquiries and concerns and escalates complaints of incorrect merchandise and defective items to management.