4 answers
Terrion
Student
Manteca, California
3
Questions
Updated
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What are some software skills I should be familiar with while working in a warehouse?
Would I be using any other technical tools while working in a warehouse besides using a forklift, if there's any what are they called and how do they work?
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4 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
454
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
I have never worked in a warehouse, so take my advice as you will.
Not all warehouses use forklifts. I have a friend who worked in a book warehouse. Everything was done by hand.
Some warehouses today (like some at Amazon) have robots that to the heavy work, and workers do the fine-motor skill work like packing the boxes for shipping.
And almost every job requires some degree of computer skills. Timesheets, schedules, vacation requests, emails, computer based trainings...all done on a computer.
Many companies also have you do self-review before your annual assessment. This requires you to have some degree of word-processing and typing skills.
Not all warehouses use forklifts. I have a friend who worked in a book warehouse. Everything was done by hand.
Some warehouses today (like some at Amazon) have robots that to the heavy work, and workers do the fine-motor skill work like packing the boxes for shipping.
And almost every job requires some degree of computer skills. Timesheets, schedules, vacation requests, emails, computer based trainings...all done on a computer.
Many companies also have you do self-review before your annual assessment. This requires you to have some degree of word-processing and typing skills.
Kevin Drevik
Director of Industrial Engineering at NFI Industries
9
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Basic computer software, like MS Excel and MS Word. Also, most warehouses have a software system called a "Warehouse Management System" which helps them track receipts and orders. There are many different versions of this, so you can't really learn it in advance.
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Sure thing! While I didn't attend college, my experience in facility maintenance has taught me a thing or two. When it comes to software skills in a warehouse, knowing your way around inventory management systems can be handy. It's also good to be comfortable with basic spreadsheet programs for tracking and organizing. As for technical tools, besides forklifts, you might come across pallet jacks, which are manually operated tools to move pallets. There are also barcode scanners to help with tracking items. Learning these tools can definitely help keep things running smoothly.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
81
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hi, Terrion:
Think about "Problem-solving" skills rather than software as such. Once you learn your job, and you observe what you and your co-workers are doing, you may begin to see opportunities to save time or simplfy some operations. But, if you see a short-cut, be sure that is as safer (or safer) than whatever process you think might replace it. Doubtless, your warehouse uses some software to keep track of inventory or shiping and receiving documents, etc. Learn how it works. Talk to your co-workers. They may see problems in a different light. You might find opportunities there as well.
Think about "Problem-solving" skills rather than software as such. Once you learn your job, and you observe what you and your co-workers are doing, you may begin to see opportunities to save time or simplfy some operations. But, if you see a short-cut, be sure that is as safer (or safer) than whatever process you think might replace it. Doubtless, your warehouse uses some software to keep track of inventory or shiping and receiving documents, etc. Learn how it works. Talk to your co-workers. They may see problems in a different light. You might find opportunities there as well.