What is a picker?

A picker, also known as a part-picker or a selector, is a job title for an employee who is responsible for selecting and packing orders in a warehouse. It is one of the most common jobs in distribution and manufacturing centers. Pickers have the important task of making sure that the right items are pulled from warehouses and properly labeled and packaged in time to be shipped to customers according to their orders.

The picker's job description typically involves: Identifying individual items in an inventory list; Locating, picking and packing those items; Labeling orders with customer information; Packing orders so they are secure for shipping. Pickers typically use handheld scanners, computers (including inventory software programs) or voice commands to locate the specific items listed on an order. The process may involve searching through large groups of products to locate specific ones, thus requiring great attention to detail on the part of the picker.

Safety is especially important for pickers who work with hazardous materials such as chemicals or industrial parts; workers should be trained on how to properly handle dangerous items. Other important skills necessary for pickers include being able to lift heavy objects, bend down and reach up high shelves, read labels accurately, multitask efficiently and think quickly on the job. Depending on their tasks and environment, some pickers may also need forklift or other warehouse equipment certifications to operate material handling equipment.