THE UNIFORM CHRONICLES
NAUMD is pleased to present The Uniform Chronicles, a column written by Leslie Watt McArdle, industry veteran and senior manager of merchandise and product design.
As I continue my journey through the many different roles within a uniform company, I’ve found that the operations team at the warehouse are truly the foundation of the organization. The distribution center is bustling with over 20+ different jobs, each playing a crucial part in the overall operation.
At the helm is the warehouse manager, overseeing all tasks and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Some of the key roles include:
- Forklift Operator: Navigates the warehouse, moving heavy pallets and goods.
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks: Manage the logistics of incoming and outgoing shipments and manage inventory.
- Loaders and Unloaders: Manage the loading and unloading of goods when receipts are in, and products are ready to ship out.
- Order Picker: Selects products to be shipped out to clients.
- Packager: Packages products to ensure they’re ready for shipping.
- Material Handler: Supports the infrastructure and keeps everything running efficiently.
- Safety Supervisor: Ensures all safety standards are met, crucial in a physically demanding environment.
Each role is like a player in a soccer game, passing the ball (or in this case, the product) along to the next teammate until the ultimate goal is achieved – shipping the product to the client. There are constant movement of goods and people, with efficient pathways to navigate the space.
The layout is comparable to an athletic field, with large open spaces and clearly defined zones for receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping. Just as an athletic field has different play zones, each area in the warehouse has a specific function, all working together to achieve success.
The warehouse distribution team ensures that operations run smoothly, costs are managed effectively, and customers stay satisfied. Their role is crucial in keeping the overall health and success of the business. A strong distribution team guarantees success and wins the game.
