Services Wholesale and Retail

Stock Picking In Distribution Centres And Warehouses Training

SAQA US 117899 | NQF 2 | Credits 12 | Duration 9 Days
From $1,798 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the skills to efficiently pick stock in distribution centres and warehouses, ensuring accuracy and productivity. It covers picking methods, equipment use, safety protocols, and inventory control to meet operational targets.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply various stock picking methods to optimize efficiency and accuracy.
  • Demonstrate safe use of picking equipment and adherence to health and safety regulations.
  • Analyze picking orders and prioritize tasks to meet delivery deadlines.
  • Implement inventory control procedures to minimize errors and stock losses.
  • Evaluate picking performance and suggest improvements to enhance productivity.

Target Audience

Warehouse and distribution centre staff, team leaders, and supervisors responsible for stock picking operations.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Stock Picking Principles

Objectives:
• Understand the role of stock picking in distribution centres and warehouses
• Identify different types of stock and storage systems
• Explain the importance of accuracy and efficiency in stock picking
• Recognize safety and ergonomic considerations
• Describe the impact of stock picking on customer satisfaction

Topics:
• Overview of warehouse operations and stock picking
• Types of inventory: raw materials, WIP, finished goods
• Storage systems: pallet racking, shelving, bin locations
• Key performance indicators: accuracy, productivity, cycle time
• Safety fundamentals: manual handling, PPE, housekeeping
• Ergonomics in picking: reducing strain and injury

Day 2: Order Picking Methods and Equipment

Objectives:
• Compare different order picking methods (discrete, batch, zone, wave)
• Select appropriate equipment for various picking scenarios
• Understand the use of pick carts, pallet jacks, and forklifts
• Apply principles of pick path optimization
• Implement labeling and barcode scanning basics

Topics:
• Discrete vs. batch picking
• Zone picking and wave picking
• Pick carts, pallet jacks, and walkie riders
• Forklift types and safe operation
• Pick path planning: reducing travel time
• Barcode scanning and label placement

Day 3: Technology in Stock Picking

Objectives:
• Describe the role of WMS in directing picking activities
• Use RF scanners and voice-directed picking systems
• Understand pick-to-light and put-to-light systems
• Apply automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
• Evaluate the benefits of technology for accuracy and speed

Topics:
• Warehouse Management System (WMS) functions
• RF scanning: navigation and confirmation
• Voice-directed picking: headsets and commands
• Pick-to-light and put-to-light technologies
• Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
• Pros and cons of technology implementation

Day 4: Picking Strategies for Efficiency

Objectives:
• Implement ABC analysis to prioritize SKU placement
• Apply slotting optimization to reduce travel time
• Use wave planning and order batching effectively
• Understand cross-docking and its impact on picking
• Calculate pick rates and set performance benchmarks

Topics:
• ABC classification and fast-movers placement
• Slotting optimization: golden zone, cube utilization
• Wave planning: grouping orders by priority
• Order batching: consolidating similar items
• Cross-docking basics
• Measuring pick rates: units per hour, lines per hour

Day 5: Accuracy and Quality Control

Objectives:
• Implement pick verification methods (scanning, weighing)
• Conduct cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies
• Apply quality checks during and after picking
• Understand the impact of errors on customer satisfaction
• Develop error reduction strategies

Topics:
• Pick verification: barcode scanning, weight checks
• Cycle counting: daily, weekly, periodic
• Quality control checkpoints
• Error types: wrong item, quantity, damage
• Root cause analysis for picking errors
• Corrective actions and continuous improvement

Day 6: Safety, Ergonomics, and Compliance

Objectives:
• Identify common safety hazards in picking areas
• Apply proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices
• Comply with OHS Act and relevant regulations
• Use personal protective equipment correctly
• Respond to emergencies and incidents

Topics:
• Hazard identification: slips, trips, falls, collisions
• Manual handling: safe lifting, carrying, lowering
• Ergonomic tools: adjustable workstations, anti-fatigue mats
• OHS Act requirements for warehouses
• PPE: high-vis vests, safety boots, gloves
• Emergency procedures: fire, spill, injury

Day 7: Inventory Management and Replenishment

Objectives:
• Understand the relationship between picking and replenishment
• Apply replenishment triggers and methods
• Manage stock rotation (FIFO, FEFO)
• Handle returns and reverse logistics
• Use inventory reports to optimize stock levels

Topics:
• Replenishment triggers: min/max, Kanban
• Replenishment methods: case, pallet, broken case
• Stock rotation: FIFO vs. FEFO
• Returns processing: inspection, restock, disposal
• Inventory accuracy reports
• Stock level optimization: safety stock, reorder points

Day 8: Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

Objectives:
• Define key performance indicators for picking operations
• Analyze pick data to identify bottlenecks
• Apply Lean principles to reduce waste
• Implement 5S in the picking area
• Develop a continuous improvement plan

Topics:
• KPIs: pick accuracy, productivity, cycle time, cost per pick
• Data analysis: pick density, travel time, error rates
• Lean principles: value stream mapping, waste elimination
• 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain
• Kaizen events for picking improvements
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement

Day 9: Integration, Assessment, and Final Project

Objectives:
• Integrate all concepts into a cohesive picking operation
• Complete a simulated picking exercise with technology
• Assess understanding through practical and written tests
• Develop an action plan for workplace implementation
• Review unit standard requirements and portfolio evidence

Topics:
• Simulated picking exercise: order processing to dispatch
• Practical assessment: pick accuracy, safety, efficiency
• Written test on key concepts
• Portfolio of evidence: logbook, checklists, reports
• Action plan for workplace implementation
• Course review and Q&A

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
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Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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