Picking and Distributing Goods

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
L/617/5686
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Aim

The aim of this unit is to develop a learner’s understanding of the distribution of goods once they have been picked and assembled.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand picking and assembling orders.

  • Ways
    Piece picking (picking individual items); case picking (picking cases from a bulk location); Pallet picking (picking complete pallets of goods)
  • Importance
    Meet customer requirements; maintain correct stock levels; maintain effective productivity; avoid unnecessary costs; avoid repeat delivery.
  • Functions
    Type of goods; size and weight of goods; non-hazardous or hazardous; delivery date; location of goods in storage.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Describe ways in which orders can be picked and assembled.

  • 1.2

    Explain the importance of accuracy when picking and assembling orders.

  • 1.3

    Outline factors which can influence how orders are picked and assembled.

2

Know about warehouse management systems.

  • Benefits
    Support warehouse functions; optimise warehouse space; support staff in their roles; manage stock control.
  • Features
    Stock keeping units (SKUs); storage locations; dock doors; labour productivity.
  • Functions
    Planning; organising; resourcing; directing; controlling.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Outline the benefits of using a warehouse management system.

  • 2.2

    Outline the main features of a warehouse management system.

  • 2.3

    Outline the day-to-day functions of a warehouse management system.

3

Understand the distribution of goods.

  • Advantages
    Road – fast delivery; ideal for short distances; ideal for moving perishable goods; easy to track vehicle movements; flexibility; door to door service.
    Rail – carry very large volumes over long distances; minimal negative affect of weather; very few delays; dependable (fixed routes and schedules); safest form of transport.
    Air – fastest mode of delivery; highly secure; highly reliable departure and arrival times; best for transporting perishable goods over long distances.
    Sea – ideal for heavy and bulky items; ideal for goods with long lead times; proportionately less costly than other modes; eco-friendly; no traffic jams.
    Intermodal – cost reduction through combining modes; right combination for the product/customer; scalable; flexible; time efficient; optimises capacity.
  • Disadvantages
    Road – delays due to congestion; height/weight restrictions; vehicle breakdowns; speed restrictions; inclement weather.Rail – restricted/limited routes; lack of flexibility; not suitable for small loads; not suitable for short distances; no rural services.
    Air – very costly; unreliability due to weather conditions; small carrying capacity compared to rail; highly regulated; minimal distribution hubs/airports.
    Sea – slow lead times; affected by weather; piracy; monitoring exact location difficult; possible delays in loading/unloading.
    Intermodal – lower overall reliability; increase possibility of damage to goods; high infrastructure costs; captures all the disadvantages of road, rail, sea and air.
  • Documents
    Road – consignment note; forwarders certificate of receipt
    Rail – rail consignment notes; CIM consignment note; forwarders certificate of receipt
    Sea – sea waybill; bill of lading; export license; certificate of origin; customs declarations; forwarders certificate of receipt; commercial invoice.
    Air – air waybill; export license; certificate of origin; customs declarations; forwarders certificate of receipt; commercial invoice

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Explain the advantages and disadvantages of transporting goods by different modes of transport.

  • 3.2

    Prepare documents used for different modes of transport.

4

Understand the distribution of hazardous goods.

  • Hazardous
    Hazardous – anything which can cause harm or damage to humans, animals or the environment either on its own or when combined with one or more other substances.
  • Importance
    Reduce environmental damage; reduce damage to people and animals; prevent contamination; prevent theft; comply with regulations
  • Ensuring safe transportation
    Special to type containers; gas cylinders and containers; tankers; UN certified packaging; pressure receptacles; vacuum tanks.
  • Documents
    Dangerous good note; dangerous cargo manifest; dangerous goods declaration; container packing certificate; multimodal dangerous goods note.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Explain what is meant by the term ‘hazardous goods’.

  • 4.2

    Explain the importance of safely and securely transporting hazardous substances.

  • 4.3

    Describe how different methods of transportation ensure hazardous substances are safely transported.

  • 4.4

    Prepare documents used for transporting hazardous goods by different modes.