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.

For the full unit details, please download the latest version of the qualification specification. This is available for download on the relevant qualifications page.

Unit Learning Outcomes

To view the assessment criteria and any additional content, please expand the relevant learning outcome below.

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.