What is your role at KION North America and how long have you been in the industry?
My position with KION North America is Inventory Control Specialist. I am part of the logistics team and my role is to help close production orders, handle material transfers, review and clear transaction reports, investigate, and resolve inventory issues. I have worked for several manufacturing companies since the early 1990’s in production and logistics.
What made you want to go into this line of work?
I like logistics and warehousing as it is constantly changing in the moving of material, high energy, and different day to day. This type of environment keeps me motivated and keeps my days interesting.
What does your typical day look like at KION North America?
My day usually starts reviewing the reports I’ve been assigned to and addressing errors found. I work with the logistic team members to resolve inventory issues they may run into throughout the day. I help the planning team expedite production orders as well as help resolve inventory issues that may arise and prevent completion of the trucks. I work with engineering to complete part changes on the production floor when engineering changes are made. I perform weekly cycle counts and address issues found. I monitor and keep record of discrepancies found and update our KPI charts. Inventory is constantly moving physically and systematically, which can create room for error, so my day is filled with different things to investigate and resolve. I work with all departments that need my assistance as issues arise.
If someone were interested in entering the material handling industry, what advice would you give them?
The most important facet of working with material in warehouses is the part number. Always, always look at the whole part number, not just the last or first few numbers. There could be one number difference that you miss in the middle that just caused you to make an error. Also, warehouse 101 – always label part numbers clearly on items put away in a warehouse for the team member that has to come behind you to find their parts.
What do you like best about working at KION North America?
What I like the best about KION North America has been the facility itself. This is the cleanest and most organized manufacturing plant and warehouse I have ever worked in, and I have worked in a few. I also appreciate the opportunity to advance to the position I am in now as it is challenging and keeps me happy. I really enjoy my job.
