Fulfillment
RESOURCE · GUIDE
Put-To-Light vs Pick-To-Light
Put-to-Light and Pick-to-Light are both light-directed fulfillment technologies that improve picking speed and accuracy, but they're optimized for different order profiles.
What is Pick-to-Light?
Pick-to-Light guides an operator to the correct pick location using illuminated indicators, confirming each pick in real time.
Best suited for:
- Single-order picking
- High-SKU environments
- Reducing pick errors
How Does Put-to-Light Work?
Put-to-Light works in reverse — an operator picks a batch of mixed items, then light indicators guide them to sort and place each item into the correct order tote or slot.
Best suited for:
- Batch picking and order sortation
- High-volume multi-order fulfillment
- E-commerce and parcel operations
The short answer
Pick-to-Light suits precise single-order picking, while Put-to-Light suits high-volume batch fulfillment where many orders are consolidated at once — many facilities combine both across different zones.
Key differences at a glance
Factor
Pick-to-Light
Put-to-Light
Direction
Guides picking from storage
Guides sorting into orders
Best fit
Discrete, single-order picking
Batch-picked order consolidation
Typical use case
High-SKU, pick-heavy operations
High-volume, multi-order consolidation
Speed benefit
Reduces search time at pick location
Reduces sorting/consolidation time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both systems be used in the same facility?
Yes — many fulfillment centers use Pick-to-Light for slower-moving SKUs and Put-to-Light for high-velocity batch orders.
Do these systems require a WMS?
Yes — both integrate with a WMS or order management system to know which lights to trigger for each order.
Is Put-to-Light more expensive to install than Pick-to-Light?
Not usually — cost tracks the number of light positions, not the method. Pick-to-Light needs a display at every pick face you want covered, so a high-SKU zone can run into more positions. Put-to-Light needs one position per order slot on the put location. Cabling, controllers, and WMS integration effort are broadly comparable between the two.
Not sure which system fits your operation?
Our team can assess your space, inventory profile, and throughput needs to recommend the right mix of automation.
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